Septic System Additive

What type of chlorine do I need to use?

When disinfection of secondarily treated wastewater effluent is required and you are using chlorine tablets it is important that you use chlorine tablets that are made from calcium hypochlorite and is certified for wastewater disinfection by the EPA. They are very reactive and will kill 99% of bacteria present in the effluent within 10 minutes.

You can find these tables at your local hardware store or at septic supply stores. They are commonly referred to as Septic Tablets.

WARNING: DO NOT use swimming pool chlorine tablets in your disinfection system.

The chlorine in these tablets are made from trichlorisocyanuric acid. Swimming pool tablets dissolve more slowly than septic tablets and do not thoroughly disinfect the effluent.

Additionally, there is a danger of explosion using swimming pool tablets since the tablets will release an explosive gas called nitrogen chloride due to the fact that they are not totally immersed in water at all times while in use.

The EPA does not approve swimming pool tablets for wastewater effluent disinfection.