Adding Bleach w/CYA in skimmer?

[chem geek]

Yes, you may add bleach to the general body of pool water, probably over a return, while you have CYA in your skimmer. CYA and bleach are quite compatible. In fact, Trichlor and Dichlor are simply compounds of the chlorine from bleach plus CYA. I wouldn't pour the bleach into the skimmer, but that's just because it's better not to have concentrated chlorine flowing through your heater, pump and filter.

Richard

[JJParrish]

Thanks CG! As usual, you folks are great! Happy Swimming

[Watermom]

I always pour my bleach through the skimmer and it doesn't hurt a thing. And, so does Al (Poconos). Of course, only when the pump is running. It is diluted so fast with such a large volume of water and is dispursed so quickly that it is not a problem.

Now -- I probably wouldn't pour the bleach over a sock full of cya but otherwise, it isn't a problem. We have both done it for years.

[bcb1]

Yep, always use a sock or woman's nylon to add cya. No problem with pouring bleach in the skimmer - but I usually just pour it in the deep end of the pool.

Watch your cya level -- you can always add more stabilizer, but you can never get rid of it if you have too much - unless you drain the water.

[RknRusty]

Pouring bleach directly into the skimmer is pretty hard on the pump seal. If it's old, that may make it start squealing.

[Watermom]

If the pump is running it doesn't stay in the skimmer. It is IMMEDIATELY gone. Yeah, if it sat in the skimmer it could do some damage, but the volume of water that is continuously being pulled through there takes it right out.

[chem geek]

Watermom,

Please see this post for some technical discussion about pouring bleach in the skimmer.

Richard