Can I use household bleach to treat my pool?

Yes, household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) works for pools — it’s the same active chemical as liquid pool chlorine, just weaker. You need about 1.5 to 2 times the volume since pool chlorine is 10–12% and bleach is 6% or 8.25%. Only use plain, unscented bleach — avoid scented, splash-less, or concentrated types with additives. It’s fine as a backup, but actual pool chlorine is easier and cheaper per unit.