Sodium Hypochlorite with Calgon

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chrisc0le

Member
Mar 13, 2019
6
Uk
Hi All

New to the forum and relatively new hot tub owner.
I've been using std dichlor for the past 3 months and the CYA builds up pretty rapidly when there's 4 people using the tub often. So decided to try out the bleach method as described here.
I've done extensive research and thin unscented bleach in a decent percentage is more or less impossible to find in the UK. So i'm looking at sodium hypochlorite. The strengths available are 10/11% or 14/15%. I think i'll go with the 10/11% due to having slightly more control over small volumes.

My question is, there are several versions with 'calgon' included. Now to my mind Calgon is a water softener to reduce limescale. Our water is a touch on the hard side at 260ppm. So would this be a good idea to use following the bleach/dichlor method?

Thanks Chris
 
Use only hypochlorite solutions with no additives. Calgon contains polyacrylate water softeners and finely powdered zeolite. You will clog up your spa filter with that.

I suggest looking at farm supply stores or businesses that deal with cleaning supplies as they will usually sell liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) that is free of additives.
 
Thanks for the info. I'll avoid the calgon mixture.
This (link) was the site i found them on. A pool & spa web site, so i'd assume this is pure hypochlorite (aside from the versions with calgon).

I'm also looking to purchase some borates, and the pool calculator suggests adding Boric Acid, From what I understand if i add this stuff i wont need to add acid to 20 mule team borax and make my own? I can just add the recommended amount (as per the pool calc) to reach 50ppm.

On top of that i'd rather use muriatic acid than dry acid, is this the chemical I need?

Sorry for the diversion from the topic, but seemed relative to what i'm trying to achieve with the liquid chlorine.

Best Regards
Chris
 
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I don't have any experience with adding borates, but for your acid question, yes, muriatic acid is what you should use. The link you posted is for hydrochloric acid though (not the same thing).

Edit: I stand corrected, they are the same thing ?
 
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Hydrochloric is the term used for industrial strengths of muriatic acid.

Chemically they are identical.
 
It is typical in the USA to find 31.45% (20 Baume) muriatic acid in hardware & pool stores. 15% MA is often called “Green” or “Low Fume” MA but is usually sold at the same price or higher than 31.45% as a premium for being “less irritating” or “safer”. The most cost effective product is the standard 20 Baume stuff which usually sells for around $5-$7 per gallon.
 
Thanks, I'll see what else is available in the UK. This kind of thing isn't usually readily available here.
I'll go ahead and purchase the boric acid & hypochlorite 10% (without calgon) in preparation for a refill.

UPDATE: I've found a 10% version. I suppose i just need to use 2/3 of what the pool calc suggests for 15%.
Hydrochloric Acid 10% From APC Pure | Acids | APC Pure

Thanks guys, good to know i'm using the right chemicals.
 
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Sorry to raise this thread again. I'm now looking to purchase all these products and saw the original supplier of sodium hypochlorite had a huge delivery cost via a pallet delivery co. Somewhat overkill for one bottle.

Found a company that i'm able to get the boric acid, hydrochloric acid (10%) & various strength sodium hypochlorite from. But i do recall reading about PH of bleach from a chem geek post somewhere. Does this also apply to liquid chlorine?
I can't find anywhere on the spec or the safety data sheet about PH levels. Or is this not anything to worry about?

Sodium Hypochlorite 12% From APC Pure | Chemicals | APC Pure
 

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Liquid chlorine and bleach are roughly the same - all sodium hypochlorite solutions are only stable when the pH is above 11.5 and it is typically 12-13 depending on the maker. So bleach/LC/etc is considered both an oxidizer and a caustic material. Therefore it should never be packaged with anything acidic.
 
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