I've been having a hard time keeping the chlorine levels in range in our spa. Never thought it would be so difficult but the main problem seems to be widely variable levels of chlorine in bleach. They're all over the place and the label and the manufacturer are no help. I never realized it was such a rapidly degrading product. It was helpful to come across the formula on this site for testing bleach without any other variables by diluting in water and using the FAS-DPD test. Some folks said that the test could have big errors but I tested a new bottle of Walmart Pool Essentials 10% and got a reading of exactly 10%. Clorox 6% came in at 3% and I was surprised to find Cloralen Mexican bleach which doesn't list strength came in at 4%. No wonder I'm not getting consistent results with Pool Math.
The trouble with bleach
- Thread starter canman47
- Start date
You can check the Juilien date on the chlorine bottles to make sure you are getting fresh product. Also try to avoid product stored in the heat or direct sunlight. Indentify a couple of brands you like and try to stick with those so bleach strength will be predictable.
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,112
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
What she said
Also the clorox products all now have cloromax in them so they should be avoided.
If you’re feeling the constant bleach additions are a hassle you could go the drop in swg route. I have one & only need to add bleach after extended/heavy bather sessions.
Also the clorox products all now have cloromax in them so they should be avoided. If you’re feeling the constant bleach additions are a hassle you could go the drop in swg route. I have one & only need to add bleach after extended/heavy bather sessions.
Yes, I've learned to read the dates. It goes downhill fast. The Clorox from Costco was 135 days old and had lost half its' strength. At Walmart the single gallons were only 14 days old but the 2 packs were 50. When I used bleach just for laundry a gallon might last a year. It was probably just water by then!