Pool Math Question

[madgreen]

I am a new gunite pool owner and was looking through the pool math chart. My pool builder has me using sodium hypochlorite 10% for chlorine. I don't see that chemical on the chart for choices. Any ideas on what I use on the calculator? Any help is appreciated. My test kit is basic, of only chlorine and PH, but I am getting a better kit to use to test the other items such as CH, TA etc.

 

[Richard320]

Welcome!

Sodium Hypochlorite is bleach. Just plug 10% in for the strength instead of the default.

Someone else from Hurricane just joined a few weeks ago.

 

[smackdab]

In the FC row (yellow row) over to the right change the "6" to a "10" and you got it. It will say "10 trade"

Add of % bleach. Jug size 96 oz.

 

[tim5055]

Welcome to TFP!

Well, I can assume he has you using a liquid - Sodium hypochlorite is the fancy scientific name for chlorine/bleach. The stuff you use for you washing machine "bleach" comes in multiple concentrations, but generally you can find it on the label, like 6% or 8.5%.

It's stronger cousin is called chlorinating liquid and generally comes in higher % such as 10% or 12.5%. It may be labeled as pool shock, shock, liquid shock or something like that. Many time this is sold in reusable containers called carboys. As there is no label, you need to ask what the strength is.

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Wow, three of us were,typing an answer at the same time!

 

[madgreen]

thanks so much for all the help

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So one can use just standard household bleach? Just pay attention to the strength?

 

[Texas Splash]

Yep! Generic is fine as well. Just make sure it's regular. No scents, no splash-less stuff. Good-ole common household bleach. Also watch the Julian date on the container. Some stores try to sell old stuff that may be losing its strength.

 

[madgreen]

Does it matter that I started off with 10% and then if I want I can buy just standard household bleach, just know the % of the product?

thanks

 

[Texas Splash]

Doesn't matter at all. Just make sure if you're using the Poolmath calculator to modify the % block so your numbers come-out right.

 

[pooldv]

Any percentage is interchangeable at any time. They are all chemically the same, just different percentage.

 

[Richard320]

Does it matter that I started off with 10% and then if I want I can buy just standard household bleach, just know the % of the product?

thanks

Yep. Many people do the math and figure out the cost per percent-ounce and buy whatever's cheapest. Sometimes it works out that the 12.5% from the pool store is the best bang for the buck, sometimes it's a sale at the grocery store.

A tip: if they're ashamed to post the strength, you don't want it.

 

[madgreen]

Is there a reasonable place to buy bleach and muriatic acid that you know of? Thanks for all the help. A great place to learn information.

 

[Texas Splash]

Many of us get generic bleach from places like Wal-Mart or the common grocery store. Muriatic acid can be found at the pool store, home improvement store, etc. Someone who is from Utah may have even more specific ideas.

 

[Divin Dave]

bleach at any supermarket, Walmart, costco, etc..
Muriatic at Home Depot, Lowes in the paint department. Ace Harware stores and others I cant remember the name of .

Muriatic Acid comes in 2 strenghts. 31.45 and about 14.5 ish. The low strength stuff is also called "green" because of the low strength and usually cost just as much or more than the strong Muriatic Acid. Stay away from teh "green" stuff. Get the strong stuff, as that is the best bang for the buck.

Is there a reasonable place to buy bleach and muriatic acid that you know of? Thanks for all the help. A great place to learn information.

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FInally, a PB who recommends using the right stuff. Very rare anymore these days.

My pool builder has me using sodium hypochlorite 10% for chlorine.