The 10 Best Pool Chlorine Tablets of 2022

Chlorine is necessary for clear, clean, and beautiful pool water. But it can be overwhelming to decide on pool products when you go looking for one and see all of those big claims and brags from all of the manufacturers. How do you choose?

Our team of pool pros has decades of experience in keeping pools crystal clear and free of algae. So when we saw the confusion surrounding the various types of pool chlorination products, we decided that it was time to clear it all up. We’ll start with tablets.

We’re going to make your choice as clear as your pool’s water is going to be. Let’s take the dive.

10 Best Pool Chlorine Tablets:

Most of the differences between the top tablets are small. But knowing about them will help you choose the perfect tablet for your pool. Check ‘em out.

1. In The Swim 3” Chlorine Tablets

Review

These are the best 3” chlorine tablets for larger pools due to the higher amount of stabilizer in them. The chlorine levels won’t drop quite as quickly as with other brands. Be warned that the wrappers that surround each tablet can break down and fall apart after a while. This can cause the tablets to absorb moisture from the air if the bucket isn’t stored properly.

What Customers Are Saying

People rate this as the most stable chlorine tablet they’ve tried. Those who’ve used cheaper brands in the past are happy they made the switch.

2. Clorox Pool & Spa Active99 Chlorinating Tablets

Review

Are you looking for the best chlorine tablets swimming pools need but are still confused about which brand you should get? If you still can’t make up your mind after reading this post, you may want to go with Clorox. They have decades of experience with chlorine. And you can save some cash if you need shock as well. Chlorine and shock combo deals are available.

What Customers Are Saying

Everyone feels secure trusting such a big name in chlorine-related products. Many are happy with the money they saved by purchasing the tablet and shock combo offers.

3. Swim Best Swimming Pool Chlorine

Review

Is your pool in the sun constantly? Do you have serious trouble with algae? If so, these swimming pool chlorine tablets may be your best bet. You have to use twice as much, but they’re so highly stabilized that they will keep even the most algae-infested pools clean and clear. But you’ll pay extra for this kind of power. Therefore, these aren’t the best if your pool only has the occasional algae problem.

What Customers Are Saying

Those who’ve found this brand after struggling with the algae caused by extreme sunlight are relieved and boast about it. They are happy that they found a tablet that seams customized for their hot pools. These tablets are the best-reviewed by people whose pools receive no shade.

4. Pool Mate 3” Chlorine Tablets

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If you need cheap chlorine tablets, this may be the way to go. They actually don’t cost much less than similar brands, but you can buy as few as eight tablets at a time. And they work great, just as well as other high-quality tablets. The advantage is that you don’t have to stock up if you’re short on cash. The four-pound container should last between eight and three weeks for a 10,000-gallon pool in normal conditions.

What Customers Are Saying

A lot of people like that they can get smaller containers. Sometimes people run short of money and can’t afford to spend over $100 dollars on chlorine tablets to keep their pool in top shape. But with these smaller containers, they don’t have to let their pools go green.

5. HTH Super 3” Chlorinating Tablets

Review

These are good chlorine tablets at a good price. But they are not individually wrapped. This makes them easier to use because you don’t have to tear a wrapper open. But they have only their bucket for protection from moisture. They have to be stored indoors in a dry place. We like them because you can get them in much smaller packages than the typical 25 or 35-pound buckets.

What Customers Are Saying

Many people were surprised that these tablets aren’t individually wrapped, thinking that all are sealed at the factory. Those who understood the need to keep the bucket in a dry place weren’t disappointed, but ones who didn’t know to do this reported having to use twice as many tablets once they absorbed moisture. These are actually top-rated by pool owners who know how to store their chemicals.

6. Rx Clear Granular Chlorine

Review

We decided to review this product in case you’ve ever considered switching to granules. It dissolves almost instantly. When you pour it into your pool, it dissolved before they fall to a depth of four feet. But it won’t bleach pool liners even if it does sit on the vinyl.

The chemistry makes it easier on the skin and eyes. This is good for people who don’t tolerate chlorine well. The drawback is that you have to add it each and every day. You’ll also want to make sure kids can’t get to it.

What Customers Are Saying

Pool owners love how quickly this stuff works. They also talk about how easy it is to use. It’s a hit with people who don’t mind adding it every day.

7. NAVA Pool Care 3” Chlorinating Tablets

Review

Do you need a good deal on 3” chlorine tablets 50 pounds in size? If your pool typically stays warm or is in direct sunlight all the time, check these out. They dissolve a bit quicker than most others, so you get that higher concentration of chlorine that you need in more difficult situations.

What Customers Are Saying

Most who are looking to stock up on chlorine tablets go with Nava. They like saving money on their pool maintenance chemicals. The performance here is great, and people really respond to that.

8. Nava Pool Care 3″ Chlorinating Tablets

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We think this is the best chlorine for pools that need frequent re-chlorination. The tablet fully dissolves within about five days, according to customer reviews and our own testing. That’s good for pools with algae problems because you’ll end up with consistently higher chlorine concentration.

