What is the difference between slow-dissolving and fast-dissolving pool disinfectant tablets?
Pool disinfectant tablets are primarily divided into slow-dissolving and fast-dissolving types based on their dissolution rate. Their key differences are as follows:
1. Slow-Dissolving Tablets
· Dissolution Rate: Slow, typically lasting 3-7 days or even longer.
· Main Ingredient: Usually Trichloroisocyanuric Acid, compressed into large, dense tablets.
· Chlorine Content: High, typically around 90%.
· pH Impact: Strongly acidic, significantly lowers pool water pH.
· Primary Use: Routine maintenance. Typically placed in floating dispensers, skimmers, or in-line chlorinators for long-term, stable maintenance of residual chlorine levels.
· Advantages: Saves time and effort, provides continuous disinfection, good stability.
· Disadvantages: Cannot rapidly raise chlorine levels, strong acidity requires close pH monitoring.
2. Fast-Dissolving Tablets
· Dissolution Rate: Fast, usually dissolving completely within 30 minutes to a few hours.
· Main Ingredient: Usually Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate.
· Chlorine Content: Medium, typically around 55-60%.
· pH Impact: Near-neutral or weakly acidic, has a relatively smaller impact on pool water pH.
· Primary Use: Shock treatment or rapid chlorine boost. Used to quickly kill algae and bacteria, address sudden water quality issues, or rapidly raise chlorine levels after heavy pool use.
· Advantages: Acts quickly, suitable for emergency treatment, minimal impact on pH.
· Disadvantages: Short-lasting effect, not suitable for standalone long-term daily maintenance.
Key Considerations:
· Never Mix: Slow-dissolving and fast-dissolving tablets (especially with different ingredients) must never be mixed together in a feeder, as this can produce toxic gas or cause violent reactions.
· Use as Needed: Use slow-dissolving tablets for "regular upkeep" and fast-dissolving tablets for "emergency treatment."
· Follow Instructions: Always use according to the product label and wear protective gear.