I use chlorine tablets against bacteria, algae, spores and small insects. Here are the best affordable options you can get on Amazon right now to ensure a sparkling clean pool with a healthy pH balance.
FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. In The Swim - 3-Inch Individually-Wrapped Stabilized Chlorine Tablets
Highlight: Say goodbye to bacteria, algae, and other organic contaminants, keeping your pool exceptionally clear all season long.
Helpful review: When it comes to maintaining a pristine pool, In The Swim's 3-inch chlorine tablets are a game changer. I ordered a hefty twenty-pound bucket of these tablets, and the delivery speed was nothing short of miraculous. It felt like I blinked, and there was FedEx at my door with the package. If my memory serves me correctly, the bucket arrived the very next day, making the whole process seamless and efficient. This quick delivery is a testament to In The Swim's commitment to customer satisfaction.
Earlier this year, I also bought a new in-ground pool liner from In The Swim. Now that it's installed, I can vouch for its high quality and perfect fit. The packaging was robust, ensuring the liner arrived in pristine condition, and the custom-fit liner was delivered within a week. This experience solidified my trust in their attention to detail and quality control.
Now, let’s talk about these chlorine tablets. Each tablet is individually wrapped in plastic, which not only protects them during shipping but also helps in preserving their effectiveness. Opening the bucket, you can’t help but appreciate the clever design of the lid. To access the tablets, you simply squeeze a red lever and rotate the lid counterclockwise. This thoughtful feature makes it easy to get to the chlorine without any hassle. The bucket itself arrived well-packaged in a sturdy cardboard box, clearly labeled and delivered promptly.
The real magic happens once the tablets hit the water. They do an outstanding job of keeping the pool chlorinated, ensuring that bacteria and algae are kept at bay. I can confidently say that my pool has never looked better, with the water staying crystal clear all season long.
My NEIGHBOR’S REVIEW:
I seriously swear by these tablets. Unlike other brands, these tablets aren't overly compressed, making them dissolve at just the right rate. Which is exactly what I wanted. Even if a few tablets arrive crumbled, the individual wrapping makes it easy to handle them without getting chlorine dust everywhere. One tablet per week in a 10-12 thousand gallon pool maintains the perfect chlorine level, especially when the temperature is below 90 degrees. During hotter conditions, I use just one and a half to two tablets based on water test results. I also noticed a significant reduction in costs for his pool business since switching to this brand. Really can’t say it enough–I seriously love these and highly recommend them. The product quality, innovative packaging, and exceptional customer service from In The Swim make these chlorine tablets a top choice for any pool owner. Whether you're a seasoned pool maintenance pro or just starting, these tablets will keep your pool sparkling clean with minimal effort. — Troy Martin
Get it from Amazon now: $149.99 & FREE Returns
2. Rx Clear - 3-Inch Individually Wrapped Chlorine Tablets
Highlight: Offers so much chlorine in each tab at a much lower price compared to competitive options.
Helpful review: Despite being in my third summer season as a pool owner, I still consider myself fairly new to pool maintenance. Over time, I've gradually taken over all pool care tasks from the pool company, including finding cost-effective chemicals. After reading numerous reviews, I decided to try these chlorine tablets.
Before this, I used Bioguard Smart Sticks, which dissolved slowly, releasing chlorine mainly when water flowed over them in the skimmer basket. I was worried these pucks might dissolve too quickly, creating high chlorine concentrations when the pump was off. To my relief, they dissolve very slowly and seem to need running water to dissolve quickly. In my initial test, I placed a couple in the skimmer basket and a couple in a floater. After a week, the ones in the floater were hardly dissolved, while the ones in the basket were nearly gone—just the result I was hoping for.
Most of the pucks arrived intact, though a few were broken. While broken pucks work the same, their different surface areas mean they dissolve at varying rates. I prefer knowing the exact rate of chlorine being added to the pool, so this was a slight inconvenience. However, given that the majority arrived whole, I'm satisfied with the packaging.
One really important aspect of using stabilized chlorine pucks is monitoring the stabilizer level, as it doesn’t get used up like chlorine does. Excess stabilizer can reduce chlorine effectiveness, creating a cycle where more chlorine is needed. My plan is to use these at the start of the season when stabilizer levels are low, then switch to liquid chlorine once the stabilizer level is high enough. Liquid chlorine allows for better control over pool chemistry, despite being more of a hassle to use.
