Is It Time to Ditch Trichlor? Bob Lowry Weighs In

Ever wondered why your chlorine test reads fine but algae still shows up? We pull back the curtain on the hidden math behind tablets, explaining how cyanuric acid quietly slows chlorine and why a “set-and-forget” trichlor program can turn into a chemistry treadmill. You’ll learn the simple 5% rule—keep free chlorine at roughly five percent of your CYA—and see how that single ratio restores predictability and keeps water safe.

We dig into the side effects most people miss: trichlor’s low pH and its impact on alkalinity, the need to correct for CYA when calculating carbonate alkalinity, and the way weekly consumption can add around 25 ppm CYA per month. Then we tackle a critical safety topic: switching to calcium hypochlorite tablets. Mixing cal hypo with trichlor—even residue in a feeder—can create heat, toxic gases, and an explosion within minutes. We share real-world incidents, what causes them, and the exact precautions pros use to avoid disaster. You’ll also get practical storage and handling tips to prevent gassing from humid buckets and stagnant feeders, plus clear steps to open containers safely.

• why trichlor’s CYA load weakens chlorine
• the 5% chlorine-to-CYA rule for clear water
• the feedback loop that drives CYA higher
• trichlor’s acidity pushing down pH and TA
• correcting alkalinity by subtracting a third of CYA
• hazards of mixing trichlor and cal hypo
• safer handling, storage, and opening practices
• feeder gas risks and how to avoid them
• cost and availability trends for trichlor
• building a stable, low-drift maintenance plan
• resources, classes, and coaching for pros

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