The calculator treats ppm as mg/L in water. It first converts your volume to liters, then calculates how many milligrams of available chlorine you need.
- Δppm = target − current
- mg needed = Δppm × liters
- grams available chlorine = mg / 1000
- grams trichlor = grams available chlorine ÷ (strength/100)
Trichlor contributes stabilizer over time. A common field rule is that adding 10 ppm chlorine from trichlor raises stabilizer by about 6 ppm.
- Estimated stabilizer rise ≈ 0.6 × Δppm
- Use this as guidance, not a lab value.
- Measure your tank, reservoir, or feature volume.
- Test current chlorine using a reliable kit or strips.
- Choose a target level appropriate for your use case.
- Enter trichlor strength from the product label.
- Submit to see grams, ounces, and optional tablet count.
- Dose gradually, circulate if possible, then retest.
| Volume | Current → Target (ppm) | Strength | Trichlor (approx, g) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 gallons | 1 → 3 | 90% | 4.21 | Small reservoir boost for clarity. |
| 1,000 liters | 0.5 → 2.5 | 90% | 2.22 | Split dose, retest after mixing. |
| 2,000 gallons | 2 → 4 | 88% | 17.21 | Monitor pH and stabilizer trend. |
Trichlor is a concentrated chlorine source that delivers a steady increase when water is circulating. This calculator converts your volume and chlorine target into an estimated product dose, helping you avoid guesswork. In garden reservoirs, dose control supports clearer water, reduced biofilm, and more predictable equipment performance for pumps and emitters.
Inputs that drive accuracy
Volume is the largest driver of error. A 10% volume mistake creates about a 10% dosing error. Current and target chlorine values set the required increase. Strength on the label varies by brand, so entering the correct percentage improves alignment with real-world results. Tablet weight is optional, but it converts grams into practical counts for maintenance schedules.
Interpreting the dose output
The primary output is grams and ounces of product needed to reach the target increase. When a tablet weight is provided, the calculator estimates tablet count, useful for feeders or floaters. For small tanks, use the split-dosing note: add part of the dose, mix, retest, and adjust to avoid overshooting.
Water balance considerations
Trichlor is acidic, so pH can drift downward after repeated use. Track pH and total alkalinity to keep water stable, especially where metal fittings, irrigation lines, or stone features are present. The calculator also shows a rule-of-thumb stabilizer rise estimate; stabilizer can accumulate over time and can reduce chlorine efficiency if it climbs too high.
Safe handling and workflow
Store product dry, sealed, and away from fertilizers, acids, and other oxidizers. Never mix different chlorine types in the same container. Dose when circulation is running, keep people and pets away during handling, and rinse tools after contact. Document your readings to refine future targets for your specific system.
FAQs
Many systems aim for 2–5 ppm, depending on organic load and sunlight. Start lower, test frequently, and adjust toward the minimum level that keeps water clear and odor-free.
Strength represents available chlorine. Higher strength means less product is needed for the same ppm increase. Entering the label value improves the dose estimate and reduces trial-and-error.
Either can work. Tablets suit slow-release feeders, while granular product is better for quick adjustments. If you enter tablet weight, the calculator estimates how many tablets match the calculated grams.
Stop dosing and allow levels to fall naturally with sunlight and time. Increase circulation and retest. Avoid adding neutralizers unless you understand the chemistry and the water will be used immediately.
Yes. Trichlor tends to lower pH and can reduce alkalinity over repeated dosing. Test pH after each adjustment, and correct gradually using appropriate buffering products and measured additions.
Recalculate whenever volume changes, water is replaced, or test readings shift. Seasonal sunlight and organic load can change demand, so updating inputs keeps dosing aligned with current conditions.