Chlorine in vinyl pools is tricky because it is required yet risky. Having too much chlorine in a vinyl pool can lead to liner deterioration, but having unstable chlorine that rapidly disappears from the pool can lead to microbial growth.
The best chlorine for vinyl pools has under 60% available chlorine and around 99% sodium dichlor. Both available chlorine and sodium dichlor metrics are listed on pool chlorine packaging, and most dichlor products are marketed simply as dichlor.
But if you don’t want to turn around dozens of chlorine packages and want direct product recommendations, then you should read the rest of the post to see our two favorites for shocking your pool as well as maintaining its health.
The Criteria
Before we present the best chlorine options for vinyl pools, we need to look at a few factors that make these products right for your pool. With their performance across each dimension rated, you’ll be in a better position to judge which one you should buy.
Stabilization
Using unstabilized chlorine means inviting vinyl deterioration. Small quantities of chlorine don’t harm the pool liner, but they also don’t sanitize the pool sufficiently. And when you raise the quantity of unstabilized chlorine, you risk bleaching the vinyl liner.
The solution? Use stabilized chlorine that has chemicals to keep chlorine from being too reactive and disappearing immediately with sun exposure. Different pool chlorine options come with different levels of stability.
Value
This is a factor in most purchases, especially when one is comparing multiple options. Since pool chlorine is less of a purchase and more of a subscription, even a little difference in value on the dollar goes a long way. Again, because of brand and production differences, different chlorine products offer different value for money.
Performance Record
This is the final factor in making a product a “must buy” or a “must avoid.” Regardless of what the manufacturer says, an item’s performance is judged by the market. Amazon allows verified reviews from people who have purchased the product, which makes it possible for us to not just go by our own experience with the purchase but also tally it with what the market at large thinks. It goes without saying the customer rating varies from product to product.
Best for Ease of Use: HTH Super Shock Treatment
If you want to increase the levels of chlorine in your pool, the easiest way to do so is to use this 4-in-1 super shock treatment. Shocking vinyl-liner pools can be hard, but if you use a product like HTH Super Shock Treatment, you’re in safe hands as the package itself says the treatment is ideal for vinyl-lined pools. That said, wrong use of this product can still bleach your pool and less in more when you pour.
Stabilization: 3/5
Since this is a shock treatment, it is meant to super chlorinate your pool which means the action is quite abrupt, especially outdoors. If your pool receives harsh sunlight, you might need to add this chlorine twice a week. In standard cases, once a week suffices. For regular use, you will need to add stabilizer to extend the longevity of this item. The reason it gets 3 points is that despite not being stabilized for regular use, this pool treatment isn’t as harmful to the vinyl liner.
Value for money: 4/5
This product has over 13,000 reviews and ratings from verified buyers who have collectively given it the average value for money rating of 4 stars out of 5, something we do not disagree with given its price tag.
Performance Record: 4.5/5
With an impressive performance record, this item is rated at a global average of 4.7 out of 5 stars with 4.8 stars for longevity and 4.5 for ease of use, something which we consider it the best in.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Considering how easy this super shock treatment is and how well it lasts despite being intended for super chlorination, we believe this product has its rightful place among the best chlorination options for vinyl pools.
Best for Consistency: Clear Balance Vinyl Pool Maintenance Tablets
Shocking the pool with super chlorination and having a sustainable stream of long-lasting chlorine are two different aspects of pool management. Shocking helps get rid of the pool’s microbial ecosystem while maintenance prevents bacteria growth and algae propagation. Clear Balance has ‘balance’ in the name, and its maintenance tablets have the perfect chlorine content and stabilized slow-release to make your vinyl pool maintenance easy.
Stabilization: 4.5/5
While you can add liquid stabilizer to further slow down the chlorination that occurs with these tablets, its current release and retention have been tested to be appropriate for small and medium-sized vinyl pools. While chlorine released by these tablets lasts longer, it doesn’t sit atop vinyl when you have the tablets in a dispenser. Given the information above, a 4.5 rating for stabilization is appropriate.
Value for Money: 4/5
While these tablets might be more expensive than competing products with the same category, the money you will save on not having to purchase gallons of stabilizing liquid offsets the pinch. And given the nationwide price hike, these tablets are still reasonably-priced. We don’t want our readers getting their vinyl liners ruined trying to bargain hunt on something as crucial as pool chlorine.
Performance Record: 5/5
With over 8,600 reviews on Amazon, this product is easily one of the best for Vinyl pool maintenance. Over 72% of the verified customers have given it five stars, while the global collective average for these tablets is 4.4 out of 5 stars, which is pretty impressive.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
This is our go-to product for chlorinating a vinyl pool. Its only drawback is that it cannot super chlorinate a pool, but that isn’t its function anyway. These function-appropriate tablets could be 0.5 stars higher if they were a little cheaper. But if you look at their product page and find the price to be reasonable, then these are 5-star tablets as far as you’re concerned.
Final Thoughts
Vinyl pools might seem too fragile if you read too much into chlorine’s effects on the liner. The truth is, most chlorine products packaged for vinyl pools are relatively safe for said pools as long as you don’t go overboard. Use a dispenser with the tablets and avoid overpouring granular chlorine. The products in this post are both must-buys as the mix is good for bi-weekly use, and the tabs are ideal for daily use. Both will work together to make your vinyl pool safe and contaminant-free.
