If you’re struggling with mild, cloudy pool water and you’re looking for an easy fix, pool clarifier is a great option. It’s a simple method for clearing up cloudiness in your swimming pool. But it won’t work for every cloudy pool problem. So when should you use pool clarifier? And when should you use pool flocculant instead?

Here’s a quick guide on the difference between pool clarifier and pool flocculant and how to use clarifier for crystal clear pool water. You can watch the quick video below. Or keep reading for the complete pool water clarifier tutorial.

What is Pool Clarifier?

Pool clarifier clears cloudy water by clumping together the small particles and contaminants. When you add a clarifier to cloudy water, those smaller particles coagulate into bigger particles that can be captured by your filter.

Most pool clarifiers don’t destroy the particles in your cloudy water. Instead, they bond the tiny particles together into larger clumps. Without a water clarifier, those small particles would simply pass through your pool pump and filter and head right back into your pool water.

Here’s the pool clarifier that we recommend:

What are the Benefits of Pool Clarifier?

If your pool is only mildly cloudy and you’re not in a rush to clear up your water, pool clarifier is an easy choice for several reasons:

• Pool Clarifier is less work. There’s no need to vacuum out or remove the clarifier once you use it. All you have to do is add the pool clarifier to the water and wait for it to do its job.
• Pool Clarifier is good for mild cloudiness. If your swimming pool water is just a little cloudy, but you can still see your pool floor, a pool clarifier is the right choice. And it’s a nice option to use after a pool party.
• Pool Clarifier saves water. Because it uses the natural function of your pool filter, you won’t have to remove any water from the pool when using a clarifier.
• Pool Clarifier can be used anytime. Even when your pool’s not noticeably cloudy, you can add a little clarifier to give the water a little boost and help it look extra sparkly.

What are the Downsides of Pool Clarifier?

Before using a swimming pool clarifier, there are a few instances when it’s not the best option to clear up a cloudy pool:

• Pool Clarifier works slowly. It may be two or three days before your pool is completely clear, depending on the severity of the cloudiness.
• You’ll need to clean the filter using a Pool Clarifier. Once the clarifier has worked, all those clumped particles will be in the filter. You’ll have to backwash your sand filter, clean and backwash your diatomaceous earth or D.E. filter, or clean your cartridge filter medium.
• Pool Clarifier is less powerful. Compared to pool flocculant, clarifier isn’t as effective at clearing up cloudy pools. It’s better suited for mildly cloudy water.

If you want to never deal with cloudy water again, check out our pool maintenance video course! It’s a step-by-step guide to help you prevent cloudy water problems in the future.

How Long Does it Take for Pool Clarifier to Work?

Depending on your pool’s level of cloudiness, it can take 2-3 days to clear up your water using pool water clarifier. You’ll need to balance your water and run your filter 24/7 while the clarifier is at work. And if you have an algae problem, you’ll have to address that first before adding pool clarifier. Be sure to check out our guide on The Smart Way To Kill Algae In Your Pool Quickly.

How To Use Pool Clarifier

Pool clarifier is easy to use, but it’s important to follow the correct steps in the right order to help the clarifier work effectively. Remember: if you also have algae in your pool, address that problem first before using water clarifier. No amount of pool clarifier is going to get rid of algae.

1. Skim, Brush, and Vacuum Your Pool

You’ll want to make sure the clarifier can work effectively in your water, so start by removing any large debris with a skimmer net. Then brush your walls with a stiff pool brush and vacuum your pool manually.

2. Test and Balance Your Pool Water

Test your water with test strips or a liquid test kit. Then, adjust your pH and alkalinity as needed. Your pH levels should be between 7.4 and 7.6 and your alkalinity levels should be between 100 and 150 ppm.

3. Shock Your Pool Water

If you have any algae or high levels of combined chlorine (also known as chloramines), you’ll need to shock your water first. Adding a high dose of chlorine, also known as shocking your pool, will help kill any contaminants in your water. If your cloudy water was caused by pool algae bloom, you’ll have to double or triple shock your pool depending on the type of algae.

Run your filter and let the shock dissolve overnight or for at least 8 hours. Then retest your water.

4. Keep Your Filter Running 24/7

Over the next several days, continuously run your filter to help clear up the cloudy water. You can return to your regular filter schedule once your water is cleared up.

