How to calculate cost per effective pool chlorine liquid vs powder

[Dakar F.]

As I said to trader4, this makes sense.

But ... there is another datapoint.

Datapoint 1: At Costco/Walmart/Lowes, the AquaChem 4-in-1 shock doesn't state the available chlorine. Rationale: It has been proposed that's because it also contains sanitizers that have no component of chlorine - so listing the number would under represent the sanitizing capability.

This may be true ... but there is that pesky second datapoint.

Datapoint 2: At Home Depot, the PoolTime 1-in-1 shock also doesn't state the available chlorine! And, in this case, there are no complications with any other non-inert ingredient.

Then add the third datapoint:

Datapoint 3: AquaChem and PoolTime are the same company!

[trader4]

It's more like BA, bleach and hydrochloric acid. Bleach has a high PH, so you're not going to balance it with baking soda, which is another base.

[krw]

Baking soda is really a buffer (raises total alkalinity more than just the pH), but you're right, you're not taking the pH down with baking soda.