Products
3-Inch Chlorine Tablets — Slow-Release Pool Sanitizer (200g)
The 3-inch chlorine tablet is the most popular pool sanitizing tablet size in North America and Europe. Weighing approximately 200 grams, these large slow-release tablets provide extended disinfection for residential and commercial swimming pools, reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining consistent free chlorine levels. Everglory Industrial manufactures 3-inch chlorine tablets in both TCCA 90% and calcium hypochlorite 70% formulations to serve diverse market requirements.
3-Inch Chlorine Tablet Specifications
| Parameter | TCCA 3" Tablets | Cal Hypo 3" Tablets |
|---|---|---|
| Tablet Diameter | 76mm (3 inches) | 76mm (3 inches) |
| Tablet Weight | 200g ± 5g | 200g ± 5g |
| Available Chlorine | ≥ 90% | ≥ 70% |
| Chemical Formula | C₃Cl₃N₃O₃ | Ca(ClO)₂ |
| CAS Number | 87-90-1 | 7778-54-3 |
| UN Number | 2468 (Class 5.1) | 2880 (Class 5.1) |
| pH (1% solution) | 2.7 – 3.3 | 10.0 – 11.0 |
| Dissolution Rate | 5–7 days (pool temp 25°C) | 3–5 days (pool temp 25°C) |
| Stabilizer (CYA) | Yes (~55%) | No |
| Shape | Round tablet, beveled edges | Round tablet, beveled edges |
| Color | White | White to off-white |
| Odor | Characteristic chlorine | Characteristic chlorine |
Why 3-Inch Tablets Are the Standard Choice
The 3-inch (200g) tablet has become the industry standard for pool chlorination for several practical reasons:
Extended Dissolution Time: At 200 grams, a single 3-inch TCCA tablet dissolves over 5–7 days in typical pool conditions (25°C water temperature, moderate circulation). This means pool operators only need to add tablets once per week, significantly reducing maintenance labor.
Universal Compatibility: 3-inch tablets fit all standard floating chlorinators, automatic in-line chlorinators, and skimmer baskets. This universal fit makes them the default choice for pool service companies managing multiple accounts with different equipment.
Cost Efficiency: Larger tablets have a lower surface-area-to-volume ratio, resulting in slower, more controlled dissolution and less chlorine waste. Bulk purchasing of 200g tablets also reduces per-unit packaging and shipping costs compared to smaller sizes.
Consistent Chlorine Delivery: The slow dissolution rate ensures a steady release of free chlorine, maintaining the recommended 1–3 ppm residual without the dangerous spikes that can occur with granular or liquid chlorine dosing.
Dosing Chart for 3-Inch Chlorine Tablets
| Pool Type | Pool Volume | Tablets per Week | Target FC Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Residential | 5,000–10,000 gal (19–38 m³) | 1 tablet | 1–3 ppm |
| Standard Residential | 10,000–20,000 gal (38–76 m³) | 1–2 tablets | 1–3 ppm |
| Large Residential | 20,000–40,000 gal (76–151 m³) | 2–3 tablets | 1–3 ppm |
| Commercial Pool | 40,000–100,000 gal (151–379 m³) | 3–6 tablets | 2–4 ppm |
| Large Commercial | 100,000+ gal (379+ m³) | 6+ tablets | 2–4 ppm |
Adjust dosing based on water temperature, bather load, rainfall, and sunlight exposure. Always use a reliable test kit to verify free chlorine and pH levels.
TCCA vs. Calcium Hypochlorite 3-Inch Tablets: Which to Choose?
| Factor | TCCA 90% | Cal Hypo 70% |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Outdoor pools (UV exposure) | Indoor pools, drinking water |
| Stabilizer | Built-in CYA protection | No stabilizer (won't build CYA) |
| pH Effect | Lowers pH (acidic) | Raises pH (basic) |
| Dissolution Speed | Slower (5–7 days) | Faster (3–5 days) |
| Calcium Hardness | No effect | Increases (may need monitoring) |
| Cost per kg Cl₂ | Lower | Higher |
Packaging Options for 3-Inch Tablets
- Bulk: 25kg / 45kg / 50kg fiber drums with moisture-proof inner liner
- Retail pails: 5kg, 10kg, 25kg plastic buckets with sealing lid
- Individually wrapped: Foil-wrapped tablets for retail brands (custom printing available)
- Private label: Custom branding, labels, and packaging design
Storage & Handling
Store 3-inch chlorine tablets in their original sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep temperature below 30°C (86°F) and protect from direct sunlight. Never store near acids, ammonia, fertilizers, or organic materials. Do not stack more than two pallets high. Shelf life: 24 months (TCCA), 12–18 months (Cal Hypo) from manufacturing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many 3-inch chlorine tablets do I need for a 15,000-gallon pool?
For a standard 15,000-gallon residential pool, use 1–2 TCCA 3-inch tablets per week. Start with 1 tablet, test free chlorine after 48 hours, and adjust upward if levels fall below 1 ppm. In hot weather or heavy use periods, 2 tablets may be needed.
Q: Can I break 3-inch tablets into smaller pieces?
While technically possible, breaking tablets is not recommended. Fragmenting increases the surface area, causing rapid dissolution and chlorine spikes. It can also create sharp edges that damage chlorinator components. For smaller pools, use 20g or 50g tablets instead.
Q: Why are my 3-inch tablets dissolving too quickly?
Fast dissolution is typically caused by high water temperature (>30°C), excessive pump run time, or a chlorinator set to maximum flow. Check your chlorinator flow setting, reduce pump speed if possible, and ensure tablets are not exposed to direct water flow.
Q: Do you offer individually wrapped 3-inch tablets for retail sale?
Yes. We manufacture individually foil-wrapped 200g tablets for retail brands worldwide. Custom packaging includes branded wrappers, multi-packs, and display-ready retail buckets. MOQ for custom retail packaging is typically 5 tons.
Q: What is the difference between 3-inch and 1-inch chlorine tablets?
3-inch tablets (200g) are designed for pools 10,000 gallons and larger, dissolving over 5–7 days. 1-inch tablets (20g) are meant for smaller pools, spas, and hot tubs, dissolving in 1–2 days. The chemical formulation is identical — only the size and dissolution rate differ.
