5 Things to Know Before Using Household Bleach in Your Pool

Only use plain, unscented bleach with no thickeners or splash-less additives. Check the label for sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, ideally at 6% concentration or higher.

Pool shock is stronger and stabilized, while household bleach is weaker and degrades faster in sunlight. You will need more bleach, and it will not last as long.

Using the wrong bottle risks introducing chloramines or other impurities. Avoid any bleach labeled “splash-less” or “scented.”

For one emergency shock while the pool store is closed, bleach works fine. For regular maintenance, buy real pool shock—it is cheaper per ounce of chlorine and requires less guesswork.

If you use bleach, add it at night and run the pump. Test your water the next morning.