Because you’ll be using the power of your filter to clear up the water, your pool will clear faster depending on the type of filter you own. D.E. Filters have the strongest filter capacity and will clear up cloudy water very quickly. Cartridge filters will take a bit longer and sand filters will take the longest.

5. Increase Your Pool Circulation

In order to get all of your pool water through your skimmer and into your filter system, be sure your pool has good water circulation.

You can help churn the cloudy water up from the bottom of the pool to the top by pointing your return jets down at a 45° angle and all in the same direction.

For inground pool owners, make sure your main drain is pulling water from the bottom of the pool into your filter system. If you don’t have a main drain, you can use a manual vacuum cleaner and turn it upside down at the bottom of the pool to act as a main drain.

6. Add Pool Clarifier

After your pool shock has dissipated, it’s time to add pool clarifier. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and add the correct amount for your size pool. Use a pool calculator if you need help figuring out your pool’s volume. Remember, keep the filter running 24/7 while the water clarifier is working.

Here’s our recommendation for a pool clarifier:

7. Clean Your Filters and Retest Your Water

After 2 or 3 days your water should be clearer. Clean or backwash your filters and retest your water chemistry. Some pool clarifiers may increase your pH levels, so use a pH decreaser as needed.

Should You Use Pool Clarifier or Pool Flocculant?

If your pool is only a little cloudy or you have a cartridge filter, use a pool clarifier. You can use this in any situation with any filter setup. It’s just not as powerful as flocculant and it takes longer to work. If you’ve got extremely cloudy pool water or you want to clear your water fast, use pool flocculant. The flocculant works more effectively at clumping together particles. But you’ll need to manually vacuum out your water while bypassing your filter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Clarifier

Looking for more help using pool clarifier? Here are some common questions and answers.

When should I add Pool Clarifier to my water?

If you have cloudy water but your water chemistry (pH, alkalinity and chlorine) is balanced and your filters are clean, you can add pool clarifier. Pool clarifiers are helpful to use when you’re opening your pool or with mild cloudy water. However, be sure to kill any algae before using pool clarifier (this can usually be done by shocking your pool before using a clarifier).

Most pools can be treated with clarifier up to once a week. Just be sure to keep your pool water chemistry balanced and your pool filter running 24/7 as you’re using the clarifier. However, if you’re constantly experiencing cloudy pool water, you may have other underlying issues like poor filtration or bad water chemistry.

Can I put too much Pool Clarifier in my pool water?

Like many pool chemicals, using too much water clarifier can create more pool problems, including murky water and bacteria growth. However, it is okay to use a clarifier once a week. Be cautious when using pool clarifier if you use a metal sequestrant in your pool water. These two products work counter to one another and can create even more problems in your water.

Be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and add the appropriate amount of clarifier based on your pool’s volume. And be sure to keep your water chemistry balanced, including your pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. If you need more help with pool chemistry, check out our Basic Pool Chemistry 101 guide.

Can you use Pool Clarifier and Algaecide together?

Before using any water clarifier, you must treat any algae in your pool. No amount of water clarifier will eliminate algae in your water so you need to shock your pool first. If you have the early stages of algae growth, pool flocculant can help bind floating algae particles, making it easier to vacuum. Regardless, you should never add two chemicals to your pool water at once.

Can you use Pool Clarifier in a Saltwater Pool?

Yes, a water clarifier works in any type of pool. Be sure your other levels, like your pool chlorine, alkalinity, and ph levels, are within range.

Can you swim in cloudy pool water?

We do not recommend swimming in cloudy pool water. Cloudy pool water is full of debris and contaminants that cause eye irritation. And because visibility is limited, there’s an increased risk of drowning. Avoid swimming in your pool until your water is clear.

What causes cloudy pool water?

Cloudy pool water is caused by poor filtration, low chlorine levels, poor water chemistry, or contaminants in the water, like debris or algae. Pool clarifier can help clear up cloudy water, but it will not solve underlying issues. So be sure your filter system is functioning properly, your pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and chlorine levels are balanced, and your water is free of algae or debris.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a step-by-step downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post Pool Clarifier: How Does It Work and Is It Better Than Pool Flocculant? appeared first on Swim University®.

