Liquid Chlorine FAQs

Why has there been chatter recently about a lack of chlorine for the swimming pool season—is this true?

There is some confusion about chlorine availability and the different types of chlorine. Trichlor tablets are in short supply due to a variety of industry dynamics. HASA Sani-Clor^® Liquid Chlorine offers a proven, safe and highly effective alternative sanitizing option for pool service professionals and pool owners who are looking for a way to effectively treat their pool this swimming season.

What is the real chlorine availability situation?

While there has been buzz of late about a lack of chlorine tabs during this pool season, pool service professionals in the pool supply and maintenance industry who are properly informed know that the primary issue involves a chlorine tablet (dry product) shortage. Liquid Chlorine (also known as sodium hypochlorite, or bleach) offers a viable sanitizer alternative. Liquid Chlorine bleach is manufactured all across the U.S. by many suppliers.

Is Liquid Chlorine a viable choice for pool disinfection?

Yes. Liquid Chlorine provides the highest percent of pure chlorine disinfection compared to dry tablets. Comparing gallon to pound it also provides the highest residual of free available chlorine. The industry has been embracing the advantages of Liquid Chlorine use for decades, even before the use of trichlor tabs. In fact, the use of Liquid Chlorine has consistently gained momentum—as a result of pool owners and pool professionals seeking to improve the overall look, skin-feel, and cost of servicing their pool. Liquid Chlorine does not leave additional unwanted chemicals as byproducts after use, so it has been increasingly embraced and preferred in public and large commercial and hospitality swimming environments. HASA Sani-Clor^® sodium hypochlorite (liquid pool sanitizer) in particular is long proven to be safe to use, works more effectively to clean and sanitize both residential and commercial swimming pools, is better for the environment, and creates the most beautiful, sparkling clear blue pool water available.

Is Liquid Chlorine currently available?

Despite its growing prevalence as the swimming pool sanitizer of choice, and the unprecedented demand both last summer and this coming summer, Liquid Chlorine remains a viable sanitizer choice for pool service professionals and residential pool owners this season. Chlorine (trichlor) tablets are in especially short supply—and the industry’s conversion to Liquid Chlorine began well prior to the present tablet shortage.

What is currently in short supply?

Trichloro isocyanurate (trichlor) chlorine tablets are in especially short supply—and have grabbed media attention in recent days.

What are the differences between using Trichlor tablets vs. Liquid Chlorine?

Trichlor tablets came to popularity due strictly to a “perceived” convenience of application, but they actually offer certain setbacks for pool owners over time, as a result of a residual chemical by-product (cyanuric acid or “CYA”) left behind after continuous use.  HASA Sani-Clor^® Liquid Chlorine applied twice weekly, directly to the pool or through an easy-to-install liquid feed system, matches the convenience of tabs yet provides the advantage of a more pure and environmentally friendly sanitizer. It also aids in the long-term quality of the pool water, tile and plaster.

What are some of the advantages of Liquid Chlorine?

Changes in the swimming pool and hot tub industry are leading both pool service professionals and residential pool owners to do the right thing—to select and use the safest products for their homes and families. Why? Because Liquid Chlorine, such as 12.5% concentrated HASA Sani-Clor^®, is a better, safer cleaning and sanitizing solution that works harder to keep germs and bacteria out of your swimming pool—while also being better for our planet’s eco-system. HASA Liquid Chlorine is:

• Free of byproducts like cyanuric acid (CYA). High levels of CYA actually make chlorine less effective. (Also, there is no calcium by-product left from liquid, which could cause damaging scale)
• Better and safer for the environment
• Safer for pool service pros and pool owners to transport and handle
• Made in the USA
• Offers the best cost per use and value in the market
• A long-standing proven way to ensure Safe, Clean and Clear sparkling blue pool water year round
• The choice of the most beautiful pools in the world

Who can buy Liquid Chlorine?

Sodium hypochlorite pool sanitizer (Liquid Chlorine) is sold at local retail swimming pool supply stores, and also through wholesale professional pool product distributors. Pool professionals often use pro-strength Liquid Chlorine, offered at a 12.5% concentration (such as HASA Sani-Clor^® and Hasachlor^®)—which provides the greatest disinfectant protection of pool water. This means the pool is the safest it can be for backyard family swim time.

Is Liquid Chlorine pool sanitizer the same as grocery store household bleach?

No. Liquid Chlorine pool sanitizer, such as HASA Sani-Clor^®, is labeled specifically for and approved for use in swimming pool applications and is a higher strength than the household bleach available in your supermarket, or through many big box retail outlets. Pool-grade liquid chlorine is sold through a variety of local swimming pool supply retailers, and can also be delivered fresh to the pool service trade. Grocery store bleach is much weaker in concentration, and rarely labeled for approved use in swimming pools. Prior to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, grocery store bleach often sat on store shelves for weeks or even months before purchase, and it can often be degraded over time and lose strength. Commonly available grocery store bleach, or some brands sold through big box retail outlets, may contain other additives more suitable for use in household disinfection or laundry use.

