Using Bleach to fight algae

[greggpica]

Bleach is 6.5% chlorine and liquid chlorine is 13% chlorine. Calhypo is 65% chlorine. Bleach is the same thing just not as strong

[chem geek]

Bleach is 6.5% chlorine and liquid chlorine is 13% chlorine. Calhypo is 65% chlorine. Bleach is the same thing just not as strong

Once it is in the water, the chlorine is IDENTICAL from all sources. When you say it's "just not as strong" it would be more accurate to say "it's just not as concentrated". That means that by weight you have to use more to get the same amount of chlorine. However, bleach and chlorinating liquid are mostly water, but are also much less expensive per pound because you are getting mostly water. If you compare prices based on the amount of chlorine, then they are inexpensive and Cal-Hypo is roughly comparable while Trichlor, at 90% available chlorine, is actually more expensive due to the pH Up product you need to use to compensate for pH.

In other words, don't be fooled by the Available Chlorine percentage. See this post for a true cost comparison of chlorine sources.

Richard

[Will_marx]

Hi Jack Sparrow,

Most of the pool professionals use the 30ppm chart found at the Taylor test kit booklet. That's the guide I use on all my pools (that's what i do for a living). Unless you already have a high level of chlorine you should aim at 30ppm. Stay away from using the pool until levels of chlorine are back to normal (1 to 5ppm). Now, this is used to treat a "green" pool. If all you have is a bit of algae on the steps or benches just brush it off and go with the 10 or 15 ppm. BTW the chlorine is more effective on lower pH (7.2) or even lower but remember to bring it back up after your treatment is done and BEFORE swimming.
I hope it helps