Liquid Chlorine vs. Granular Chlorine — What's the Difference?

Liquid Chlorine and Granular Chlorine are both forms of chlorine utilized for various sanitation and disinfection purposes, with their primary difference lying in their physical state. Liquid Chlorine, as the name suggests, is chlorine in a liquid form. It is typically sodium hypochlorite and is a common choice for daily pool chlorination because of its easy application. Granular Chlorine, on the other hand, is solid chlorine, usually in fine granules, that dissolves when introduced to water.

While both Liquid Chlorine and Granular Chlorine aim to provide a sanitized environment, their applications might differ slightly. Liquid Chlorine is often favored for its immediacy, as it mixes rapidly with water, providing instant chlorination. Conversely, Granular Chlorine might be chosen for "shocking" a pool or addressing specific contamination issues, as it can target specific areas and offers various dissolution rates based on granule size and formulation.

The concentration of active chlorine can vary between Liquid Chlorine and Granular Chlorine. Liquid Chlorine often has a lower concentration, around 10-15% of chlorine, while Granular Chlorine can range widely, with some types containing up to 90% chlorine. This makes dosage important, as the potency and effectiveness are contingent on the concentration.

Storage and shelf life are other areas where Liquid Chlorine and Granular Chlorine diverge. Liquid Chlorine can degrade faster when exposed to sunlight and may have a shorter shelf life. In contrast, when stored correctly in a cool, dry place, Granular Chlorine tends to have a longer shelf life, making it more suitable for infrequent use or bulk storage.