Stabilized chlorine and unstabilized chlorine are two different forms of chlorine used to sanitize swimming pools. The main difference between the two is that stabilized chlorine contains cyanuric acid, also known as a chlorine stabilizer, while unstabilized chlorine does not.
Cyanuric acid helps to protect the chlorine from the degrading effects of sunlight. When chlorine is exposed to sunlight, it can break down quickly, reducing its effectiveness as a sanitizer. Cyanuric acid helps to slow down this process and extend the life of the chlorine in the pool.
Unstabilized chlorine, on the other hand, does not contain cyanuric acid, and as a result, it can be more effective at killing bacteria and other contaminants in the water. However, it can also be more prone to degrading quickly in sunlight, especially in outdoor pools.
When using stabilized chlorine, it’s important to monitor the levels of cyanuric acid in the water, as too much can reduce the effectiveness of the chlorine. It’s recommended to keep cyanuric acid levels between 30 and 50 parts per million, and to avoid adding additional stabilizer unless necessary.
Overall, the choice between stabilized and unstabilized chlorine depends on a variety of factors, including the type of pool, the location and exposure to sunlight, and personal preference. It’s important to carefully consider these factors and choose the right type of chlorine for your pool to maintain a safe and healthy swimming environment.
Contact The Pool Guy Northshore for all of you pool maintenance questions, and we will be glad to come out and give you a free quote for our services.