Be aware that the bucket isn’t waterproof. You’ll have to be extra careful that it doesn’t get wet and store it indoors.

What Customers Are Saying

Folks are happy with the sanitation, clarity, and algae protection they get from these tablets, but they have two complaints. These tablets dissolve quicker than most others, and the bucket isn’t watertight.

9. Star Plus 3” Chlorinating Tablets

Review

You can save money by going with a lesser-known brand if you buy these pool chlorine tablets. They’re affordable and effective. But you have to buy in bulk. There are no 25 or 35-pound buckets available at this time. It’s hard to find a better deal than this one.

What Customers Are Saying

People like the money they save, but most wish that the buckets came in smaller sizes. One thing we noticed is that many Star Plus customers have stuck with this brand for years. They make dependable and effective tablets, and people stick with what works.

10. POOLBRAND 3” Chlorinating Tablets

Review

These 3” chlorine tablets are better for pools that get hot or get no breaks from the sun, just like the Swim Best tablets. They dissolve in only five days or so in these conditions, rather than the customary seven days. But this quick dissolution is often necessary to prevent algae blooms in hot water.

Although great for algae-prone pools, customers report getting broken tablets and ripped wrappers. This can affect the effectiveness of the product, as the moisture absorbed from the air will degrade the chlorine in them. These tablets may be best for you if your pool gets a ton of sun.

What Customers Are Saying

Those whose pools are exposed to the constant direct sun throughout the day complain that the tablets dissolve too quickly. They get five days out of each one. But everyone is satisfied with the clarity and cleanliness of their water when they use the tablets according to the directions.

What You Need To Know About Pool Chlorine Tablets

It can be a bit confusing when you go to make a choice. There are a lot of misconceptions and bad information out there. Let’s clear it all up.

Factors To Consider When Shopping For The Best Pool Chlorine Tablets

Liquid Chlorine Vs Tablets

Liquid chlorine is most often used to shock pool water. That is to say that it is for clearing up water that has been neglected. It can be dangerous if it gets on your skin or in your eyes. Tablets, such as In The Swim chlorine products, are safer to use.

The liquid usually has to be added every day. Tablets dissolve slowly and can last for five days to a full week. In general, tablets are easier to use and safer to handle, but liquid chlorine acts more quickly. Use the liquid for water that gets out of control.

Granulated Chlorine Vs Tablets

Chlorine granules usually must be added every day, as opposed to near-weekly additions of tablets. Other than that, there is only a couple of other difference worth noting.

Since granulated chlorine is based on sodium rather than calcium, it is easier on the skin and eyes.

It’s easier on pool liners as well. If a tablet comes out of its feeder and falls to the floor of the pool, it can bleach wherever it touches. This rarely happens with granules.

As granules dissolve almost instantly, they clear water up to more quickly. This is good for stretches of extreme summer heat when algae can bloom.

Size Of Tablet

This is a simple consideration. Buy the size tablet that will fit your feeder. Don’t break larger tablets in half to try to fit them in smaller feeders. The quicker rate at which the broken tablets dissolve will make your chemical balances go crazy.

Stabilized Vs Non-Stabilized

Stabilized chlorine tablets have a small quantity of cyanuric acid, or CYA added to keep the chlorine from degrading too fast in the UV light from the sun. You should get stabilized tablets for outdoor pools. Unstabilized tablets are better for indoor pools and spas.

FAQs About The Best Pool Chlorine Tablets

Are Chlorine And Bromine Tablets The Same?

They work in a similar way, but there is one key difference that you should know about. Bromine is more stable in hot water, so it is used most often in hot tubs and spas. Chlorine is more stable in cooler water, so it’s best for outdoor pools.

What Is In Pool Chlorine Tablets?

Pool tablets contain trichlor, which is a compound made of chlorine and cyanuric acid. That makes up between 98 and 99 percent of the weight of the tablet. The other one percent is a binding agent that holds the tablet together.

How Much Chlorine To Add To My Pool?

Always check the manufacturer’s directions. But in general, you add one to three 3” tablets per 10,000 gallons of water. You need to maintain a chlorine concentration of one to three parts per million, or PPM, as indicated by your test kit. Tablets last for between five and seven days, usually.

How To Use Chlorine Tablets?

Chlorine tablets are placed in your pool’s skimmer, floater, or filter. Never just drop a chlorine tablet in your pool. That can damage your liner or burn someone’s skin if they come into contact with it.

Conclusion

You’ve seen what are the best chlorine tablets, but have you decided which is best for your pool? Let’s do a quick recap. The Swim Tablets are the best all-around, as they offer the best performance in average pool conditions at a fair price.

For the best deal on bulk quantities, you can save a bunch if you go with the Nava brand. If you struggle with algae, Swim Best tablets dissolve more quickly than most others to give you the extra free chlorine you need to keep your water clear and healthy.

If money is tight and you can’t buy a bunch of tablets at once, consider Pool Mate’s smaller-sized buckets for the time being. Don’t let yourself run out of chlorine tablets. It’s much easier to keep your water in good condition than it is to fix green or cloudy pools.