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After buying a pool, it’s time to take good care of it. At this point, there are a lot of questions about what products to buy and for what purpose. Many of us who don’t even own a pool know that chlorine is used for maintenance. At the same time, it is often mentioned that Clorox bleach is also used in the pool.
However, not everyone knows how to use it, the difference between bleach and chlorine, and whether or not you can use regular household Clorox bleach in the pool.
We’ve analyzed all of the most popular questions regarding the use of Clorox bleach in the pool and answered the following questions:
- Why use Clorox pool bleach?
- What is the difference between bleach and pool chlorine?
- How much Clorox bleach should be added to the pool?
- How often should you use Clorox pool bleach?
- Is it safe to use it?
Let’s get started.
Clorox bleach in the pool: Is It a Water Poison or a Useful Cleaner?
We suggest you start with a short theory. A swimming pool is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. There are three reasons for this:
- Heat. Bacteria are more active in water that has a bathing temperature (72-90°F).
- Debris. Outdoor pools are often left open and filled with leaves. Leaves and other debris are great food for bacteria.
- Sunlight. It stimulates algae growth.
It sounds like there will always be bacteria in the pool and you will never be able to deal with it. However, that’s not entirely true. In such cases, you need to use a product that can kill bacteria and algae. Any chlorine-containing product is great for this role, including your Clorox household bleach.
The chlorine particles break down the bacteria cell wall and then kill them. However, it is very important to follow the correct proportions and safety precautions, because chlorine can also harm your pool. Excessive dosing can result in low pH levels, the occurrence of plaque on the pool surface, and the appearance of skin irritation in pool users.
Verdict:
In the right proportions and with proper safety techniques, it is a useful cleaner. Otherwise, it can harm both you and your pool.
Clorox Bleach vs Pool Chlorine
We have already mentioned before that any chlorine-containing products are suitable for pool cleaning. The main ones are chlorine and bleach. However, what is the difference between them?
Clorox household bleach and pool chlorine have the same chemical composition, the main element is chlorine. The only difference is that its concentration is different. Clorox bleach contains 5-6% while pool chlorine – 10-12%.
From this, you can conclude that you will need twice as much bleach as chlorine to clean your pool. However, other factors affect this, which we will tell you more about below.
Are Pool Chlorine and Clorox Bleach the Same Chemicals?
In addition to concentration, chlorine and bleach have other differences. You can find the former in tablets and liquid form. The difference is that the chlorine in the tablets or calcium hypochlorite also contains a stabilizer. This option best protects the chlorine from being destroyed by sunlight.
Calcium hypochlorite (chlorine tablets) has the highest concentration of chlorine, but it is a special product for cleaning swimming pools. It may not be available when you need it, unlike Clorox bleach or liquid chlorine which are usually at home for surface cleaning and disinfection.
We’ve prepared a comparison chart of these 3 products for your convenience.
Is Clorox Bleach Cheaper than Pool Chlorine?
To find out which chemical is cheaper, you need not just compare the price of Clorox bleach, liquid chlorine, and calcium hypochlorite per unit of product. Each chemical has a different cost, chlorine concentration, and requires a different dosage to add to the pool.
So we will take a pool of 10,000 gallons of water for comparison and write down how many ounces of each chemical need to shock the water at once. Then we will calculate the cost per use of the product and compare those numbers with each other.
We’ve taken the prices for the most popular products for each type of chemical from Amazon.
As we can see, the cheapest is calcium hypochlorite. It is 2.6 times cheaper than Clorox and 3.5 times cheaper than liquid chlorine. However, it has two disadvantages:
- The initial cost. It is 18 times more expensive than Clorox and 9.5 times than liquid chlorine. Not everyone is willing to pay that amount of money on a regular basis.
- Versatility. Clorox is literally in everyone’s home since bleach is often used for stain removal, disinfecting, and so on. However, calcium hypochlorite is a specific product that should only be purchased for pool cleaning.
Pros & Cons of Using Clorox Bleach in the Pool
The most important advantage of Clorox bleach is its availability. You can find it in every store in the department of household chemicals and on every marketplace on the Internet. What’s more, bleach can already be in your home and you will not even need to buy it, because this chemical is often used to disinfect surfaces and for cleaning.
It’s also worth noting the shelf life of Clorox. The concentration of chlorine does not drop for 1 year, while liquid chlorine decreases by at least 60% in 6 weeks.
