5 Things to Know About Using Household Bleach to Shock a Pool

Household bleach works because it contains the same active ingredient as liquid pool shock: sodium hypochlorite. The main difference is concentration—pool shock is 10-12%, while bleach is 6-8.5%.

You need about 1.5 times more bleach than pool shock to get the same dose. Use an online calculator to figure the exact amount for your pool size.

Only use plain, unscented bleach with no additives. Avoid any bleach labeled as splash-less, scented, or with “Cloromax” technology, as these cause foaming or cloudy water.

Bleach lacks stabilizer (cyanuric acid), which protects chlorine from sunlight. If your pool is in full sun, you may need to add stabilizer separately or shock more often.

Handle bleach carefully—it can ruin clothes and burn skin. Wear gloves and never mix it with other chemicals. It is a cheaper backup option when the pool store is closed.