sandi Posted December 20, 2009 Report Share Posted December 20, 2009 Since it was time to switch from dichlor to bleach, I bought a fresh bottle of Clorox. Asked my husband to add 4 oz. to the spa and turn the jets on to circulate it (no 24-hour circ. pump). Went outside to check the spa 15 minutes later to find a tub full of bubbles!! Checked the bottle and had accidentally bought "splashless" Clorox! What's the extra ingredient that is causing all the bubbles and will they dissipate on their own? I really don't want to drain and refill since I just did it a few weeks ago. Any way to speed up getting rid of the bubbles?? Thanks. Sandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chem geek Posted December 20, 2009 Report Share Posted December 20, 2009 As you found out, you should not use "special" bleach products such as ones that are splashless or for outdoor use. These have thickeners in them and with aeration they can foam. Just scoop out the foam/bubbles, if possible, and eventually they will dissipate, probably in a few days. Get some 6% Clorox Regular bleach. If there is still foaming after a few days, then you can try one of the standard spa de-foaming products -- they might work. Also, if your calcium hardness is below 120 ppm, try raising it to that level as this can also reduce foaming. I don't think that will be necessary, however, as described in this thread where Greg accidentally used HE (high efficiency) bleach that was thicker and he said the following: After using the "wrong bleach" I just had to give it a few days (and rinse the filter) and things are OK again, no foaming. So, just use REGULAR 6% Clorox bleach. Don't try anything else period! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quantumchromodynamics Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 The ingredients that are causing the foaming are probably Cetyl betaine or Sodium xylene sulfonate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OttawaGreg Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 As you found out, you should not use "special" bleach products such as ones that are splashless or for outdoor use. These have thickeners in them and with aeration they can foam. Just scoop out the foam/bubbles, if possible, and eventually they will dissipate, probably in a few days. Get some 6% Clorox Regular bleach. If there is still foaming after a few days, then you can try one of the standard spa de-foaming products -- they might work. Also, if your calcium hardness is below 120 ppm, try raising it to that level as this can also reduce foaming. I don't think that will be necessary, however, as described in this thread where Greg accidentally used HE (high efficiency) bleach that was thicker and he said the following: After using the "wrong bleach" I just had to give it a few days (and rinse the filter) and things are OK again, no foaming. So, just use REGULAR 6% Clorox bleach. Don't try anything else period! Well I guess I won't be the last to get caught with the wrong bleach. Not to worry, it will dissipate. You didn't add very much so scoop out the foam with jets on high and clean your filter. Give it a few days and all will be well. Don't bother with anti-foaming agents, I didn't. Stick with the regular Clorox bleach, just watch the packaging as they like to change the design on the labels etc. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quantumchromodynamics Posted December 28, 2009 Report Share Posted December 28, 2009 sorry im probably in the wrong spot, cant figure out where to put my question.ive got some numbers, i need to know if i need to add something. help. Go to the top of the page and click on "New Topic" to post your question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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