As for the disadvantages of using Clorox in the pool, they are associated with a high pH, which is 12.5. As we know, the allowable pH for a pool is 7.2-7.8. If this figure is much higher, you can start to have mold in your water. Also, chemicals will be less soluble. In this case, you can use muriatic acid to lower pH.
❗️❗️ Important:
We recommend that you use pH test kits when adding chemicals to your pool. This will allow you to control the pH and prevent an excessively acidic/alkaline environment.
Pros
- Always on hand. Available in almost all stores.
- Price. A gallon of Clorox is 2 times cheaper than liquid chlorine and 18 times cheaper than calcium hypochlorite.
- Versatility. In addition to disinfecting the pool, it will also be useful in the home because it is used for disinfecting surfaces and cleaning.
- Shelf life. Does not lose the concentration of effective chlorine within 1 year.
Cons
- Chlorine concentration. Clorox has 2 times less chlorine concentration than liquid chlorine and 10 times less than calcium hypochlorite.
- High pH. Because of the high pH of 12.5, you may experience increased alkalinity when added to the pool. In this case, you can use muriatic acid in order to effectively lower pH in your pool.
How to Use the Clorox Bleach in the Pool?
To effectively kill bacteria in your pool with Clorox, it is worth following certain conditions and an algorithm of action.
One of the main conditions is to perform the procedure in the evening. It is because during this time of day UV light is less dangerous for chlorine, which under its influence decays. It is also important to note that no one should swim in the pool during the disinfection.
Next, you need to follow the algorithm listed below.
- Check the pH level. It must be between 7-7.8. If it is lower, you will have to use more chlorine as the increased acidity increases the consumption of chemicals. If the pH is greater than 7.8, the chlorine will not dissolve well in the water and its effectiveness will be close to zero.
- Measure the water volume in your pool.
- Measure the water temperature. It should be between 50-86°F. Clorox dissolves more slowly in cold water and too warm water can cause a caustic odor.
- Pour the required amount of Clorox bleach into the pool and stir the water.
- Allow your pool to soak for 3 hours. If the water is still green after that time, repeat the procedure.
- When the water is clear, you need to check the chlorine content. It should not exceed 1.0-5.0 ppm. You can use test kits that have chlorine level meters.
How Often Do I Need to Use Clorox Bleach in the Pool?
Depending on the quality of your pool water, you can apply regular or shock treatment with Clorox bleach.
- Regular. If your pool water is not green, you can chlorinate it 1-2 times a week. Measure the chlorine level in your pool with test kits beforehand. It should not exceed 1-5 ppm.
- Shock. Shock chlorination is a procedure in which a double or triple dose of chlorine is used to kill a large number of bacteria at once. This treatment should be done in two cases. In the first case, you need to do it once at the opening of the swimming season. In the second case, when the water in your pool has a green color and an unpleasant smell. In this case, you need to increase the dose of bleach by 2 times. After that, you can switch to regular therapy.
How Much Clorox Bleach Do I Need to Use in my Pool?
To know how much Clorox bleach you need to add to disinfect the pool water, you need to know two important things.
- The chlorine concentration. The concentration of chlorine is mentioned on the Clorox packaging. It can range from 5% to 6%.
- The volume of the pool. Usually, it is listed on the pool itself. If you don’t know it, you will need to calculate it.
❗️❗️ Important:
You can learn more about how to measure the amount of water in your pool in this article.
Below we will give you a table detailing how much Clorox bleach you need to add to your pool to raise the chlorine level by 1 ppm.
If you have added too much Clorox bleach to the water, you can do the following:
- If your pool is outside, you can leave it in the sun for 10-12 hours. The UV light will neutralize most of the chlorine in the water.
- Drain some of the water and add a new one. You can do this until the test kit shows an optimal chlorine value of 1-3 ppm.
- Use a chlorine neutralizer, which is sold at specialty pool chemical stores.
- Use highly centered hydrogen peroxide (>60%). It is an antiseptic that can effectively kill bacteria. Highly-concentrated hydrogen peroxide can destroy even chlorine.
Is It Safe to Use Clorox Bleach?
Clorox Bleach is safe for use in water. However, problems can occur if you add too many chemicals. Below we list what this can lead to.
- Occurrence of plaque on the pool surface. White deposits may appear on the walls and floor of your pool. In this case, you can use products to remove white, lime, grease, and other types of plaque.
