Non-Manufacturer Recommended Chlorine Tablets Used in Waters Systems Can Hurt More Than Your Equipment

Non-Manufacturer Recommended Chlorine Tablets Used in Waters Systems Can Hurt More Than Your Equipment

Using the correct chlorine tablets is not just a matter of equipment efficiency; it could also seriously impact your health and safety. Using the wrong tablets can produce harmful gases that not only deteriorate your equipment faster than usual but can pose a serious health risk to individuals operating the equipment or living near the system. 

A Sam's Marine Owners Forum post illustrates the importance of using only official manufacturer-recommended consumables in vessel equipment. 

In his post, Senior Forum Member Mike P tells the story of how a slight difference in chlorine tablets used in his water system not only began impacting the vessel's equipment but put him at a personal health risk, causing painful vision and respiratory symptoms.   

In his post, Mike shares that he faced a series of mysterious problems with the waste treatment system on their vessel after using a different type of chlorine tablet than the one initially recommended by the manufacturer. The switch from sodium hypochlorite to calcium hypochlorite tablets led to the corrosion of metal parts and the deterioration of plastic hoses, accompanied by a strong chlorine odor in the engine room and master stateroom.

The situation worsened when he experienced symptoms such as headaches, coughing, throat irritation, and eye discomfort, which they initially attributed to illness or allergies. However, after experiencing severe fumes upon opening the chlorine tablet container, they realized that the tablets they were using, trichlor, were causing the issues.

Mike discovered that trichlor tablets generated harmful fumes and reacted with metals and plastics on the boat, leading to the observed problems. To resolve this issue, Mike promptly removed the trichlor tablets, washed the container, and switched to using calcium hypochlorite as recommended by the manufacturer.

Mike now recommends caution when purchasing chlorine tablets, ensuring they only use the specified type and thoroughly inspecting the product before use. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of following manufacturer recommendations and being vigilant about potential chemical reactions on board a boat.

Matt Adams, Marine Sales CSR at H2O Inc., says, "It is tempting to use "pool chlorine tablets" in these systems because they are everywhere and easily accessible. But they can cause so many problems. They are just not worth it. H2O can make sure that you have the right tablets every time. We will ensure that your equipment is operating correctly, but more importantly, that you are safe."

At H2O Incorporated, we always recommend using official H2O Incorporated consumables for all water systems. Our commitment to quality and safety drives us to ensure that using our official consumables guarantees peak operational performance and the protection of your passengers and crew and their water systems. Marine enthusiasts can have peace of mind with our products, knowing they are using reliable and trusted consumables designed for their water systems. 

Our dedication to providing the best solutions for marine environments is unwavering. We stand behind our official consumables as the ideal choice for ensuring safe and efficient operations, once again illustrating that we care not only about the environment but also about the people using it.

Contact one of our marine experts today for more detailed information on the benefits of using H2O Inc. consumables. To explore a wide range of products, visit our website at https://webstore.h2oinc.com/.