Why You Shouldn’t Put Chlorine Tabs in the Skimmer Basket
It seems convenient—but it could be costing you more than you think.
The Problem with Tabs in the Skimmer
Many pool owners drop chlorine tablets directly into the skimmer basket, thinking it’s a quick and easy way to sanitize the pool. While it does introduce chlorine into the water, it’s one of the most damaging habits for your pool system. Here’s why:
1. Highly Acidic Water Damages Equipment
When your pump is off, the chlorine tablets continue to dissolve in the still water sitting in the skimmer. This creates a concentrated, acidic solution that sits in the skimmer housing and gets pulled directly into the pump and filter when the system turns back on.
Damage it can cause:
Corrosion of metal parts (like pump seals and impellers)
Deterioration of pool heaters and heat exchangers
Weakening of PVC pipes and glue joints over time
2. Shortens the Life of Your Pool Pump
That rush of highly chlorinated water entering the pump first thing in the morning can degrade the pump internals over time. Even top-tier pumps aren’t made to handle direct exposure to undiluted chlorine.
Signs of damage include:
Early pump failure
Leaks at seals
Strange noises or decreased performance
3. Wears Down Your Skimmer and Plumbing
The skimmer itself isn’t designed to hold acidic or highly chlorinated water for long periods. Over time, tabs sitting in the basket can warp plastic, discolor components, and weaken your plumbing’s longevity.
4. Poor Chlorine Distribution
Chlorine tabs in the skimmer don’t distribute evenly. They primarily sanitize water that’s moving through the pump, not the entire pool.
The result?
Poor circulation = inconsistent sanitizing
Areas of your pool may develop algae or scale
A Better Alternative: Use a Floating Chlorinator or In-Line Feeder
To maintain balanced water chemistry without damaging your pool equipment, we recommend:
Floating Chlorinators: Keep tablets moving and dissolving evenly across the surface.
In-Line or Off-Line Chlorine Feeders: These install after the filter and safely introduce chlorine without harming sensitive equipment.
Photo of a floating chlorinator in a clear pool, labeled as the better choice.
Final Thoughts
Putting chlorine tabs in your skimmer might seem like a harmless shortcut, but it can cause serious damage to your pool system over time. At Primal Pool Care, we’ve seen firsthand the cost of this common mistake—from worn-out pumps to premature plumbing failure.
If you’re unsure how to properly chlorinate your pool, we’re here to help. Let us test your water, inspect your system, and guide you to a better sanitizing solution.