The answer is yes. Trichlor, namely trichloroisocyanuric acid, is a commonly used chlorine-based disinfectant in swimming pools, which can keep the pool clean and clear. Then, is trichlor really good for swimming pools? In this article, we will provide you with a detailed analysis from multiple perspectives.
What Is Trichlor
Trichlor, the full name of which is trichloroisocyanuric acid, also known as TCCA, is a common chlorine disinfectant. With 90% available chlorine content, it is a highly efficient and stable chemical. We are a supplier of swimming pool chemicals and can provide various forms of trichlor, mainly including:
- TCCA powder
- TCCA granules: We can provide different granularities of TCCA granules according to the customer's customized requirements.
- TCCA tablets: We not only offer the standard 20g and 200g tablets, but also provide customized services such as effervescent tablets and multi-functional tablets. In addition, we can also provide tablets with different weights and sizes to adapt to various application scenarios.
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Trichlor is a highly efficient and stable swimming pool chemical. It can slowly release chlorine in water, continuously killing bacteria, viruses and algae. Meanwhile, it oxidizes and decomposes organic matter such as sweat and urea brought in by the human body, effectively preventing the water from turning green, generating odors or breeding microorganisms, thus keeping the swimming pool water clear, clean and safe.
Benefits of Using Trichlor in Pools
Strong disinfection effect
Trichlor contains higher available chlorine content, which can quickly kill bacteria, viruses and algae in swimming pool water, ensuring the clarity and transparency of the pool water and safeguarding the health and safety of swimmers.
Stabilized chlorine
Trichlor is stabilized chlorine containing cyanuric acid (CYA), which can effectively resist the decomposition of chlorine by UV rays, thereby extending the effectiveness of chlorine in swimming pools. Therefore, in outdoor swimming pools, trichlor can maintain a more lasting disinfection effect than other chlorine-based disinfectants such as calcium hypochlorite (Cal Hypo).
Convenient usage
200g TCCA chlorine tablet is a frequently used form in pool water treatment. TCCA tablets can be directly placed in a feeder, floater or skimmer, keeping pool water clean and safe with minimal manual intervention. This saves time and effort and is particularly suitable for commercial swimming pools and villa swimming pools.
Cost-effective
Trichlor is a slow-dissolving disinfectant that usually takes several hours to several days to completely dissolve in swimming pools. This makes it highly suitable for maintaining a stable chlorine concentration in swimming pool water over the long term, reducing frequent dosing and thus saving costs.
Potential Problems with Using Trichlor
Although trichlor has obvious advantages, it is not without limitations. Long-term use of trichlor may bring about the following problems:
pH reduction
The pH value of trichlor is usually around 2 to 3, which is strongly acidic. If used for several days without adjusting the water quality, it will cause the pool pH reduction, which in turn will lead to corrosion problems (such as rusting of metal parts and peeling of tile joints).
If you need to adjust the pool water quality, you can use our pH plus to increase the pH and total alkalinity of the pool water. Also, you can test the pool water quality by using our high quality and accurate pool test strips.
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Cyanuric acid buildup
Trichlor contains cyanuric acid (CYA). Although it is beneficial at certain concentrations, long-term use can lead to high CYA levels (exceeding 100 ppm). At this point, the bactericidal ability of chlorine will be inhibited, resulting in a "chlorine lock" phenomenon, which makes it difficult for the water to exert its disinfection effect even if there is chlorine in it. Then CYA in pools must be diluted by partially changing the water.
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Not ideal for pool shock
Because trichlor dissolves slowly, it is not suitable for shock treatment in swimming pools. When it is necessary to rapidly increase the chlorine level, we recommend using calcium hypochlorite or sodium dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC or dichlor).
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Best Practices for Using Trichlor
Dosing method: It is recommended to use a feeder, floater or skimmer. Avoid directly throwing chlorine tablets into the bottom of the pool to prevent local bleaching or corrosion.
Monitor water quality: Regularly test pH value (maintained at 7.2-7.8), total alkalinity (60-180 ppm), and cyanuric acid (20-100 ppm).
Reasonable combination: Daily use trichlor to maintain chlorine levels. When necessary, apply calcium hypochlorite or dichlor for shock treatment to prevent algae growth.
Regular water change: When CYA accumulates too high, it is necessary to drain water moderately and replenish fresh water to maintain water quality balance.
For more details, please refer to: How to Use TCCA 90 Chlorine Tablets for Swimming Pool
Comparison with Other Chlorine Disinfectants
Trichlor vs. Dichlor
Dichlor, namely sodium dichloroisocyanurate, is an excellent chlorine disinfectant. Like trichlor, dichlor is also stabilized chlorine and contains cyanuric acid, making it suitable for outdoor swimming pools. The difference is that dichlor dissolves rapidly and can be used for both conventional chlorination treatment and shock treatment. Dichlor is suitable for medium and small-sized swimming pools. Trichlor is suitable for medium and large-sized swimming pools. You can choose to use dichlor or trichlor based on your own needs and the conditions of the swimming pool.
Trichlor vs. Cal Hypo
Cal Hypo is also a common chlorine disinfectant, but it is non-stabilized chlorine and does not contain CYA. Therefore, when using Cal Hypo in outdoor swimming pools, cyanuric acid should be added additionally. If you have any demand for CYA, please contact us. We can provide high-quality CYA products.
Trichlor vs. Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite, also bleaching water, is liquid chlorine. It's economical, but it is inconvenient to transport and store, and it does not contain CYA. In addition, it has the short shelf life. Even under the most ideal conditions, 12% bleaching water will lose 50% of its available chlorine within four months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
It can be seen that trichlor is an excellent choice for daily disinfection of swimming pools, especially suitable for outdoor swimming pools and scenarios that require long-term and stable chlorination. It not only has a strong disinfection effect, but also is convenient to use and can effectively keep the pool clean and clear. However, while using trichlor, it is also necessary to pay attention to the problems of pH reduction and CYA accumulation it brings, and avoid long-term single reliance.
We are a supplier of pool chemicals with 30 years of experience, capable of providing a full range of pool chemicals, including disinfectants, pH regulators, clarifiers, algaecides, chlorine stabilizers, phosphorus removers, etc. If you have any needs, please feel free to contact us. If you still have doubts about pool chemicals, you can read our pool care guide here.