- Low pH level. The high concentration of chlorine in the water lowers the pH level. This increases the acidity of the environment, which can lead to the corrosion of equipment and pool walls. Frame pools and inflatable pools may also begin to have fading paint.
- The appearance of irritation in pool users. Swimmers who bathe in water with high concentrations of chlorine may experience skin and eye irritation, dry hair and skin, and allergic reactions.
Must-know Cautions Before Using Clorox Bleach
Before pouring Clorox Bleach into the pool you need to know the cautions for use. It is a chemical that can harm your health if used incorrectly.
- Avoid getting bleach on metals, nylon, wool, and silk. It can cause discoloration or corrosion.
- Avoid getting bleach in your eyes. If it does come into contact with your mucosa, you should rinse your eyes and see a doctor within 15 minutes.
- Avoid using bleach with other chemicals. It can cause a dangerous chemical reaction.
- Store bleach in a dark, cool place. When exposed to sunlight and heat, the substance releases a toxic gas that can cause respiratory tract burns.
- After the expiration date, the chlorine begins to decompose and lose its properties. Read the expiration date carefully before using, otherwise, the substance will be ineffective.
- If you dilute Clorox bleach, you need to use it within 24 hours. It is because diluted chlorine decomposes faster.
Summary
Clorox bleach in the pool is used to fight against bacteria and algae. It is essentially the same as liquid chlorine, because they have the same active ingredient, only in different concentrations. The bleach contains 5-6% chlorine, and the second chemical contains 10-12%.
You can use Clorox to disinfect your pool water, but you will need to add more of it than other chlorine-containing products. It is also important to calculate the proportions correctly to avoid overdosing, which can cause damage to the pool and harm your health.
All aspects concerning the use of Clorox bleach in the pool have been indicated in our article, and by reading them you will understand what it is, how to use it, how much to add, whether it is safe, and what are the cautions before using it.
Take care of your pool and it will give you an unforgettable vacation.
FAQ
🙋♂️ Can I use regular Clorox bleach in a swimming pool?
You can use Clorox bleach to disinfect your pool. Also in our article, you can find out how much to add for a certain volume of water.
❓ Is Clorox bleach the same as pool chlorine?
Clorox bleach and pool chlorine are essentially the same substances. The difference is that Clorox has 5-6% chlorine and the latter has 10-12%.
🧭 How long after putting bleach in the pool can you swim?
You need to wait about 3 hours, measure the chlorine level, and if it does not exceed 5 ppm, you can bathe.
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FAQs
How much Clorox bleach do I put in my pool? ›
Maintain 0.5–1 ppm of available chlorine
Re-test the chlorine level in the water each day you use the pool, and when necessary add 1 teaspoon Clorox® Bleach per 100 gallons of water; retest to ensure the correct level of available chlorine is achieved. Empty small pools daily.
There's a protocol when using Clorox® Regular Bleach2 for swimming pool disinfection. On an ongoing basis, if you super-chlorinate the pool with 100-200 oz. bleach per 10,000 gallons of water, in addition to regular chlorination, algae growth can be prevented.
How much bleach do I need for a 1000 gallon pool? ›A general rule of thumb to shock chlorinate and disinfect a storage tank is to mix non-scented NSF-approved household bleach (5.25% chlorine) in the reservoir at the ratio of 1 gallon of bleach for every 1,000 gallons of water (i.e., 1 quart for every 250 gallons of water).
How much hypochlorite do I need to shock my pool? ›The formula for breakpoint chlorination using LIQUID chlorine (sodium hypochlorite): Volume of the pool in gallons, times 8.3 (weight of one cubic ft. water), times the combined chlorine level (total chlorine minus the free available chlorine) times 1.0 (lbs.
How much bleach do I put in a 150 gallon pool? ›The article estimates 2 ounces of bleach is needed for a 150-gallon pool. Always test your water to ensure a chlorine level of 1 – 4 part per million (ppm) chlorine.
How long after putting bleach in pool can you swim? ›Answer: Generally you will want to wait at least 4 hours, but ideal is waiting for one complete turnover of the water (the time it takes all the water to go through the filter).
Is Clorox bleach the same as pool shock? ›Swimming pool shock contains 12.5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) vs. 6-8.5% for Clorox (bleach). Some Clorox products go as high as 8.5%. At a 12.5% concentrate, liquid pool shock is approximately 2x's stronger than Clorox bleach.