How long has Liquid Chlorine been used for swimming pool sanitization?

Liquid Chlorine has been a preferred pool sanitization method since the 1920’s. Liquid sanitizer, such as HASA Sani-Clor^® sodium hypochlorite, is the ideal solution for Safe, Clean and Clear sparkling, blue beautiful pool water year round, and is frequently the sanitizer of choice for many of the largest, most beautiful swimming pools in the world.

Will the industry be switching to Liquid Chlorine use over tablets?

The Liquid Chlorine Revolution within the pool supply marketplace is already underway. The industry witnessed a shift in pool product preference long before the tablet shortage began. Why? Liquid Chlorine (such as HASA Sani-Clor^®, Hasachlor^® or Multi-Chlor^®) is proven to be a safer choice for families and all swimmers who enjoy residential or commercial swimming pool water (it is currently the preferred choice in commercial pools for this reason). Liquid sanitizer like HASA Sani-Clor^® is also safer for pool professionals to transport and handle than certain types of dry chlorine, such as calcium hypochlorite granules, powder and tablets.

Why is Liquid Chlorine a safer solution for residential swimming pools?

Liquid Chlorine pool sanitizer is the single most proven, safest and cost-effective sanitizer available. It has been the most dependable pool water disinfectant for more than five decades. Liquid Chlorine has also been the “unsung hero” in preventing the spread of bacteria, parasites and pathogens, in general, since the mid-1800s—leading the charge to defeat outbreaks of Cholera, Typhoid and other water borne illness within the mainstream public water supply, going back more than a century and a half.

Liquid Chlorine has literally transformed water treatment and safety—and has been the game changing solution to help ensure Safe, Clean and Clear drinking water and recreational pool water within our modern society. Discover why at Hasa.com.

Is it true that chlorine tablets can no longer be used in commercial swimming pools?

Tablets have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Chlorine tablet use is now highly regulated in commercial swimming pools, given safety concerns due to over-dosing of product over time. For the same reason, discerning pool service professionals and residential pool owners are opting for Liquid Chlorine sanitizer, which has been proven to be both safer and more effective in disinfecting residential pools and hot tubs. Sodium hypochlorite (Liquid Chlorine) products, such as those marketed by HASA, contain no cyanuric acid (CYA) that can actually make chlorine less effective to clean and disinfect pool water. Also, there is no calcium byproduct, which can lead to the formation of damaging scale.

Is Calcium Hypochlorite a good alternative to trichlor tabs?

Cal hypo, when properly used, is an effective alternative to trichlor tabs, and may be available throughout the coming months as both a sanitizer and a shock solution for swimming pools. Cal hypo comes in tablet, granule and powdered form. Users should be aware of serious safety concerns associated with any Class 3 Oxidizer—specifically with the handling and storage. Cal hypo must be handled, stored and used with great care to avoid serious fire or injury.  Cal hypo tabs, for example, when combined with trichlor tablets in a floater or feeder, may cause an explosion and fire.  Anyone handling, transporting, using or coming in contact with cal hypo should become well aware of all recommended precautions associated with the product.

Are “Salt Pools” better than “Chlorine Pools”?

There is a common misunderstanding about this by pool owners and pool builders alike. So-called “Salt Pools” use salt added to the pool to generate their own chlorine, using what is properly called a salt-chlorine generator. Salt-chlorine generators are proven technology, and consumers who can afford the cost and regular maintenance often prefer them because of the very measured and low dosage levels of chlorine they deliver to make water safe for swimming. Salt-chlorine generators also avoid the buildup of unwanted chemical byproducts that are contributed by chlorine tabs and powdered chlorine (see the discussion of cyanuric acid, above). Most manufacturers of salt chlorine generators still recommend periodically shocking the pool with Liquid Chlorine, because of its effectiveness in maintaining a safe swimming environment, and providing sparkling water clarity.

What is the role of Liquid Chlorine during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Throughout the past year, Liquid Chlorine has played a vital role in helping to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Leading producers of liquid sanitizer have continued regular production at all facilities in adherence with the protocols established by governmental regulations, and in accordance with CDC recommendations and guidelines.

According to the CDC, and due in large part to the use of chlorine broadly as a sanitizer of choice, “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.” Please read additional details about CDC findings regarding swimming pool and spa safety on the official CDC website at cdc.gov. Industry manufacturers recommend that users always maintain pool, spa, water, filter and equipment to manufacturer recommendations and pool/spa industry standards. This should provide adequate and optimal protection to meet CDC guidelines regarding swimming pool and hot tub use and safety during the COVID-19 crisis.

Have an unanswered question? Email AskTerry@HasaPool.com.