| Want to lower your pool heating bills and make pool care easy? Certain chlorine tablet manufacturers also include extra chemicals, like algaecides and clarifiers in their products. I have found these tablets useless. Youve probably seen this classic pool accessory a few times. If youve ever wondered how granular chlorine or powder chlorine is made, heres the big reveal. We also used the filter and net to help keep it clean. These tablets will dissolve slowly via a skimmer or a floating dispenser. Users can adjust the flow of water through the dispenser by twisting the base to open or close the flow vents. Its not advised to use chlorine tablets for household cleaning because they contain a high amount of chlorine that can damage toilets, sinks, and appliances. They hold your tablets depending on their capacity and slowly release the chlorine as it wanders over the pool. We may earn a small commission. The dispenser gradually releases the chlorine to the pool with little effort. So you would use 3 tablets for your 14,000-gallon pool. The number of tablets you need for your Intex pool will depend on the capacity. The chlorine can also cause strong odors in enclosed spaces that are harmful if inhaled in large doses. However, a single 1-inch chlorine tablet can only treat about 350 gallons of water. thanks, What size are these tablets? This AquaAce pool chlorine floater dispenser is easy to load with chlorine and can be used in any pool. Plus, with direct control over chlorine feed rate, you get the most value for yourdollar. If you agree, well also use cookies to complement your shopping experience across the Amazon stores as described in our Cookie Notice. Overall, 3-inch stabilized chlorine tablets are best for outdoor use, while unstabilized 1-inch tablets are ideal for small indoor pools and spas. You can enjoy a cool, refreshing dip in the Summer, or heat up the water for awarm and cozy swim in the Fall. It can be irritating to store a large bucket of chlorine tablets for months when the pool or spa is only large enough to use one or two tablets per week. I have a newyork lazy spa and a chem connect the tablets slowly disslove over 3 to 4 days but the test strips are turning dark purple, help ? Theyre a popular choice amongst pool owners because of how easy they are to use. Just use to refill the floating device once the tablets had completely dissolved( normally 3/4 days) More if I knew the pool was not going to be used for a few days. So lets do a quick rundown on chlorine tablets, and the best way to use them in your swimming pool. However, this 25-pound bucket of 3-inch chlorine tablets from HTH is made with a trichlor chlorine formula that can be used safely in saltwater systems, according to the manufacturer. The downside is the cost but the greatest outweighing advantage is that it gives you control over the feed rate. Should I just toss my chlorine tablets and forget about it till next week on the scheduled date? Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Salt Water & Chlorine Pool Costs | Whats cheaper? Properly maintaining pool water doesnt have to deplete your bank account. Can I use these tablets in a large water storage tank for use in a public building? Sometimes they have funny looking duck or animal on top, other times theyre blue and look like the one in the picture above. It all depends on the size of your pool. | I used the floating device every night with cover. when you toss, they might settle on the pool bottom and cause staining on the concrete or liner for efficient and even chlorination of the pool the tablets should be evenly distributed with the aid of a device. What do you mean how to add, why cant you just throw them in the water? That's Chlorine, ph, & Alkaline. Once you know how much water your pool holds it becomes easy to do your math with how many tablets to put. Normal chlorine levels in a pool run at between 1-3 ppm (parts per milligram). Want to know the best way to use them? The specific number of chlorine tablets you should add per week depends on the size of the pool and the size of the tablets. Leaving chlorine tablets on the bottom of your pool can cause permanent staining and bleach liners. Preferably the best method is to use a tablet chlorinator, a chlorinator delivers precise amounts of chlorine to the swimming pool water. The best way to avoid that is to run your pump on a schedule, or remove tablets once theyre mostly dissolved. The pool vacuum and filtration system cant do all the work to keep pool water clean and clear. If you have a single speed pump, switching to a variable speed pump can lower your energy bill and allow you to affordably keep your filter running. For product pricing, customization, or other inquiries. However, the tablets are not individually wrapped, so there may be some chipping and breaking. It sanitizes your water and kills the germs, bacteria, and other contaminants that would otherwise pose health hazards. Owning a pool comes with its share of fun and responsibility. As you know, chlorine is what sanitizes your pool and keeps it germ-free and safe. We had a 12ft and I use to put in at least 3 tablets in the floating container. This device is purchased separately and installed as a component of the pool filtration system. You can edit your question or post anyway. B2-20120091-4. However, users can still measure the broken chlorine tablets at a ratio of 1 pound per 10,000 gallons of pool water. Theyre the small plastic containers that float on the surface of your water. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Pool chlorine floater is a small plastic gadget that floats on the surface of your pool. No! From there, your pool pump does the rest of the work for you. And it doesnt require you to purchase anything other than the tablets themselves. A 3-inch tablet of chlorine weighs about 8 ounces (227 g), while a 1-inch weighs about 0.5 ounces (14 g). This 8-pound bucket of 1-inch trichlor chlorine tablets from Rx Clear is an effective method of treating bacteria and algae blooms in pool water. Lazada, Browse Alphabetically: These are helpful additions, but can always be added separately if needed later. So its much faster. For the best results, use this chlorine tablet dosage chart as a reference: To keep things easy, remember that a single 3-inch tablet can sanitize up to 5,000 gallons of water. One of the best ways to use chlorine tablets is actually one of the simplest. The table below summarizes how many tablets you need in your pool at a time. Hope that helps, how Many chlorine tablets would you put in a 120x72x22 paddling pool. So they dissolve slower and release sanitizer unevenly. As mentioned earlier, chlorine is what keeps your pool safe and swimmable. I purchased 20mg multi 4 in 1 tabs and put one in my floating dispenser for the spa. (Winterization), Unicorn Baby Pool 50in L x 40 in W x 27 in H, Swim Center Family Lounge Inflatable Pool 90 L x 90 W x 26 H, Swim Center Shootin Hoops Family Pool 101 in L x 74 in W x 51 in H, Rainbow Arch Spray Pool 58 in L x 51 in W x 34 in, SunShade Pool 62 in L X 62 in W X 48 in H, Rainbow Cloud Baby Pool 56 in X 47 in X 33 in, PlayBox Pools 33.5 in L X 33.5 in W X 9 in H, Swim Center Seashore Pool 103 in L X 63 in W X 18 in H, Swim Center Family Pool, 103 in X 69 in X 22 in, 5 ft X 10 in Fun at the Beach Snapset Pool, Swim Center Family Pool, 120 in X 72 in X 22 in, Beach Wave Swim Center Pool 90 in L x 90 in W x 22 in H, Clearview Aquarium Pool 62.5 in x 62.5 in x 19.5 in, Swim Center Family Lounge Pool 90 in L x 86 in W x 31 in H, Mandarin Swim Center Family Pool 90 in x 58 in x 18 in, 10 ft X 30 in Beachside Metal Frame Pool Set, 16 ft X 48 in Clearview Prism Frame Premium Pool Set, 18 ft x 48 in Greywood Prism Frame Pool Set, 15 ft X 48 in Greywood Prism Frame Pool Set, 20 ft X 10 ft X 48 in Prism Frame Oval Pool Set, 16 ft 6 in X 9 ft X 48 in Prism Frame Oval Pool Set, 16 ft X 8 ft X 42 in Prism Frame Rectangular Pool Set, Automatic chlorinators: automatically installed permanently into the water return line, Off-line chlorinators: are retrofitted to a pool on a separate line that is tapped off the main supply line and can easily be uninstalled. The tablets are placed in water and slowly dissolve over time to maintain desired pool chlorine levels. Related: 11 Simple Ways To Automate Pool Maintenance. It lasts approx 3/4 days before melting away. The table offers a guide on quantifying depending on your average pool capacity. This will differ depending on the size of your pool, the amount of use, the location of your pool, and the water balance. Each Intex pool comes in different sizes and varies from model to model. Chlorine tablets can emit a strong odor thats dangerous in enclosed spaces, so its important to close and store the container properly. The chlorine type is usually trichlor and they usually come in 1 and 3-inch sizes packaged in a bucket. (Answered!). Theyre usually installed at the end of your pool system, right after the heater and before the return line. Hi, Can anyone please confirm the chlorine content in each tablet? This guide will cover the important factors to consider when choosing the best chlorine tablets for your pool and review some of the top-rated products on the market. I Have not needed to use other chemicals so far. To recap, you typically only need around 2-4 per week, and using them is as simple as adding them to your skimmer. This amount of time is dependent on: Chlorine tablets can therefore last anywhere from 3-5 days meaning youll have to chlorinate your pool every week when using the tablet. So instead of doing that, here are 4 much better ways to add chlorine tablets