How do you use Clorox in a pool? ›Clorox itself recommends using between 100 and 200 ounces of regular-strength bleach per 10,000 gallons of pool water -- one gallon is 128 ounces, and many bottles of bleach are available in one-gallon or half-gallon sizes. Pool professionals tend to recommend more conservative amounts of bleach.
How much bleach do I need to shock a 30000 gallon pool? ›It takes 1 ounce of chlorine in 7,500 gallons of water to equal 1 ppm. We will divide 30,000 gallons by 7,500 to get 4. It requires 4 ounces of chlorine to raise the parts per million of this example pool by 1. The pool already has a level of 2, so we will need to raise the level by 18 to reach our goal of 20.
What happens if I put too much bleach in my pool? ›Pool water that is too concentrated in bleach can become toxic, irritating the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract of swimmers.
How much bleach do I put in a 4000 gallon pool? ›
o Chlorine Tablet Pool: ONLY add 1lb per 4,000 gallons. Adverse Effects if Too Low: Chlorine levels will dissipate faster than usual. Adverse Effects if Too High: Chlorine level will “lock” at or above 10ppm.
How much chlorine do I need for a 15000 gallon pool? ›...
Chlorine Quantity for Pool Size.
| PRODUCT | Leslie's 3" Jumbo Tabs |
|---|---|
| 5-10K Gal. | 1 - 2 Tabs |
| 10-15K Gal. | 2-3 Tabs |
| 15-20K Gal. | 3 - 4 Tabs |
| 20-25K Gal. | 4 - 5 Tabs |
Both chlorine and bleach will release HOCL into the pool and it will do the job of sanitizing your pool. It can, therefore, be concluded that bleach can be used in your pool as a substitute of chlorine.
What is the cheapest way to shock a pool? ›Calcium Hypochlorite: Also referred to as cal hypo, this chemical is one of the least costly and most convenient ways to shock your pool. It's usually sold in granular form. Needs to be dissolved before you add it to the pool. Must be used after dusk.
How much shock do I need for a 200 gallon pool? ›Brominating Concentrate: Add 4 tsp. per 200 gallons. Buffered Spa Shock: Add 1 oz. per 300 gallons.
How much bleach should I put in a 100 gallon tank? ›Most RVers recommend 1 full cup of bleach for every 50 gallons of water tank capacity. Thus, if your water tank can hold 100-gallons of water, use 2 cups of bleach.
How much bleach do I use for 1500 gallons of water? ›For laundry bleaches: 1 gallon is required for every 1000 gallons of water, and there are 1500 gallons of water in the well. Therefore, 1 ½ gallons of laundry bleach is required to disinfect this well.
Which bleach is best for pools? ›Liquid chlorine
Household bleach is usually a 6% concentration (although some of the cheaper stuff is 3%), while pool chlorine can typically be found in strength between 10% and 12%. All of this is sodium hypochlorite, and works the same in sanitizing your water.
Granular chlorine when kept in airtight containers that are cool and dry can last for over five years, though when stored otherwise and exposed to humidity it can dissolve in under two years.
How long does chlorine bleach last in water? ›Bleach solutions will not be as effective after being mixed with water for over 24 hours.
Does bleach affect pool pH? ›
Liquid chlorine and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) have a pH of 11.0 to nearly 13.0 so it is logical to think that they will raise the pH of the pool water. The fact is that initially or upon addition liquid chlorine raises pH because sodium hydroxide (lye) is made.
How long does it take for Clorox pool shock to work? ›Fast dissolving formula works quickly so you can treat and swim in just 15 minutes.
Is pool bleach stronger than regular bleach? ›Answer: It is true that pool chlorine is stronger than bleach. For bleach and water to be the same strength as pool chlorine and water, you would have to adjust the ratio, increasing the bleach and reducing the water.
Which is better chlorine or shock? ›1) What is the difference between chlorine and shock? Do I need to use both? Chlorine is a sanitizer, and (unless you use Baquacil products) is necessary for maintaining a clear and healthy pool. Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly.
Why do pools need Clorox? ›Once the bleach is added to water, the hypochlorous acid molecule turns into a negatively charged hypochlorite ion and goes to work killing microbes and sanitizing your pool.
How much shock do I need for a 15000 gallon pool? ›In general, add one pound of shock to your pool for every 10,000 gallons of water.
