How is chlorine added to swimming pools and spas?
Chlorine may be added to pools in a variety of forms, including chlorine gas, liquid sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) or dry calcium hypochlorite granules or tablets. When added to water, each of these products unleashes the power of chlorine chemistry to destroy disease-causing germs. Studies show that another form of chlorinated disinfectantchlorinated isocyanurateshave a special advantage in controlling germs in outdoor swimming pools. Chlorinated isocyanurates, known as stabilized chlorine, release the disinfecting power of chlorine slowly, in a time-release manner. This property makes them resistant to UV radiation from the sun, a plus for swimmers health. Some pools are equipped with chlorine generators that produce free chlorine directly in the pool water by applying electricity to salt.