If you’ve got cloudy pool water and you want to clear it up fast, pool flocculant can help. It’s fast and effective at clearing up cloudy water. But it won’t work in every cloudy pool situation. So when should you use pool flocculant? And when should you use a pool clarifier instead?

Here’s a quick guide on the difference between pool flocculant and pool clarifier and how to use flocculant to clear cloudy water. You can watch the quick video below. Or keep reading for the complete pool flocculant tutorial.

What is Pool Flocculant?

Pool flocculant, also known as pool floc, clumps together the tiny particles in your pool that cause cloudy water. Once those particles have coagulated, the larger clumps sink to the bottom of your swimming pool where they’re vacuumed out.

Here’s the pool flocculant that we recommend:

What Are the Benefits of Pool Flocculant?

In many cloudy water situations, pool flocculant is an effective option for clearing up your pool:

• Pool flocculant works quickly. Unlike clarifier, you won’t have to wait days for flocculant to do its job. The particles quickly coagulate together and sink to your pool floor in a matter of hours.
• Pool flocculant is very effective. Flocculant keeps particles clumped together until you remove them with a vacuum. No stragglers are left behind causing cloudy spots in your swimming pool water.
• Pool flocculant works well with sand filters and diatomaceous earth or DE filters. Those filters have multiport valves that include a “Waste” setting. And that means it’s easy to bypass the filter when vacuuming out the clumped particles and flocculant.

What Are the Downsides of Pool Flocculant?

Before you opt for a pool flocculant over a pool clarifier, there are a few reasons why it might not be ideal:

• Pool flocculant requires more work. Once the clumps form on the bottom of the pool, you’ll need to remove them with a manual pool vacuum. An automatic pool vacuum will not work.
• You’ll lose pool water using pool flocculant. When you vacuum the clumps out, you’ll need to vacuum on the “waste” setting and bypass the filter. All of that water will leave your pool and your water level will drop.
• You can’t use pool flocculant with a cartridge filter. Unless you have a custom plumbing setup that allows you to bypass the filter when you vacuum, you won’t be able to use pool flocculant with a cartridge filter system.

By the way, If you want to learn how to never want to deal with cloudy water again, check out our pool maintenance video course! It’s a step-by-step guide to show you how to prevent pool problems before they get out of hand.

How Long Does it Take for Pool Flocculant to Work?

Pool flocculant can clear up your cloudy pool water in 1 or 2 days. Though it works faster than pool clarifiers, it will need 8 to 16 hours to clump together the particles before you can vacuum. Add flocculant to your pool with your filter on “recirculate.” Then let the flocculant sit overnight with your pool pump off. Once it has settled to the bottom of your pool, use a manual vacuum to remove all of the coagulated particles.

How To Use Pool Flocculant

Before you use pool flocculant, make sure your pool filter has a “waste” setting. Remember, the coagulated particles cannot be removed by your filter, so you must be able to bypass your filter and vacuum the water out of your pool.

1. Set Filter to Recirculate

Turn your sand filter or DE filter multiport valve to “recirculate.” Do not allow pool flocculant to get into your filter. It’ll block everything up, rendering your filter useless until you replace the filter medium altogether.

2. Balance pH

Your pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6 before adding pool floc. Test your water levels. Then, adjust your pH with a pH increaser or pH decreaser.

3. Add Pool Flocculant (Floc) to Pool Water

Add the correct amount of flocculant based on your size pool. If you need help figuring out your pool’s volume, you can use a pool calculator to help you. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before adding any chemical to your water.

Here’s our recommendation for a pool flocculant:

4. Circulate the Pool Flocculant

Run the pool pump for two hours to circulate the floc throughout the water. Remember to keep your filter set to “recirculate,” not “filter.”

5. Let Pool Flocculant Sit for 8 Hours

Turn off your pump and allow the pool to sit for at least eight hours. This is easiest to do overnight. If you have an automatic timer set on your system, remember to turn it off.

6. Vacuum Particle Clumps Out of Pool

Set your pool filter to ”Waste” and connect your manual vacuum. If you don’t have a multiport valve, open your filter’s drain port and let the water drain out as you vacuum. And if you need help vacuuming your pool, be sure to check out our guide on How To Use A Manual Pool Vacuum. As you vacuum the particle clumps from the bottom of your pool, the movement may stir up the particles and cloud your pool again. If this happens, take a break, allow the particles to settle, then begin vacuuming again. Try to move slowly. And you may need to vacuum two or three times to remove all the clumps.

