Lithium Hypochlorite in Pools: All You Need to Know

Lithium Hypochlorite is an unstabilized, inorganic compound that appears in granular form. It provides 35% available chlorine and 29% active strength. In a 1% solution, it raises the pH to 10.8.  Lithium Hypochlorite, also known as Lithium Hypo, is a white powder or granule with a high pH (10.8). It provides 35% available chlorine and does not contain stabilizer (cyanuric acid or conditioner). It is manufactured by mixing chlorine gas with caustic soda and then with lithium hydroxide. It is a type of chlorine used for disinfecting swimming pools and is known for its high available chlorine content. It’s highly soluble and dissolves quickly when spread over the pool’s surface, making it suitable for vinyl-lined or dark plaster pools.

What are the Chemical Properties of Lithium Hypochlorite?

Lithium Hypochlorite has 28% available chlorine. It requires 3 oz of Muriatic Acid per lb as a pH neutralizer. It increases TDS by 35% per 10,000 gallons, including the neutralizer, resulting in a 16 ppm increase. It has a pH of 10.8.

What are the Characteristics of Lithium Hypochlorite?

Lithium hypochlorite is non-flammable, dust-free, and does not cloud the water or cause scale. It dissolves quickly and can be added directly to any pool. However, it cannot be used in a dry chlorine feeder or floater due to its fast dissolving nature.

Is Lithium Hypochlorite stable?

Yes, Lithium Hypochlorite is stable. It can be stored for up to 2-3 years .

What is the Solubility of Lithium Hypochlorite?

The solubility of Lithium Hypochlorite is 430 grams per liter at 77° F (25° C) and 1 atm. This means that it is extremely soluble in water. When it is broadcast, it usually dissolves before reaching the bottom of the pool.

How much Chlorine is in Lithium Chlorine?

Lithium Chlorine, also known as Lithium Hypochlorite, contains either 28% or 35% available chlorine. This equates to about 14% or 17.5% chlorine by weight. The final lithium hypo product contains roughly 30% LiOCl, 34% NaCl, 20% NaSO4, and 15% other inert ingredients, resulting in about 18% chlorine or approximately 36% available chlorine.

Where is Lithium Hypochlorite used?

Lithium Hypochlorite is used for disinfecting swimming pools. It is suitable for use in all types of pools including white plaster, colored plaster, vinyl liner, fiberglass, acrylic, and painted pools. It is also used for regular and super chlorination.

How is Lithium Hypochlorite Used?

Lithium Hypochlorite is used for regular and super chlorination. It is a primary sanitizer and disinfectant, oxidizer, and algaecide. It also provides a lasting residual. It provides 28% FAC per lb for 10,000 gallons. The recommended FAC level is 7.5% of CYA, with a minimum of 5.0% of CYA. For superchlorination or shock, use 10 ppm and hold for 4 hours.

What Happens When Lithium Hypochlorite is Added to Water?

When lithium hypochlorite is added to water, it reacts to produce hypochlorous acid, lithium ion, and hydroxide ion. This reaction can also be described as lithium hypochlorite and water yielding hypochlorous acid and lithium hydroxide, which then ionizes into a lithium ion and a hydroxyl ion.

How to increase Chlorine in the pool with Lithium Hypochlorite?

To increase Chlorine in the pool with Lithium Hypochlorite, it should be added separately to the pool water, either by broadcasting or pre-dissolving. Adding 3.4 ounces of 28% or 4.2 ounces of 35% lithium hypochlorite per 10,000 gallons of water will increase the chlorine level by 1 ppm.  Lithium Hypochlorite is a dry, granular chlorine compound that is rapidly and completely soluble, making it suitable for superchlorination. It provides either 28% or 35% available chlorine. When introduced into pool or spa water, it reacts and increases the chlorine level. It’s highly soluble and dissolves quickly when spread over the pool’s surface. However, due to its relatively low active strength and high cost, it is not widely used in commercial pool facilities. Its quick dissolution makes it ideal for use in vinyl-lined, fiberglass, or painted pools.

What are the Benefits of Lithium Hypochlorite?

The benefits of Lithium Hypochlorite include its stability, high solubility, and its effectiveness as a sanitizer and disinfectant. It is also known for its high available chlorine content and does not cloud the water or cause scale.  Lithium Hypochlorite is a stable compound that can be stored for up to 2-3 years. It is highly soluble, dissolving quickly in water, which makes it suitable for regular or superchlorination. It is typically added to water by broadcasting. This compound is non-flammable, dust-free, and does not cloud the water or cause scale.

How Can You Test Lithium Hypochlorite?

You can test Lithium Hypochlorite weekly using DPD, FACTS, TMP Test Kit or Test Strips. OTO is not recommended. The testing should be done more frequently if the pool is heavily used.  Lithium Hypochlorite is a type of chlorine used in pools and it’s important to regularly test its levels to ensure the water is safe and clean. The recommended testing methods include DPD, FACTS, TMP Test Kit or Test Strips. However, OTO is not recommended for testing Lithium Hypochlorite. If the pool is heavily used, it’s advised to test more frequently.

How to store Lithium Hypochlorite?

Lithium Hypochlorite can be stored up to 18,000 lbs in a non-sprinklered area and up to 36,000 lbs in a sprinklered area. It falls under the NFPA Storage Class I and is classified as a 5.1 DOT Hazard Class.  Lithium Hypochlorite is a stable compound and can be stored for up to 2-3 years. It is important to follow the storage requirements as it falls under the NFPA Storage Class I. According to this classification, it can be stored up to 18,000 lbs in a non-sprinklered area and up to 36,000 lbs in a sprinklered area. Additionally, it is classified as a 5.1 DOT Hazard Class, indicating that it is an oxidizing substance and can cause or contribute to the combustion of other material.

Is Lithium Hypochlorite and Lithium Hypo the same?

Yes, Lithium Hypochlorite and Lithium Hypo are the same.  Lithium Hypochlorite, also known as Lithium Hypo, is a white powder or granule with a high pH (10.8). It provides 35% available chlorine and does not contain stabilizer (cyanuric acid or conditioner). It is used for disinfecting swimming pools and is known for its high available chlorine content. It is manufactured by mixing chlorine gas with caustic soda and then with lithium hydroxide.