Log in

View Full Version : Switching to Bleach?



JimSentry
07-13-2006, 04:22 PM
OK after reading of all the virtues of plain old regular bleach I think I'm ready to try it.

But How?

Right now I have an Automatic Chlorinator That I stuff with 3 inch tabs about once per week. My pump runs 7AM - 7PM 7days per week.

If I go regular chlorine how much do I put in and when should I run my pump.

Pool gets minimal use on weekends since it is just for my wife and I.

It is a 16x32 IG vinyl woth 8ft walkout steps.

CToon
07-13-2006, 04:55 PM
Hi Jim ,

Have you tested for your CYA level ? It is important to know so you can figure out where you need to keep your CL levels at.

Have you downloaded MWsmiths Bleach Calculator ? It will tell you how much bleach you need to achieve CL levels

One caution about rellying on the pucks to chlorinate the pool . Pucks can quickly raise the CYA in the pool to a point it becomes a problem. trust me I know

JimSentry
07-13-2006, 05:10 PM
Thanks for the quick reply.

I found that site bit I don't know how to use it. The length of my pool is 32ft, the Chlorine Strength is 6 I gather and the desired PPM is 5.

I don't know what the quantity should be.

My CYA was high but I've been adding more water lately in an effort to get it down.

Any examples of how this is calculated?

Thanks

JimSentry
07-13-2006, 05:16 PM
I guess L means Litres not length so I need to find a gallon to litre conversion chart

prh129
07-13-2006, 05:20 PM
Hi Jim,

First, go to More Calcs and click on Pool Volume. Put in the dimensions of your pool in the box that fits the pool description (rectangular etc). The settings tab in More Calcs lets you choose between litres and gallons.

Now you can go back in the main screen and enter your pool volume and your bleach strength. In the Chlorine section of the forum, you will find Ben's Best Guess chart for figuring out the chlorine level you need based on your CYA level. Find your target chlorine level and look at your free chlorine test reading to see how much you need to raise your chlorine level up (in ppm). Put this number in the program and hit calculate and it will tell you how much bleach you will need to add to your pool to make that happen. Hope this helps.

Peter

CToon
07-13-2006, 05:27 PM
to change the calculator to Gallons go to More Calcs in upper left , go to settings ,click imperial (its u.s gallons ) you can also put in pool volume and bleach values.. save and close

if you dont know the pool volume , the calculator has a thing for that too. bleach strenght is almost always on the bottle ( generic store brand dont always)


oops prh beat me too it ;)

JimSentry
07-13-2006, 05:33 PM
Thanks Guys

I think I got the volume right. So we just pour the Liquid Bleach in the skimmer in the evening after everyone has stopped using the pool. Then run my pump all night long.

From other threads I've read it seems Clorox is 6% and that's what I've used in the calc.

prh129
07-13-2006, 06:41 PM
Jim,

You can either pour the bleach in the skimmer, in the pool in front of the return jet or dribble around the perimeter of your pool. In any case you shouldn't need to run your pump for more than an hour or so afterward to circulate the chlorine - you don't need to run it all night (unless you want to).

Ultra bleach is usually 6%, and regular bleach is usually 5.25%. There are also some bleaches out there that are only 3% so you should check the label - it should tell you somewhere on there.

Peter

JimSentry
07-13-2006, 07:59 PM
Thanks Peter

I currently run my pump from 7AM-7PM and my water has been crystal clear.

I was thinking that changing it to 7PM-7AM is better since that would be the time I am adding the Clorox.

Does that make sense?

fcfrey
07-13-2006, 10:19 PM
[QUOTE=CToon]to change the calculator to Gallons go to More Calcs in upper left , go to settings ,click imperial (its u.s gallons ) you can also put in pool volume and bleach values.. save and close

You should know --- an Imperial Gallon =1.20095 US Gallon ---- THEY ARE NOT THE SAME!!!!

KurtV
07-13-2006, 10:46 PM
Jim, I recommend that you not add bleach directly to the skimmer. When you do, relatively undiluted bleach can reach your inline chlorinator and have disasterous results (like an exploding chlorinator). I understand that this can happen even if you empty the chlorinator of pucks and is probably likely if you don't empty it.

On your pump run times, you're probably better off to split your pump runs into two or even three different segments instead of one big twelve hour stint.

JimSentry
07-13-2006, 10:51 PM
Won't pouring straight Clorox into the pool and onto the vinyl liner bleach the color out of the vinyl faster.

CToon
07-13-2006, 10:53 PM
fcfrey

I would have let this slide and had this thread continue on with helping Jim , but since you have chosen to point me out and YELL at me what an Imperial GALLON is , my good sense is just going to take a back seat on this one and so be the consequences...

I KNOW WHAT AN IMPERIAL GALLON IS !!!!!!!

I was pointing it out specifically because the program says imperial , however uses U.S gallons for the computations. thank you very much

In case you didnt know before this , CAPS are considered yelling on internet forums . And in almost all circumstances considered in poor taste and/or known to raise the ire of the person you direct it at. So the next time you feel the need to impart your wisdom upon me by yelling it at me , do me a favor and just move along quietly

KurtV
07-13-2006, 10:57 PM
Won't pouring straight Clorox into the pool and onto the vinyl liner bleach the color out of the vinyl faster.

Jim,
You can just dribble it a little bit at a time into the water while moving around the pool to make sure the bleach is diluted as you add it. Alternatively, you can pour it very slowly into a return stream which will dilute and distribute it pretty quickly.