Can You Clean Pool with Bleach? Safe Methods & Alternatives

Tools & Supplies Needed

Find on Amazon: Taylor K-2006 Pool Test Kit , Pool Liquid Chlorine , Clorox Unscented Bleach

Quick Answer

Yes, you can use household bleach to clean your pool, but only unscented, pure sodium hypochlorite bleach. However, liquid chlorine specifically designed for pools is more economical and effective. Both contain the same active ingredient but in different concentrations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Bleach in Your Pool

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Bleach

1. Select only unscented household bleach containing 5.25-6% sodium hypochlorite
2. Avoid bleaches with additives, fragrances, or colorants
3. Check the label to ensure sodium hypochlorite is the only active ingredient
4. Verify the concentration percentage on the bottle

Step 2: Test Your Current Water Chemistry

1. Use a reliable test kit like Taylor K-2006 to measure current free chlorine (FC) levels
2. Test pH levels - should be between 7.4-7.6 for optimal chlorine effectiveness
3. Check total alkalinity (TA) - target 80-120 ppm for regular pools
4. Measure cyanuric acid (CYA) levels to determine proper chlorine target

Step 3: Calculate Bleach Dosage

1. For 6% household bleach: Add 1 gallon per 10,000 gallons of pool water to raise FC by 1 ppm
2. For 5.25% household bleach: Add 1.15 gallons per 10,000 gallons to raise FC by 1 ppm
3. Multiply by your desired FC increase - typically 2-4 ppm for regular maintenance
4. Use the FC/CYA chart to determine your target FC level based on CYA reading

Step 4: Add Bleach Safely

1. Pour bleach directly into the deep end of the pool with pump running
2. Never mix bleach with other chemicals
3. Add bleach in the evening to prevent sun degradation
4. Walk around the pool perimeter while pouring to distribute evenly
5. Allow circulation for at least 30 minutes before retesting

Step 5: Retest and Adjust

1. Wait 30-60 minutes after addition before testing FC levels
2. Retest pH as chlorine addition can raise pH slightly
3. Add muriatic acid if pH exceeds 7.6
4. Continue monitoring FC levels and maintain appropriate levels based on CYA

Why Pool Liquid Chlorine is Better Than Household Bleach

Cost Effectiveness

Pool liquid chlorine typically contains 10-12.5% sodium hypochlorite compared to household bleach's 5.25-6%. This higher concentration means you need less product and often pay less per pound of available chlorine. A gallon of pool liquid chlorine treats approximately twice as much water as household bleach.

Purity and Consistency

Pool-grade liquid chlorine is manufactured specifically for water treatment with consistent concentrations and minimal additives. Household bleach may contain stabilizers or other compounds that aren't ideal for pools, even when labeled as "unscented."

When Bleach Makes Sense

Household bleach can be useful in emergency situations when pool stores are closed or for small above-ground pools where convenience outweighs cost. It's also readily available at grocery stores and can work for shock treatments when you can't find pool chlorine.

Safety Considerations

Never mix bleach with other pool chemicals, especially acids or other chlorine products. This can create dangerous chlorine gas. Always add chemicals separately with the pump running and wait between additions.

Store bleach in a cool, dark place as sodium hypochlorite degrades quickly in heat and sunlight. Old bleach loses potency and won't effectively sanitize your pool.

SLAM Method with Bleach

If your pool is green or cloudy, you can perform the SLAM (Shock Level And Maintain) method using household bleach. Raise FC to shock level based on your CYA reading and maintain that level 24/7 until you pass the overnight chlorine loss test and achieve crystal clear water.

For CYA of 30 ppm, maintain FC at 12 ppm during SLAM. This requires frequent testing and bleach additions every few hours, making liquid pool chlorine more practical for large shock treatments.

Bottom Line

While household bleach can clean your pool effectively, liquid pool chlorine offers better value, higher concentration, and more consistent results. Save bleach for emergencies and invest in proper pool chemicals for regular maintenance.