7. Check Pool’s Water Level

If your water level has gone down (it likely will), use a garden hose with a filter to add fresh, clear water and bring the level back up where it needs to be. You can also keep the hose in the pool while you’re vacuuming, though this may also stir up the particles.

8. Test and Balance Water

Because you’ve removed and replaced water in your pool, you’ll need to rebalance your water chemistry. Test your pool water and adjust your Alkalinity and pH. Once those levels are balanced, add chlorine. Be sure to run your filter system normally when rebalancing your water.

Should You Use Pool Flocculant or Pool Clarifier?

If you want to quickly clear up your cloudy water (like for a pool party) or if you’ve got a really cloudy pool, use pool flocculant. Even though the vacuuming takes more work, floc works more effectively at clumping together particles. Just make sure you have the ability to bypass your filter when vacuuming water out of your pool.

If your pool is just a little cloudy, opt for the pool clarifier. You can use this in any situation with any filter setup. It’s just not as powerful as floc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Flocculant

Looking for more help using pool floc? Here are some common questions and answers.

Can you swim in cloudy pool water?

No, you shouldn’t swim in cloudy pool water. A cloudy pool is full of contaminants that can cause eye irritation. There’s also an increased risk of drowning since visibility is limited. Avoid swimming in your pool until the water is cleared up.

When should I add Pool Flocculant to my pool water?

If you have cloudy water but your water chemistry is balanced (pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels) and your filters are clean, add pool flocculant. It’s also helpful to add floc after a rainstorm when debris and dirty water enter your pool or if you have early-stage algae growth. Because pool flocculant needs 8 to 16 hours to work in your water, it’s most helpful to add it at dusk and let it sit overnight.

Can you use Pool Flocculant and Algaecide together?

Like any chemical, you should never add algaecide and pool flocculant at the same time to your pool water. But pool flocculant is useful at fighting the early stages of algae growth. It helps bind floating algae particles, making it easier to vacuum them out of your pool.

Can I use Aluminum Sulfate as a Pool Flocculant?

Yes, you can Aluminum Sulfate, also known as Alum Floc, as a pool flocculant. Look for food-grade, garden-grade or technical-grade Aluminum Sulfate (but don’t confuse it with Ammonium Sulfate, which is a completely different chemical). Depending on the condition of your pool, you’ll want to use around 4 lbs of Alum per 10,000 gallons of water. It works just like a packaged pool flocculant, so be sure your water chemistry is balanced before adding it, and be sure to vacuum to waste.

Can you use too much Pool Flocculant?

Yes! Using too much pool flocculant can actually make your pool water even more cloudy. Just like any other pool chemical, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and add the appropriate amount based on your pool’s volume.

If you end up constantly needing to use pool flocculant or clarifier, check that you clean or backwash your filtration system regularly. And be sure to keep your pH levels balanced. If you need more help with water chemistry, be sure to check out our Basic Pool Chemistry 101 guide.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a step-by-step downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post Pool Flocculant: How Does It Work and Is It Better Than Pool Clarifier? appeared first on Swim University®.

Looking for an easier, more reliable way to add chlorine to your pool? If you want to save time taking care of your pool (and stop worrying about your chlorine levels when you’re out of town), an automatic pool chlorinator can help.

What is an Automatic Pool Chlorinator?

Also known as an automatic chlorine feeder, an automatic pool chlorinator automatically dispenses chlorine into your pool water. So instead of manually adding chlorine to your pool water or adding chlorine tablets to your floating dispenser or pool skimmer, you add chlorine tablets directly to your pool chlorinator. The chlorine dissolves in the chlorinator and disperses into your water at a steady rate. That means consistent chlorine levels flowing into your pool.

With a little upfront cost and installation, a pool chlorinator eliminates the need to constantly measure and add chlorine to your water or refill your floating chlorine dispenser. If you want greater control over your pool’s chlorine levels and you don’t like messing with chlorine granules or chlorine pucks into your skimmer, a pool chlorinator is a great investment.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how automatic pool chlorinators work, the different types of chlorinators, and why they’re a great investment for most swimming pool owners. And if you’re in the market for a pool chlorinator right now, here’s the one we recommend:

How Does a Pool Chlorinator Work?