The pH level of these pucks is quite low at 2.7, which is definitely what I wanted. When using liquid chlorine, my pool's pH tends to rise over time. With these pucks, the pH slowly decreases, which I can counteract by aerating the water to raise the pH without chemicals. This gives me more control over my pool's chemistry and reduces the need for chemical interventions. If you’re unsure about it, then take this sign as you go to make the plunge and buy them. These pucks offer excellent value and control over pool maintenance, and I highly recommend them. — Sam Duncan
Get it from Amazon now: $240.92 & FREE Returns
3. Doheny's - 3-Inch Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets
Highlight: Love that each fifty pound bucks comes with a child proof lock.
Helpful review: I've been a pool owner for nine years and have tried various chlorine brands, but none have performed like Doheny's. This is my first time using this brand, and I've had zero issues with algae, unlike with other brands using the same amount of tabs. Most of the tablets arrive intact, though there’s some dust in the individually wrapped packages. I always use gloves and open them underwater in the skimmers to avoid airborne chlorine dust. The results have been remarkable.
Still, there are a few points to note:
– The bucket is heavy at fifty pounds, so if lifting that much weight is a problem, this might not be for you.
– Each tablet is individually wrapped, which I find convenient, but it might not be everyone’s preference.
– A few of the tablets arrive cracked, but I just toss those in the skimmer basket, no biggie.
At sixty seven I’ve been maintaining my own pool for almost thirty years. Living in Austin, TX, where that heat index climbs up to the nineties degrees, my pool water stays clear. I add two pounds of shock weekly in the summer, and these tablets provide excellent value.
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
These tablets keep my doughboy pool in great condition, and they actually last me all year. One tablet per week is enough to do that job, which is awesome. I break them up to put in my pool filter sometimes, but not always, just kinda depends on the day. Either works really though. The bucket is huge, too and I love how it’s brought straight to my front door, and is super easy to open.
MY NEIGHBOR’S REVIEW:
I used to buy chlorine from Costco due to the good price, but the container lid was a nightmare to open. After finishing it, I switched to Doheny's. Their large container is easy to open, and the individually wrapped tablets mean less breakage and potency loss. I only used a few tablets before closing the pool, and I’m thrilled with the product, packaging, and seller. — Steve Owens
Get it from Amazon now: $249.94 & FREE Returns
4. CLOROX - XtraBlue 3-Inch Long-Lasting Chlorinating Tablets
Highlight: Stops corrosion on equipment and reduces stains on the surface.
Helpful review: Despite some of the negative reviews out there, I decided to try these tablets and was honestly really surprised. Most of the tablets arrived intact, and the packaging showed signs of careful handling. The price isn't the best, but given that there’s a chlorine shortage, it's understandable.
UPDATE:
This summer I said goodbye to algae issues, all thanks to these tablets. Our pool is fully exposed to the sun and typically prone to algae blooms, but not this year. Even with significant rainfall and lax pool care, the water remained crystal clear. These tablets have made pool maintenance much easier and more affordable.
A FEW WORDS FROM A NEIGHBOR:
We’ve been using this product for years, even when prices skyrocketed. Even then, I still decided to stay loyal, but my opinions on some things haven’t really changed. It’s the lid for me. The design is just kind of frustrating. As seniors, we find it nearly impossible to open. Please consider a more user-friendly lid. Even so, I’ve figured out a way to open it, and because I love the product so much I’m still going to use it, but just a tip to the manufacturer. Us old folks would really appreciate that!
MY FRIEND’S REVIEW:
My hot tub holds about four hundred gallons at a hundred and two degrees. I cut the 3 inch pucks into quarters, and from there I place about one piece in my chlorine dispenser. It lasts three to four days per piece, a day longer than other brands, with more consistent chlorine levels. I’ll continue purchasing these. I may be weird in cutting them up like that, but it works for me, so maybe it will work for other people too! — Lana Ivette
Get it from Amazon now: $35.99 & FREE Returns
5. Pool Mate - Jumbo Swimming Pool Chlorine Tabs
Highlight: Of all the brands on the market, this is one of the strongest chlorine tablets I’ve found. Gets the job done!
