Can You Put Bleach in a Little Kiddie Pool? What You Should Know
Summertime evokes fond memories of slipping and sliding in backyard kiddie pools. But before filling up those plastic tubs for another season of watery fun, it's wise for parents to contemplate pool maintenance and sanitization.
A common question that arises is whether using diluted bleach is an effective and safe way to keep kiddie pool water clean. Below, we'll explore the pros and cons of relying on this household disinfectant.
Why Might Kiddie Pools Need Disinfection?
Unlike large in-ground pools that utilize advanced filtration, kiddie pools are relatively stagnant. The water can become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, parasites, and algae without proper disinfecting.
Some major health hazards lurking in untreated recreational water include:
- E. coli - Causes gastrointestinal illness
- Legionella - Causes Legionnaires' disease respiratory infection
- Cryptosporidium - Causes profuse diarrhea
- Giardia - Causes abdominal cramps and diarrhea
Kiddie pools are of particular concern because they are used by small children who tend to drink more water, have weaker immunity, and have suboptimal hygiene habits.
Plus, pools get contaminated with germs from bodies, dirt, toys, and other environmental sources. Without disinfecting, microbiological risks quickly rise.
Why Bleach is an Effective Disinfectant
Bleach makes an excellent swimming pool disinfectant because the active agent, sodium hypochlorite, rapidly neutralizes many disease-causing organisms.
When added to water, sodium hypochlorite forms hypochlorous acid that disrupts proteins, cell membranes, and other components in microbes through oxidation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), proper chlorine levels in pools can inactivate:
- 99% of E. coli within 30 seconds
- 99.9% of Shigella within 1 minute
- 99.99% of Vibrio cholerae within 30 minutes
In addition to quick disinfecting action, chlorine provides lasting residual sanitizing activity. It continues attacking contaminants introduced during pool use between regular disinfecting sessions.
Ideal Chlorine Levels for Kiddie Pools
Maintaining 1-2 parts per million (ppm) free chlorine is recommended for kiddie pools. This chlorine concentration effectively eliminates germs without irritating eyes and skin.
Test strips can easily verify ppm levels. Based on measurements, you can tweak the bleach dose up or down until reaching the target sanitizing range.
Calculating Dilution Ratios
Household bleach contains 3-10% sodium hypochlorite. The CDC recommends using regular unscented bleach containing 5-10% hypochlorite for disinfection purposes.
Add 1 tablespoon of 5-10% household bleach per gallon of pool water to reach 1-2 ppm chlorine. Use this table for larger volumes:
- 2 gallons water = 2 tablespoons bleach
- 10 gallons water = 1/4 cup bleach
- 50 gallons water = 1 cup bleach
- 100 gallons water = 1 1/4 cups bleach
Safety Precautions When Using Bleach
While an effective disinfectant, bleach does warrant some safety precautions:
- Never mix bleach with acids like vinegar or other chemicals like ammonia due to hazardous chemical reactions
- Use only plain unscented bleach to avoid skin irritation from additives
- Don't overdo bleach to prevent buildup of irritating chloramines
- Rinse all surfaces to remove bleach residue before pool use
- Ensure proper ventilation during application to avoid inhaling fumes
- Store bleach securely out of reach of children
It's also wise to minimize direct bleach exposure by having kids wait 30-60 minutes after application before entering the pool.
Maintenance Routines When Using Bleach
In addition to proper dilution, certain maintenance practices maximize the safety and effectiveness of bleach in kiddie pools.
1. Change Water Frequently
Don't just continually add more bleach over weeks or months. Regularly change kiddie pool water every 2-3 days to prevent chemical accumulation.
2. Brush and Scrub Surfaces
Use a brush and diluted bleach solution weekly to remove organic films on pool surfaces harboring microbes.
3. Check Water Chemistry
Test and adjust pH, alkalinity, and hardness per kiddie pool guidelines for ideal bleach activity.
4. Shock the Pool Weekly
Add an extra dose of bleach weekly to refresh chlorine levels, especially after heavy bather loads.
5. Allow Contact Time
Let diluted bleach circulate and sit in the filled pool for 30-60 minutes before use for fullest disinfection.
6. Rinse Surfaces Clear
After adequate contact time, thoroughly rinse all pool surfaces to remove bleach residue before swimmers enter.
Considering Bleach Alternatives
While economical and widely accessible, some parents may prefer alternative kiddie pool disinfectants to bleach:
Bromine
Bromine serves as a stable residual disinfectant with lower volatility and odor than chlorine-based bleach. It may cause less eye and lung irritation.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Non-toxic hydrogen peroxide produces free radicals that destroy microbes. However, it lacks lasting residual sanitizing effects.
Mineral Purifiers
Minerals like copper and silver provide a degree of algae control. But sole reliance on mineral purifiers is often inadequate for full pool disinfection.
Ozone
Ozone powerfully oxidizes contaminants but requires complex generators. Rippling the pool water can somewhat compensate for ozone's lack of residual action.
Under responsible supervision, using diluted bleach can be a cost-effective way to protect little ones from recreational water illnesses in kiddie pools this summer.
To maximize safety, accurately measure dilution ratios, change water regularly, establish smart maintenance routines, rinse surfaces thoroughly, and ensure proper ventilation. Supervise children closely whenever bleach is added.
Alternatives like bromine are suitable if wishing to avoid bleach. But ultimately, some form of disinfection is essential to prevent pools from becoming microbe soups.
As long as kiddie pool time is well-supervised, staying vigilant about hygiene, and water is adequately sanitized, summer memories with the kids can be splishing and splashing fun.