Is bleach cheaper than shock? ›Liquid chlorine is less costly, unstabilized and comes in liquid form. Granular shock is stabilized and comes in a solid form that dissolves in your pool. Chlorine is the most cost-effective way to sanitize your pool.
How much liquid chlorine do I need for a 3000 gallon pool? ›6 ounces initially per 5,000 gallons and a a maintenance dose of . 75 ounces per 3,000 gallons every week. Initially you will need stabilizer to protect the chlorine from the sun.
Can you over shock a pool? ›Can you put too much shock in a pool? SKIMMER NOTES: It's unlikely but it could happen. It would take a lot of shock to really make the water unsafe for swimming. The best way to make sure you're safe to swim is to test your pool water and make sure free chlorine levels are between 1-4ppm for healthy swimming.
Will baking soda lower chlorine level in pool? ›She says: 'Contrary to popular belief, baking soda does not directly decrease the chlorine levels of a swimming pool, but aids in the neutralization process of chlorine. One of the high alkaline chemicals is baking soda and adding this to your swimming pool will increase the water's pH and alkalinity.
How many pounds of chlorine do I need for a 20000 gallon pool? ›
For example, using the table above, a 20,000 gallon pool would require 7.8 lbs of cal-hypo to increase the levels by 30 ppm. Check for proper water balance, especially pH in the range of 7.2–7.6, before adding the shock to the pool.
How much bleach do you use per gallon? ›Mix 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Wash surfaces with the bleach mixture. If surfaces are rough, scrub them with a stiff brush. Rinse surfaces with clean water.
How much bleach can I put in a 5000 gallon pool? ›Clorox is considered to be the most common bleach product that is used for pools. It has a 5.7% concentration, so if you have a 5,000-gallon pool, you will be using 3 cups or 24 oz to raise the chlorine levels.
What is the best way to chlorinate pool? ›The most effective way to chlorinate your pool is to do so with an automatic chlorinator. Simply put the chlorine tablets into the chlorinator and set it to the chlorine level needed. A precise quantity of product will be released in the water.
How much chlorine do I need to shock a 14000 gallon pool? ›Typically for granular shock, you'll need one pound for every 10,000 to 13,500 gallons of pool water.
How much chlorine does a pool need per day? ›Regardless of how frequently or what system you use to add chlorine to the water, the chlorine level should stay between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm) to maintain a healthy pool. Anything higher will make you run the risk of red eyes and swimmers itch.
How much bleach does it take to shock a 10000 gallon pool? ›Shock Dosage: 2 gallons of shock per 10,000 gallons of water.
Can I put bleach and shock in my pool at the same time? ›This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.
Will bleach clear up a cloudy pool? ›Bleach can potentially help clear up a cloudy pool – to an extent. Sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in bleach, acts as a biocide and can kill algae and bacteria that contribute to cloudiness.
Is bleach or chlorine better for pool? ›They are identical in every way, with the exception of strength. Household bleach is usually a 6% concentration (although some of the cheaper stuff is 3%), while pool chlorine can typically be found in strength between 10% and 12%. All of this is sodium hypochlorite, and works the same in sanitizing your water.
Is bleach stronger than pool shock? ›
Swimming pool shock contains 12.5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) vs. 6-8.5% for Clorox (bleach). Some Clorox products go as high as 8.5%. At a 12.5% concentrate, liquid pool shock is approximately 2x's stronger than Clorox bleach.
Can you over chlorinate a pool? ›Risks of Over-Chlorination. While slightly higher-than-normal levels of chlorine in your pool are harmless, exposure to an over-chlorinated pool can have adverse effects on your health and well-being. Excess chlorine can alter the pH level of the water in the pool, making it more acidic.
Can I use Clorox bleach instead of pool shock? ›Bleach is safe and the only chemical you should be using in your pool unless cleaning pool tile with baking soda. So yes, you can use bleach to keep your pool water chemistry balanced.
How do I make my cloudy pool water crystal clear? ›- Check your filter for worn or broken parts. ...
- Run the pump for at least 8 hours a day. ...
- Backwash the filter until a clear stream of water flows.
- Chemically clean your filter media with a filter cleaner.
- Empty any debris in the skimmer basket that may clog water flow.
Baking soda can work wonders in a pool. Baking soda can: Help to clear cloudy water and restore the sparkle. Spot-treat algae.