Bleach Concentration Calculations - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Dan Mauser · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-02

Hi!

After reviewing posts on bleach concentration for roofs, it seems ~1.5% bleach delivered is good. I have a downstream injector that delivers 15/1, so using 12% bleach I would end up with 0.8% bleach delivered. Is this too dilute?

If it is, a lady from the pool supply said they had 100% bleach in powder they sell for $8 a pound. If I start with 1 pound 100% bleach, add 4 pounds(pints) water I'd get 20% bleach solution. Is this how the % is calculated?

If so, then 0.20 divided by 15 would give me 1.3%, right?
So this works out to about $25/gal of 20% bleach which is like $15/gal 12%, damn pricey.

Whadaya think?

Dan

ron · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-02

i dont do roofs but i do know that injectors are not reliable as far as draw rate. I think you would be better off to use a flo-jet pump with a hose and trigger gun to apply the chem at whatever mix you want. That way you know the rate everytime you use it.
you can clean roofs with a pump up and garden hose. Some guys just use a X-JET put the chem hose in the 5 gal of pool clorine and shoot it up there. Then let the rain wash it off.

ron · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-02

dont mix up pounds with percentages what weighs more a pound of gold or a pound of feathers? also 1.5 % is way to weak liquid pool clorine is 12%-bleach is 6% and the older it gets the weaker it gets dont go crazy buying in bulk. I wouldnt use the powder its tuff to get right[i have never heard of 100%]. Most of what ive read, you cant use a downstream inj. to apply because you cant get a high enuff concentration so they use a flo-jet or a X-JET NOZZLE

doug mckenzie · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-02

i use 15%swiming pool bleach with a super suds sucker from enviro spec . i have 200ft of hose &hot water. it works real well. the powder i used once was different bleach and didn't work. if the bleach alone dosen't remove the stuff . i use new again i love this product, you have to wash it off,low psi ect. for wood there is one more step neutralizer. i down stream new again also.the bleach costs a little more than 15/5gal pail it makes our jobs go fast .it's worth it. the best way to apply any chemical has to be a sure flo type pump you get the right strength no question. however i still use the down stream,i may change.

Mark · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-02

Just wanted to pass on this savings to all Bulletin Board Members:

X-Jet Nozzle $149.00

Save $20 off our already discounted price on the X-Jet Nozzle,
through 1/31/02. Order on line and in the comments section of
order form enter ("$20 PWN Discount")

Clean County · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-02

Mark,
What is the ratio of water to chemical that goes thru the x-jet and is it adjustable?

Also will chlorine corrode the x-jet. I have something similar that I bought from xxxxxxxxxx a couple of years ago and it corroded big time where it is basically garbage today.

John

ron · #7 (**permalink**) 01-09-02

i think they are made of stainless steel so i would still rinse when done, but should last a lifetime. Yes you can get different ratios [it has little plastic pieces that you change]
I think it can draw as much as 1 to 1 maybe more[if you had 5 gal of chem-a 5gpm pump-i dont think you would get 5 min before it was empty- more like 3 min.] mine did not come equiped with a close range screw on tip[i recomend you make sure you get one that has it-it looks like the one MARK has on sale has it]
anyone want to buy my old one? I want the close range for putting chems on cement and house washing.

mike barrett · #8 (**permalink**) 01-09-02

from all I have heard and read stay away from powdered bleach/clorine,I use pool clorine mixed in a chem tank and sprayed on with a sureflow pump 45 psi/3 gpm works good,remember to flush out pump when done it will last alot longer.hope tis helps

Mike Hughes · #9 (**permalink**) 01-09-02

In case anyone doesnt know any better, thats a great price on the xjet.......cheapest I've ever seen. Whats the price for the close range attachment?

John, I've had mine for almost three years now with no signs of wear.

Mark · #10 (**permalink**) 01-09-02

Mike,

The close range nozzle is $11 with X-Jet purchase.

I will include the close range nozzle with all X-Jet orders received
before 4:00 PM PST Friday 1/11/02.