4 Popular Chlorine Types Compared: Find the Best Fit for Your Pool
Keeping your pool clean, healthy, and enjoyable involves choosing the right sanitiser, and chlorine remains one of the most effective and reliable options available. However, not all chlorine is the same. Each type offers its own strengths, ideal applications, and considerations when it comes to water balance and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions and maintain consistently clear, well-sanitised water with less effort.
Trichlor (Trichloroisocyanuric Acid)
Products: Pool Pro 5-in-1 Tablets/Granular & Granular Pool Pro Stabilised Tablets
Trichlor is one of the most powerful and concentrated forms of chlorine used in residential pools. It dissolves very slowly, making it highly effective for maintaining consistent chlorine levels over an extended period. Trichlor is also known for its algae control and high active chlorine levels, making it highly effective for routine maintenance.
- Pool Pro 5-in-1 Granular Chlorine (75% available chlorine) offers exceptional strength. With added algaecide and stabiliser, it provides a comprehensive sanitising solution, though it is not recommended for vinyl-lined pools due to its high concentration and acidic nature.
- Recommeded to be added via the skimmer box as it is slow dissolving.
- Pool Pro Stabilised Tablets (90% available chlorine) are a practical choice for maintaining chlorine levels with minimal intervention, especially during periods when you’re away. Designed for use in a floating dispenser, these chlorine tablets release chlorine gradually and deliver sustained sanitising performance.
It is worth noting that Trichlor is typically more expensive than other forms of chlorine due to its chlorine-to-stabiliser ratio and its acidity can influence pH levels or potentially stain liners if overused. However, for many pool owners, its reliability and slow release performance make it a valuable option. One downside is stabiliser levels will increase overtime so long term use is discouraged without correct monitoring of your stabiliser level.
Dichlor (Dichloroisocyanurate)
Product: Pool Pro Stabilised Chlorine Tablets/Granular & Pool Pro Clean & Clear Shock Treatment
Dichlor sits nicely in the middle ground between strength, convenience, and cost. It offers effective sanitising power without the larger pH swings you might see with other options. It has a neutral pH, dissolves rapidly, and has a long shelf life, which makes it great for storage and ease of use.
- With 60% available chlorine, Pool Pro Stabilised Chlorine is 100% soluble, dissolves quickly, and includes stabiliser, making it a popular choice for everyday sanitising.
- Pool Pro Clean & Clear Shock Treatment has 56% available chlorine and comes in a convenient 500g sachet perfect for shock dosing up to a 50,000 litre pool. The product needs to be dissolved before adding it to the pool for ease of use.
It’s not quite as strong as Trichlor but it dissolves rapidly and its reliability make it appealing for many pool owners. Like Trichlor, stabiliser levels will increase overtime so long term use is discouraged without correct monitoring of your stabiliser level
Cal-Hypo (Calcium Hypochlorite)
Products: Pool Pro Granular Chlorine & Pool Pro Chlorine Tablets
Cheaper than the two stabilised chlorines, Cal-Hypo is one of the most widely used forms of chlorine. It’s strong, easy to dissolve, has an excellent shelf life and is a good option for regular dosing or powerful shock treatments.
- The Pool Pro Granular Chlorine (70% available chlorine) provides effective sanitation and leaves minimal residue. It must be dissolved in water first before adding it to the pool for optimal distribution and effectiveness.
- The Pool Pro Chlorine Tablets (65% available chlorine) offer an easy and effective way to sanitise your pool as it’s fast-dissolving.
NOTE: THESE TABLETS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR INLINE TABLET FEEDERS
Because Cal-Hypo is calcium-based regular monitoring of your calcium levels is important as long term use will result in increased calcium levels and can contribute to scale buildup.
That being said, many pool owners love it for its strength, rapid solubility and reliability, especially when a good sanitising shock is needed.
Liquid Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Product: Pool Pro Liquid Chlorine
Liquid chlorine is relatively cheap, simple, effective, and widely available. With 10–13% available chlorine (the rest being salt water), it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to sanitise your pool.
It’s also incredibly easy to use, just pour it in front of the pool jets and let the circulation do the rest. It reacts quickly and is great for regular maintenance dosing.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Liquid chlorine raises pH quickly, so you’ll often need to balance the water with acid.
- It’s corrosive to metal fixtures, so store and handle carefully.
- It has a shorter shelf life than dry chlorine options, especially in hot weather.
- Like all forms of chlorine it is dangerous to use, but in liquid form, it is easy to splash on your clothes or skin. For this reason it is best to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Despite these factors, liquid chlorine offers one of the most straightforward ways to keep your water healthy.
Choosing the right chlorine depends on your pool type, your maintenance style, and what works best for your routine. Trichlor tablets are great for convenience and periods where you’re away from your pool, Dichlor offers a balanced middle ground, Cal-Hypo is quote cheap and easy to dissolve while liquid chlorine remains the go-to for everyday simplicity and value.
If you’re unsure which option suits your pool best, our friendly team at My Pool Shop Melbourne is always here to help. Bring in a water sample and have a chat with us in store, and we’ll point you in the right direction “because everyone deserves to have a safe and healthy pool.”
