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How Long Should a FROG® Bac Pac® or Cartridge Last?

A woman holds a Pool FROG Bac Pac beside an in-ground pool on a sunny day.

How long your FROG Bac Pac or Cartridge lasts depends on which part of your FROG system you’re talking about: the minerals or the chlorine.

How Long Do FROG Sanitizing Minerals® Last?

Every FROG pool system uses a Mineral Reservoir or Mineral Cartridge containing FROG Sanitizing Minerals®. For swimming pools, FROG Minerals last six months or one pool season, whichever is shorter.

If you live in a colder climate and remove your FROG Minerals before the six-month mark when closing your pool, don’t save them for next season. Once removed, they will not be effective the following spring. Discard the used Mineral Reservoir or Cartridge and start with a new one when you reopen your pool.

How Long Does a FROG Chlorine Bac Pac or Cartridge Last?

The lifespan of your chlorine Bac Pac or Cartridge can vary from pool to pool. Several factors affect how quickly chlorine is used, including:

  • Pool size and water volume
  • Pump and filter run time
  • Water temperature
  • Whether your pool is covered
  • How often the pool is used

Of these factors, pool use can have one of the biggest impacts. For example, a 24-foot round above-ground pool used by four people every day will typically go through chlorine faster than the same-size pool used by two people once a week.

How Can You Make Your FROG Bac Pac or Cartridge Last Longer?

If your chlorine Bac Pac or Cartridge seems to be running out faster than expected, there are a few things you can try:

  • Lower your dial setting. When using FROG Minerals, you only need to maintain a chlorine level of 0.5–1.0 ppm.
  • Adjust your pump run time. If your pump runs 24 hours a day, your FROG system is also dispensing chlorine throughout that time. Using a timer to reduce your daily pump run time, when appropriate for your pool, may help extend cartridge life.
  • Try a larger eyeball fitting in your return jet. This can decrease back pressure and reduce the amount of chlorine delivered by your FROG system.

Once you know how long a chlorine Bac Pac or Cartridge typically lasts in your pool, set a reminder on your phone, so you know when it’s time to check or replace it. Better yet, download the FROG Water Care® App to keep track of your water care and receive helpful reminders.


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