to your swimming pool. Essentially, its a big container that you fill with chlorine tablets and includes aknob for adjusting feed rate. However, theyre not mean to be left dissolving on the floor of your pool. The trichlor chlorine tablets are made with a stabilizer, so the chlorine in the pool is resistant to UV radiation, reducing the production of harmful chloramines. It has a spot where you feed your tablets and a control knob where you can set your level of ppm (between 1 and 3). As your pool pump runs, water floats in through your skimmer line, past the pump, into the filter, through the heater, and back into the pool. As it begins mixing with the water, chemical breakdowns occur. Its necessary to test the water with a pool test kit to determine the pH and chlorine level in the water. Which is exactly why products like chlorine tablets exist. This allows manual control of the chlorine release to prevent its concentration in the water from growing too high. Of course, always remember to buy the right tablets for your pool size and set up. Use a floating chlorine dispenser that holds the tablet in a basket until it is fully dissolved. -Larry Pietrantonio | Satellite Beach, FL, -Chris Rogers | Falmouth, ME/Kissimme, FL, heat up the water for awarm and cozy swim in the Fall, Balance Your Swimming Pool Water in 7 Simple Steps, Top 7 Causes of Chlorine Loss & How To Prevent It, 11 Simple Ways To Automate Pool Maintenance, Balance Your Swimming Pool Water In 7 Steps, A Guide To Basic Pool Heat Pump Troubleshooting, Pool Heat Pumps & Solar Pool Heating: The Perfect Match, Pool Heat Pump Repair | Pool Heater Repair, Energy Saving Tips For Your Swimming Pool, Pool Time Max Blue 3 inch chlorine tablets, Swim Best 3 inch Trichlor chlorine tablets. So it mostly comes down to your pools specific needs and budget. Users can select from several different types of chlorine treatments to use in a swimming pool or spa, including sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, dichlor, and trichlor, the latter of which is the most commonly used treatment. Alipay Have a few questions about chlorine tablets? The stabilized formula resists degradation under direct sunlight, reducing the production of chloramines in the water. They sometimes get entangled on the skimmer or just get swayed and stick in a pool corner unevenly distributing the chlorine. Having the right chlorine levels will determine how safe and clean your pool is. BUT, as we mentioned earlier, there are right and wrong ways to use chlorine tablets, which well be getting to in just a minute. Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. The tablets worked well. The water circulates back via the return jets allowing the chorine even distribution. Is Antifreeze Necessary for Closing Your Pool? This allows you to have control of the quantity of chlorine dipping in your water and avoid chlorine wastage. These top picks represent some of the best chlorine tablets on the market, selected based on the abovementioned considerations, in addition to overall quality, to balance the chemical composition of pool water. So choose the tablets that fit your needs and budget. Sorry, there was a problem saving your cookie preferences. Warning: always use the recommended chlorine in your floater or chlorinator. Each tablet effectively treats about 10,000 gallons of water. The tablet chlorine contains an active component trichloro-s-triazinetrione which makes the chlorine highly available and at a slow rate, for its efficiency. Sometimes, theyll get stuck in one spot, or trapped in a corner. | Suppliers Below are some of the ways you can dispense your chlorine tablets. Only a few tablets are required in larger pools making it the better option. That's Chlorine, ph, & Alkaline. For a 10,000-gallon pool, you will need about 1.3 ounces of chlorine to attain 1 ppm. Clearwater Mini Multifunction Chlorine Tablets, 50 x 20g. Don't use tabs directly in spa as they will damage the unit and not in the spa when people are in it. Most chlorine tablets will do an equally good job at keeping your pool clean. I always used the strips to make sure the balances were ok. On that note, here are a few specific brands of chlorine tablets worth checking out (these arent sponsors or partners, just recommendations): Heres the question youve been waiting to get answered: How many chlorine tablets should you use? Please try your search again later. These trichlor chlorine tablets include a stabilizer that helps reduce chlorine breakdown caused by UV radiation, keeping the pool water balanced and safe over a long period of time. Heres a little formula to remember:Rounded up Pool Size/5,000=number of chlorine tablets needed. These chlorine tablets are also slow to dissolve, making them a good option for distribution through the pool skimmer or an automatic tablet dispenser. The tablets contain stabilizers and are perfect to be used in outdoor pools. The rate of dissolution depends on the amount of time its in contact with pool water. Different types of chlorine are not compatible together. 