An automatic pool chlorinator plugs directly into your pump and filter system, where it disperses a steady, measured amount of chlorine into the water that’s returning to your pool. As water passes through the chlorinator, it slowly dissolves the chlorine tablet inside. It then dispenses that chlorine into your water based on your chlorinator’s settings.

Simply add chlorine tablets to your chlorinator and choose your chlorine level (between 1 and 3 ppm) based on the volume of your pool. Then let the chlorinator do the work of adding chlorine consistently to your water!

With a pool chlorinator, you won’t need to add chlorine to a pool chlorinator as often as you’d need to add granular chlorine to your pool water. And you won’t need to worry about floating chlorine dispensers getting stuck behind ladders or adding chlorine tablets to your skimmer that can stain your pool’s vinyl liner.

But it’s not completely hands-free at the beginning. When you’re first using your pool chlorinator, be sure to regularly test your chlorine levels until you get a feel for the setting that works best based on your pool. And because pool chlorinators are part of your pool filter and pump system, they will not dissolve your chlorine tablets if your pool pump is off. So be sure to monitor your chlorine levels if you have a timer for your pool pump.

Wondering if a floating chlorine dispenser or putting chlorine tablets in your skimmer is a better option? Here’s a quick video tutorial on the difference between using floating dispensers, adding chlorine pucks in your skimmer, and installing an automatic pool chlorinator.

What are the Different Types of Automatic Pool Chlorinators?

There are two types of pool chlorinators: in-line and off-line pool chlorinators. They both function the same and cost the same (usually under $100). But they are installed differently, and they won’t work with every type of pool set up. An in-line pool chlorinator is installed directly into the plumbing of your pump and filter system. An off-line pool chlorinator, on the other hand, is connected with a tube installed on the side of the filter system.

You’ll need to select the automatic pool chlorinator that will fit into your filtration system. Some of these chlorinators can be used in both inground and above ground pools, while other models are specific to one or the other.

In-line Pool Chlorinator

An in-line chlorinator is connected directly to your filtration system, after the filter or heater, and before the filtered water is returned to the pool. Since it’s chlorinating the water after it’s passed through the filter and heater, it helps protect pool equipment from corrosion.

In-line chlorinators are plumbed into PVC piping. It’s easiest to hard plumb a chlorinator during pool construction or renovation, but it’s possible to cut the PVC pipe and install a chlorinator after the fact.

An in-line chlorinator is a sturdier option with fewer parts than an off-line chlorinator. But you might not have enough space to install an in-line chlorinator into your pump and filter set up.

Off-line Pool Chlorinator

If you don’t have the space to add an in-line chlorinator at the end of your filtration system, you can install an off-line pool chlorinator. An off-line chlorinator is connected through a separate line that bypasses the rest of the filter equipment.

It’s an option for pool owners that still want an automatic pool chlorinator but don’t have enough room to install an in-line model. While you won’t need to cut any piping to install, you will still need to cut small holes into your PVC plumbing.

You can only use an off-line chlorinator if you have “hard” PVC piping. If you have soft flexible hosing, which is common in above ground pool plumbing, you won’t be able to use an off-line chlorinator.

Still confused about your pool anatomy and your filtration system? Check out our pool maintenance video course for a step-by-step tutorial so you can finally understand the ins and outs of your pool.

What is the Best Automatic Pool Chlorinator?

When shopping for a pool chlorinator, first look for the model that’s compatible with your type of filter system and that can handle your pool’s volume. Some chlorinators are made to sanitize 10,000-gallon pools, and others will sanitize up to 40,000 gallons. If you get a chlorinator that’s too small for your pool, the water won’t be completely sanitized, so be sure you choose an appropriate size.

Here’s the pool chlorinator we recommend:

Whenever buying pool equipment, such as a pool chlorinator, it’s important to look for well-established brand names like Hayward. They make it easier to find replacement parts in the future and they usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty.

What Kind of Chlorine Is Used in a Pool Chlorinator?

Pool chlorinators work best with slow-dissolve trichlor chlorine tablets or pucks. These tablets last longer than liquid chlorine or granules, giving you more time between pool chemical additions. But more importantly, pool chlorinators use water pressure to dissolve chlorine pucks at a steady rate and granular chlorine will dissolve too quickly.

