Emergency: Accidentally Used Windshield Washer Fluid instead of Liquid Chlorine!

[Ted C.]

First timer, all-time idiot for sure. Moved into this home recently and decided to switch to TFP liquid chlorine method, etc. Used TFP method to drain and replace at the same time thousands of gallons to lower CYA to appropriate level. Bought a dozen gallons of liquid chlorine, and in the mess of a garage in the process of being arranged, grabbed windshield wiper fluid instead of the new chlorine. Earlier today I poured in three quarts of the windshield wiper fluid. Discovered the error this evening when I went to check the chemistry.
Of course I am horrified as well as embarrassed, but I assume someone on this forum can help me. I know how toxic windshield wiper fluid is, and I assume I should not run the pump or put any more chemicals in the pool at this point. I assume the entire pool and spa should be completely drained and refilled. The problem is, the temperatures here in Texas are more than 100° at present. I wonder if there is some service that would pump all the water out of the pool quickly in the morning or evening, and then replace it quickly as well.
Thank you for your help.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
I doubt 3 quarts of windshield wiper fluid would predicate draining the pool. Post a picture of the ingredients.
I would maintain my FC based on CYA level and let the system consume the contaminants. Chlorine will likely render it moot quickly.
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[JJ_Tex]

Just tell people you found a new way to clean your pool lights

As Marty said, make sure you have a good amount of chlorine in the pool and between the pool and filter you should be fine. I also noticed this is your first post. Welcome and also know our chlorine recommendations are different and generally higher than what you get from the "pro's" at pool stores.

 

[Ted C.]

Thank you for your speedy replies. After being concerned and reading up rather than sleeping last night, I do see that most windshield washer fluids contain methanol which seems likely to degrade quickly. The bottle itself does not list the ingredients except that it contains methanol (67-56--1). I'm trying to call Rain-X who makes this product to get their take on it, but I've not gotten through to them yet. But since it's a 16,000 gallon pool, My guess from my reading about methanol is that your advice about adequate chlorination should take care of things. I'm grateful for your responses again and for TFP.

 

[cwswifty]

Not sure what product you were using but you can likely find more information here: Safety Data Sheets - Rain-X

 

[Ted C.]

Thanks! I looked through all those safety data sheets and there was no mention of this particular windshield wiper fluid: Rain-X All Season 0°F 2-in-1 De-Icer & Bug Remover Windshield Washer Fluid. Each time I try to call their phone number for chemical spills, it just rings through to the Rocky mountain Poison control center. So I have submitted an email ticket to them and hopefully they will respond.