7 Easy Ways To Lower Chlorine in Your Swimming Pool, 21 Pool Maintenance Mistakes That Are Wasting Your Time & Money, Salt Water Pool vs Chlorine Pool: Cost, Differences, Maintenance, Get access to exclusive swimming pool tips, special offers, and members-only news, Medallion Energy 3055 Tech Park Way Deland, FL 32724 407-786-0000, Hours Mon-Fri: 8am 7pm Saturday: 9am 5pm Sunday: By Appointment, Service Areas Anywhere in the United States and throughout Florida.Orlando, Longwood, Miami, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, St Cloud, Tallahassee, Daytona Beach, Davenport, Windermere, Clearwater, and the rest of North, South, and Central Florida, Too Much Chlorine in Your Pool? When you stop running the pump, check out and remove removing the partially-dissolved tablets. This site is owned and operated by AJH Trade Group. Stabilized chlorine contains CYA, which helps it last much longer, and work properly even in sunlight. Chlorine tablets are a safe, effective, and affordable way to sanitize your pool. I would use a floating dispenser if its in a hot tub. However, you can use a pool test kit to help maintain a 1 to 3ppm (parts per million) concentration of chlorine in the pool water. But for those of you who want the nitty gritty details, here they are: Chlorine s sanitization process starts when it enters your pool. Automatic dispensers typically have a set rate that will dissolve a chlorine tablet within 2 to 5 hours depending on the size, though users can adjust these devices to increase or decrease the dissolving speed. As water is drawn into the skimmer it passes over your tablets it dissolves and gets drawn into the filtration system. (Learn more about how chlorine works here). Chlorine tablets are a necessary addition to maintain most swimming pools, along with pool pumps and filters. This is the most common challenge with chlorine tablets. Clorox Pool&Spa Active99 3" Chlorinating Tablets, Rx Clear 1-Inch Stabilized Chlorine Tablets, In The Swim 3 Inch Stabilized Chlorine Tablets. A pool that looks clean, isnt necessarily clean to swim in. Finally, load an automatic chlorine dispenser with a tablet and set it for a specific chlorine level. Each 3-inch tablet can treat up to 5,000 gallons of water on average, though weekly pool chemistry testing is still recommended to maintain appropriate chlorine levels. When you use chlorine tablets this way, most of the chlorine gets wasted, and you end up having to use even more. However, not everyone knows how they work or how to use them. We also use these cookies to understand how customers use our services (for example, by measuring site visits) so we can make improvements. I Have not needed to use other chemicals so far. | If you use smaller 1-inch tablets or use Dichlor tablets, then you will need to increase the number of tablets. This is in contrast to unstabilized products that can degrade under the suns glare, releasing harmful chloramines into the water that cause eye redness and skin irritation. Using them the wrong way can damage your pool, and waste your money which are two great reasons to keep reading this post. It lasts approx 3/4 days before melting away. As we seek to have a quick read through this post, well get to what chlorine tablets are and how best to apply them in our pools. (Answered!). Can I use the tablets with no slow releaser? Together, they keep your water germ free and safe for swimming in a variety of situations. I check the water with 3 in1 test strips to check each time I use it. On the other hand, 1-inch tabletscontain far less chlorine (about half as much as 3-inch tablets), so theyre better suited for smaller indoor pools and spas. Both compounds actively sanitize your water by oxidizing the contaminants in your pool. Its important to note you can only dispense via this method when your pump is running. While liquid chlorine is an option, chlorine tablets offer a convenient alternative because they are premeasured and dissolve over time without significantly increasing chlorine levels in any one section of the pool. Unstabilized chlorine doesnt contain any CYA at all, which reduces its effectiveness and leaves it completely vulnerable to burning away in the sun withinhours. For efficient dispensation always round off your pool to 5,000-gallon capacity. This can cause them to chip, crack, or break during transit, leaving powder, granules, and small pieces of chlorine tablet at the bottom of the bucket. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to get started. Try again. Your question may be answered by sellers, manufacturers or customers who bought this product. Ive tried to look it up but Im not certain. All rights reserved. While the chlorine wont last as long this way, itll work faster perfect for last minute water sanitizing. Hello does anyone know how many tablets you add to the floating dispenser and how often for a lazyspa hot tub, also do you need any other chemicals? Intellectual Property Protection Chlorine tablets usually come in just two sizes: small tablets that measure 1 inch in diameter and larger tablets that measure 3 inches in diameter. The beauty of floating dispensers lies in their simplicity. Find answers in product info, Q&As, reviews. The label does have instructions on. Tablets sitting at the bottom of your pool are nowhere near your pools skimmer line. Chlorine is a common additive in swimming pools and hot tubs that kills algae spores, bacteria, and small insects. Which means four tablets are enough to sanitize a 20,000-gallon pool. If your pool is outdoors, choose stabilized chlorine tablets. On average, one 3-inch chlorine tablet will treat between 5,000 and 10,000 gallons of water, depending on the manufacturer. Theyre quite strong tablets. So if you have a 14,000-gallon pool, youd round up to 15,000 gallons. You may already be using one now. - User Information Legal Enquiry Guide, 1999-2022 Alibaba.com. or do i have to wait a while? So if youve ever wondered how its possible for a bunch of people to swim in a single rectangleof water without anyone getting sick, you can thank chlorine for that. Just use to refill the floating device once the tablets had completely dissolved( normally 3/4 days) More if I knew the pool was not going to be used for a few days. So while using a floating dispenser is much better than using nothing at all, its not the BEST way to chlorinate your pool. This will work for Intex Kiddie Pools, Intex Easy Set, Intex Metal Frame, and Intex Prism Frame. But floating dispensers arent perfect. In the chart below we cover how many chlorine tablets (trichlor) are needed to keep your pool sanitized to 2-3 ppm. Please make sure that you've entered a valid question. Would these be suitable and if so, how many do we need to use / how often? Thats what theyre made for. Generally, one ounce of chlorine (28.35 g) will give you 1 ppm for 7,500 gallons (34,096 L) of water. For answers to these concerns and more, take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about chlorine tablets. Despite the lethality to microorganisms and insects, the water remains safe for humans as long as the chlorine level remains between 1 and 3ppm (parts per million) and the pH balance of the pool water is consistently between 7.2 and 7.8. If the tablets are chipped or broken, users may need to estimate the treatment based on weight with 1 pound of chlorine tablets per 10,000 gallons of water. Chlorine tablets take a couple of days to be completely dissolved. I purchased 20mg multi 4 in 1 tabs and put one in my floating dispenser for the spa. EC201-782-8. Both sizes can be used in skimmers, floating dispensers, and automatic chlorine dispensers, so focus on choosing the right type based on the size of the pool. So if youve ever wondered if its OK to put chlorine tablets in the skimmer, the answer is yes. If you don't use enough you will get algae. While its designed to block out and contain loose surface debris, like leaves and bugs, its also great for dispensing chlorine. Because no one wants to swim in a dirty backyard pond. If you don't use enoug, We had a 12ft and I use to put in at least 3 tablets in the floating container. Can i remove the chemconnect with these in and get straight in a lay-z-spa if the ppm, ph etc is ok? Adding chlorine tablets to a pool is relatively easy with a skimmer, an automatic tablet dispenser, or a floating tablet dispenser system. For now, lets talk about the different types of chlorine tablets youll find at the pool store. This refers to a specific ingredient, known as cyanuric acid (CYA), which helps to shield chlorine from burning up under the sun. Instead of choosing a bulk product, consider this 1.5-pound container of Clorox chlorine tablets. Click Customise Cookies to decline these cookies, make more detailed choices, or learn more. You have the skimmer already so all you need is to buy the tablets. This special piece of equipment gives you precise control over how much chlorine is fed into your water. It is made of strong, durable plastic and features 15 flow vents that are fully submerged, allowing water to slowly dissolve the tablets over several hours. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. See our article here for more info: Can You Mix or Switch Chlorine Types? When selecting a chlorine dispenser for the pool, consider the convenience of a floating dispenser. In fact, you already have all the equipment you need. Most swimming pools will need one 3-inch trichlor chlorine tablet every 3-5 days to maintain chlorine levels. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. And a pool is the perfect spot for get-togethers, and spending time with family and friends. - Here Are 7 Easy Ways To Lower Pool Chlorine, 7 Things Every Florida Pool Owner Should Know In 2021. Seemingly clear water can be filled with micro bacteria and other contaminants. So that means skimming the water, scrubbing the walls, vacuuming the floor, cleaning the filter, and so on. 33010002000092 The 3-inch tablets are the most popularly used, less expensive, and easy to handle. For instance, youll notice that certain tablets arelabeled as either stabilized or unstabilized. The chlorine tablets are individually wrapped with easy-to-open plastic packaging that helps prevent dust, chips, and small broken pieces from falling to the bottom of the bucket. There you have it -everything you need to know about using chlorine tablets. Label state they are 20g chlorine tablets containing trichloroisocynuric acid, dry UN 2468. They require less work to disperse and are thus are cost-effective in terms of time and money. They are the simplest to use. Youll also need to test for the appropriate pH level, keeping it between 7.2 to 7.8 to ensure the water is safe for swimming. Privacy Policy AJH Trade Group also participate in other affiliate programs. Select the department you want to search in. Keep the water clean and clear with this 50-pound bucket from In The Swim that contains approximately 80 3-inch tablets. Theyre designed to gradually dissolve, releasing chlorine into your water as they get smaller and smaller. Most chlorine tablets are packaged together in a large bucket or container, but many manufacturers also individually wrap the tablets to help prevent them from breaking, cracking, and crumbling in transit. | Showroom 1688.com Using different chlorine could cause an explosion. Finally, the most important part of this post how to add chlorine tablets to your swimming pool. Beyond size, there are also a few other differences between chlorine tablets when it comes to ingredients. We use cookies and similar tools that are necessary to enable you to make purchases, to enhance your shopping experiences and to provide our services, as detailed in our Cookie Notice. I have a 10ft Bestway pool I have the 20g multi function tablets how many tablets do I need to use to maintain the right reading on the dip sticks. AJH Trade Group Australia Pool Equipment | Pool Lifestyle | Pool Heating | Pool Maintenance | Pool Problems, Can You Mix or Switch Chlorine Types? And thats because most brands use the same, or similar ingredients in their products. The label does have instructions on. With a constant stream of water running through it for most of the day, your skimmer offers the perfect spot for both distributing and dissolving the chlorine from your tablets. But, if you want to actually enjoy your pool, then you have to keep it clean right? . Even if individually wrapped tablets do break, the dosage remains consistent instead of having to measure out the powder, crumbs, and chips from the bottom of the container. There is no indication from the manufacturer that the tablets are individually wrapped. Yes, despite their simplicity, there are right and wrong ways to use chlorine tablets. If left sitting for a few days, the tablets can create an area of highly concentrated, chlorinated water, which can be corrosive to pool equipment and pipes. The number of tablets you need at a time in your pool all depends on your pool capacity. To calculate how many chlorine tablets to add to your swimming pool, first round your pools size (in gallons) to the nearest 5,000th. So if you ever need to quickly chlorinate your pool and are pressed for time, you can crush a few tablets into a fine powder and spread it across your pool. Of course, where you put them matters, hence this entire post. This will help avoid corrosion of your lines from the highly chlorinated water stuck on the filtration lines. The 3-inch chlorine tablets break down at a slower rate than the 1-inch chlorine tablets, while tablets placed in the skimmer are reliant on continuous water flow through the filtration system to break them down. But that still leaves the other side of pool care. Read on for more tips to make an informed decision about which option would work best for maintaining the chlorine level in your pool. Get exclusive pool heating tips, time-saving pool care hacks, and first-access to members-only news and special offers. The dissolving speed of a chlorine tablet can be difficult to determine based on product information alone because factors like application method, water temperature, water pressure, and the size of the tablet can impact the amount of time it takes to break down.