Chlorine pucks or tablets will only dissolve in your chlorinator when your pool pump is running. If your pump is on a timer and turns, your chlorine will not dissolve and therefore it won’t disperse into your pool.

When you first start using your pool chlorinator, check your chlorine tablets’ dissolve rate and test your chlorine levels at least once a week to make sure there’s enough chlorine getting into your pool water.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT mix two or more different types or brands of chlorine in your chlorinator at the same time. You could risk an explosion. Stick to one type of chlorine, like trichlor tablets, and the same brand, if possible.

How to Set Your Chlorination Rate

Just like any other chemical, the amount of chlorine you add to your pool will depend on your pool’s volume. You’ll need to know this before you can set the chlorinator’s dispensation rate.

If you don’t already know your pool’s volume, you can use a pool calculator to figure it out. Your pool’s water volume is calculated using your pool’s surface area times your pool’s average depth.

To add chlorine tablets to your chlorinator, be sure to turn the power to your pool pump off first. Then use the chlorinator air vent to release air pressure or remove the chlorinator cap slowly to avoid inhaling chlorine fumes (and wear protective gear, like goggles and a mask). Add the chlorine tablets and then reset the control valve dial to your desired level and turn the pump back on.

You can add as many chlorine tablets as you want. How quickly they dissolve depends on your chlorinator setting, your chlorine demand, and your water flow rate.

When first setting your chlorination rate, start on a lower setting for the first two or three days. Then test your water and increase your chlorination until your free chlorine levels reach between 1 and 3 ppm. Make sure your water chemistry is balanced, including your pH and Alkalinity levels. If you need help balancing your water chemistry, be sure to check out our guide to Basic Pool Chemistry 101.

Is A Pool Chlorinator Worth It?

We definitely think a pool chlorinator is a worthwhile investment:

• It automatically and evenly dispenses chlorine (even when you’re out of town)
• You can control the rate that chlorine flows into your pool
• You can avoid chlorine tablets in your pool or skimmer (and the vinyl liner stains they can cause

On the downside, a chlorinator may be difficult to initially install. And with any piece of equipment, it requires maintenance over time. It also requires the same type of chlorine tablets every time you use it (mixing different types of chlorine in your chlorinator is dangerous).

But regardless of the upfront cost and hassle of installation, a pool chlorinator is a great investment for a hands-free (and worry-free) way to keep your pool chlorinated and sanitized. Again, here’s the pool chlorinator we recommend:

Frequently Asked Questions About Automatic Pool Chlorinators

Looking for more help understanding pool chlorinators? Here are some common questions and answers.

Are pool chlorinators safe?

When used properly, chlorinators are safe to use. But you must take all safety precautions when handling chlorine or chlorine feeders. Turn off your pool pump before opening your chlorine chlorinator and wear proper protection, like goggles, gloves, and a mask. Avoid inhaling chlorine fumes when removing the chlorinator cap or by using your chlorinator’s air vent to release air pressure. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions (which may differ from these) and never, EVER mix the types of chlorine you use in your chlorinator.

Is there an automatic chemical feeder for bromine?

If you have a swimming pool or hot tub that uses bromine, you can use an automatic chemical feeder like a chlorinator (it’s sometimes marketed as a brominator). The only difference is that instead of chlorine tablets, you’ll add bromine tablets to the feeder. If you switch from chlorine tablets to bromine tablets or vice versa, you will need to purchase an entirely new chlorinator or brominator. Remember, mixing different chemicals like chlorine and bromine can cause a dangerous chemical reaction or explosion.

What is the difference between an Automatic Pool Chlorinator and a Salt Water Chlorinator?

A chlorine generator, also known as a saltwater chlorinator or saltwater generator, creates chlorine from salt and disperses that chlorine into your saltwater pool. Automatic pool chlorinators, also known as automatic chlorine feeders, dispense chlorine from chlorine tablets that are added to the chlorinator.

Do chlorine pools have a chlorinator?

Not all chlorine pools have a chlorinator already installed. You will either have to manually add chlorine granules or powder directly to your water or add a chlorine tablet to a chlorine floater or directly into your skimmer basket. But pool chlorinators are relatively affordable (usually $100 or less) and make pool maintenance much easier once installed.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a step-by-step downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post Automatic Pool Chlorinators: How Do They Work and Are They Worth It? appeared first on Swim University®.