---
title: "What Is Sanitizer? Pool Glossary | Marina Pool Services"
description: "A sanitizer is a chemical that kills germs in pool water, and in most pools it is chlorine. Plain-English pool glossary from Marina Pool Services in Grapevine..."
url: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/sanitizer
publisher: Marina Pool Services
phone: +1-817-896-1120
quote: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact
---

Water chemistry

# Sanitizer

A sanitizer is a chemical that kills germs in pool water, and in most pools it is chlorine.

A sanitizer keeps the water safe to swim in. Most pools use chlorine, from tablets, liquid, or a salt system. Some use bromine or other systems, often alongside chlorine.

CDC calls out a minimum [free chlorine](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/free-chlorine) of 1 ppm for public pools. Your sanitizer must stay up all day, which is hard in North Texas sun. That is why [stabilizer](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/cyanuric-acid) matters. If your sanitizer reads low often, check the feeder, the stabilizer, and the pump run time.

[Marina can helpPool Maintenance Services](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/our-services/pool-maintenance-services)

## Related terms

-   [Free chlorine](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/free-chlorine)
-   [Oxidizer](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/oxidizer)
-   [Salt chlorine generator](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/salt-chlorine-generator)
-   [Cyanuric acid](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/cyanuric-acid)

## Sources

1.  [CDC Healthy Swimming: Operating and Managing Public Pools, Hot Tubs and Splash Pads](https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/toolkit/operating-public-pools-hot-tubs-and-splash-pads.html)

## Need a hand with your pool?

Call or text and tell us what your pool needs. Estimates are free for qualifying services, and same-day estimates are possible when the schedule allows.

[Call (817) 896-1120](tel:+1-817-896-1120)[Get a quote](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact)

![A pool technician working on an equipment pad](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/_astro/technician-equipment-pad.BW5xZMNY_Zum1K5.webp)