Helpful review: Let me start by saying that not all chlorine tablets are equal. These are superior to those sold at Walmart and specialty stores, dissolving evenly and consistently while maintaining desired chlorine levels. Plus, they’re delivered straight to my door.
These tablets are the best on the market. Within a week, my pool water was nearly perfect, which is just so awesome. I typically also use a pool essentials shock treatment once a week along with these tabs. That way I’m hitting it from all angles and making sure my pool is set so I can have a trouble free season. I also really appreciate the individual wrapping (it’s the little things). It absolutely prevents handling the tablets directly and reduces fumes. The packets are easy to open, and no scissors are required.
MY NEIGHBOR'S REVIEW:
I was sooo tired of the high prices of these things at local pool stores. Everything is getting so expensive these days, but the pool stores seriously charged double for everything. These tablets are a great deal and better quality. They’re individually wrapped, reducing fumes and preventing broken tablets, unlike the local store's offerings. I’ll never buy from the overpriced local store again.
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
These tablets are SUCH a fantastic buy. They’re cheaper than those at pool supply stores and delivered right to my door, avoiding the hassle of transporting them. The individual wrapping prevents chlorine smell on my hands, and they keep my pool crystal clear and bright blue. Overall, great product and highly recommended. — Gene Flores
Get it from Amazon now: $94.99 & FREE Returns
6. HTH - Advanced 3-Inch Chlorine Tabs
Highlight: Formula is super advanced and does the job.
Helpful review: The package arrived intact, and I’m very pleased with the process. These tablets are cheaper than local options and the best brand I’ve ever purchased due to the algicide content. This year, I didn’t have to treat the whole thing for algae, which allowed me to avoid all the extra vacuuming and scrubbing. Yeah, yeah, some pieces were broken, but not the end of the world. I just put them in the skimmer to create the equivalent of a whole piece. Excellent product, highly recommended.
UPDATE:
All summer long, these tablets alone kept my pool clean. I haven’t needed other.
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
I bought this product recently and found it super easy and effective. The five-pound package is convenient, as I dislike frequent trips to the store. Each tab lasts about a week or so, depending on the type of pool you have and like what size it is. Mine is an above ground and I wasn’t sure these would work with it, but man they do such an amazing job.
MY FRIEND’S REVIEW:
In the past I used to buy a different tablet from the same company, but delivery was too far out, so I settled for this item. It arrived today, and I immediately used some in the pool. All but one tablet was whole, which didn’t really bother me. Honestly the price was solid and that’s what mattered most. Would definitely recommend and buy again. — Kay Ortiz
Get it from Amazon now: $52.00 & FREE Returns
7. BioGuard - SilkGuard Complete 3-Inch Chlorinating Tabs
Highlight: Special technology attaches to hard water and softens it.
Helpful review: I’ve been using these for a couple of years and have been very satisfied. As summer progressed, I needed about 20 pounds more to get through the season. I picked up a twenty five pound bucket from a different company, thinking I might still benefit from Bioguard by using it alongside the new tabs. At first, it was all fine. However, after a big storm hit, a bunch of gross mud washed into the pool, and despite my usual cleaning routine, the pool remained cloudy with algae forming.
My tests showed the water chemistry was fine, but the situation didn't improve until I switched back to using one hundred percent Bioguard chlorine tabs. Within a week, wah lah! The pool was crystal clear again. I definitely learned my lesson here and plan to only use the Bioguard tabs for the entire season.
MY FRIEND’S REVIEW:
I've tried many products for my pool and often struggled with algae. After reading about this brand’s review, I decided to give the SilkGuard Complete a try, although the price is a little higher. try it despite the higher price. These tabs are amazing and have kept my pool algae-free for years. Though more expensive, they’re worth it.
A FEW WORDS FROM A NEIGHBOR:
The last chlorine tabs I purchased did literally nothing, and I knew I needed to try a new brand. Enter BioGuard with their SilkGuard Complete option. This product does such a good job at keeping my water crystal clear with minimal maintenance. This pool is over almost fifty years old, and it seriously looks brand new. The difference is so amazing that I had to write this review. — Heather Cangini
Get it from Amazon now: $199.99 & FREE Returns