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Pool chlorine calculator
The CDC recommends at least 1 ppm of free chlorine in pools, and at least 2 ppm when the pool uses cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine products.
To raise 10,000 gallons by 1 ppm
| Product | Amount |
|---|---|
| Liquid chlorine, 10% | 13 fl oz |
| Liquid chlorine, 12.5% | 10 fl oz |
| Plain bleach, 6% | 21 fl oz |
| Plain bleach, 8.25% | 16 fl oz |
| Cal-hypo shock, 65% | 2.1 oz |
| Cal-hypo shock, 73% | 1.8 oz |
| Dichlor, 56% | 2.4 oz |
| Trichlor, 90% | 1.5 oz |
Check the label: liquid chlorine sold as 10% and bleach sold as 6% or 8.25% differ a lot, and both lose strength in storage, especially in heat. Old bleach can be far weaker than the label suggests.
Scented or splash-less bleach
Use plain, unscented bleach only. Scented, thickened and "splash-less" versions contain additives you do not want in a pool.
Add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals, one at a time, with the pump running. Wear gloves and eye protection, and never mix products.