Chlorine Comparison: Liquid Lithium Hypochlorite vs Dichlor
When it comes to spa sanitation, two common chlorine types are often compared: Liquid Lithium Hypochlorite and Granular Dichlor (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate). While some promote liquid lithium as superior — even claiming it’s the “only chlorine suitable for hot water” — the reality is more complex.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two sanitising agents actually compare — chemically, practically, and financially.
🧪 Chemical Comparison
| Feature | Liquid Lithium Hypochlorite | Granular Dichlor (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | LiOCl in water | NaCl₂C₃N₃O₃ |
| Form | Liquid solution | Dry granular |
| Available Chlorine | ~8–12% | ~56–62% |
| Stabilised (CYA) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| pH Level | ~10.5–11.0 | ~6.0–6.5 |
| Effect on pH | Raises pH slightly | ✅ Lowers pH slightly |
| UV Resistance | ❌ None | ✅ Built-in |
| Calcium Added | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Dissolving Speed | Instant (already liquid) | Fast-dissolving |
| TDS Contribution | Low to moderate | Moderate (adds CYA) |
| Shelf Life | Shorter; degrades faster | Long, stable if kept dry |
| Dangerous Goods | Liquid DG (Class 8/5.1) | Dry DG — easier to store/ship |
| Cost per Effective Dose | 💸 Expensive | 💲 Cost-effective |
🛑 Why We No Longer Stock Liquid Lithium Hypochlorite
We previously stocked Bonds Liquid Lithium Hypochlorite, but have discontinued it due to:
- High cost per dose
- Inconsistent chlorine strength between batches
- High shipping costs and restrictions as a liquid Dangerous Good
- Severe packaging issues — we experienced an ~80% leak rate
It also didn’t compare well to the dry lithium hypochlorite we stocked in the past, which was far more stable and effective — but that product is no longer available in the Australian market and is unlikely to return.
✅ Why Dichlor is Still Our Recommended Choice
Dichlor (sold under brands like SpaCare, Zodiac, Iluka) is our go-to choice for spa sanitation:
- High strength chlorine (~60%) in a small dose
- UV-stabilised — ideal for outdoor spas
- No calcium added — safer for hard water areas
- Reliable and cost-effective
Even if the chlorine level reads low the next day, the job is done. Clear water and no smell means the contaminants were neutralised. Don’t chase high chlorine readings — aim for balance.
🧠 Spa Maintenance Still Matters
Whether you use dichlor or another sanitiser, crystal-clear spa water depends on consistent water care:
- Test and balance pH regularly
- Maintain Total Alkalinity (TA)
- Test Calcium Hardness
- Drain and refill the water periodically to prevent Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Cyanuric acid buildup
- Shock regularly to oxidise organic waste
💬 Final Thoughts
Liquid lithium hypochlorite may sound attractive, especially in warm-water systems, but in practice it’s weaker, more expensive, less stable, and harder to store than modern alternatives.
Dichlor remains the smarter choice for everyday spa sanitation — powerful, balanced, and dependable.
Brands of dichlor we recommend: Spacare, Iluka, Zodiac, Theralux
Have questions about chlorine or spa water balance? Contact our expert team — we’re here to help.