Pool chlorine tablets & large scale water storage (house, oil, winter)

[lifelongMOgal]

What do those with cisterns think of periodically treating water in large cisterns with chlorine tablets designed for pool use? Would it help in sterilizing any disease or is one better off just filtering smaller amounts just prior to use?

Just wondering if there would be some merit in picking up a bucket. I'm not certain of the "shelf life" of pool chlorine tablets for water purification either.

Thanks

[Wilson513]

The 3" Chlorine tablets require water flow to dissolve. I'd pose the question as to the granulated Chlorine shock we use also and see what people think about that. I have a pool but know nothing about cisterns. I do know that if my pool filter is off, the 3" tablets do not dissolve. I can tell you that when I pull off my winter cover after 6 months of no circulation, you could jump right in and swim.

Here's what the granulated chlorine looks like:

http://www.amazon.com/Biolab-22119aqu-Aqua-Granulated-Chlorine/dp/B003UJJOSC

[Nighteyes]

Originally Posted by lifelongMOgal

What do those with cisterns think of periodically treating water in large cisterns with chlorine tablets designed for pool use? Would it help in sterilizing any disease or is one better off just filtering smaller amounts just prior to use?

I don't claim any expertise in this area, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Speaking only for me, I have some concerns with that approach. Everywhere I turn, it seems to me, I find cautions against drinking swimming pool water. I can only assume its because of all the chemicals in said water. Too, unless you're "rotating" your cistern water, the residue from the chlorine tabs will accumulate in the bottom of the tank, etc.

With that said, however, tell us more about your question please. Like, what is motivating you you to ask?

[marmac]

On my rotational grazing farm, I have 2 water wagons ( 550 gallons and 1050 gallons )

Algae would form and sometimes plug the float valve.

I called the county agent and he recommended 6-8 oz regular bleach for 100 gallons of water.

I only use 5oz per 100 gallons and the water and water tanks stay clean.

It doesn't affect water consumption by the cattle .

[Nighteyes]

Just for the purpose of clarity, chlorine bleach and the chlorine tabs intended for pool use are horses of different colors. Chlorine bleach is nothing more (or less) than chlorine dissolved in water. Chlorine pool tabs are different, in that they (a) are in solid form, and (b) contain other materials than chlorine.

[HappyTexan]

And make sure you get the plain bleach..none of that scented stuff.

[lifelongMOgal]

Thanks to all who posted. I was walking through Sam's Club the other day shopping and the clorine tablets caught my eye and I just wondered if it was something I should consider if one day I need to use that cystern water for consumption.

I think you've assured me that it is not necessary. If I need to use chlorine I'll go the traditional means and filter/boil the water. I've not noticed any problem with algae grown in the cistern; however, I did discover when it was unhooked from the house gutters this Spring that it was filling up anyway and that must have been from ground water. I had read thatwells of groundwater might not be as safe so the thought occured to me that the cistern may not be either.

Again, thank you; the comments have been most helpful.

[letsgobucks!]

I'm no scientist or expert but my understanding (from Survivalblog.com) is that 1 pound of pool shock (calcium hypochlorite) will make around 12,000 gallons safe for drinking.For $3-$5 for a one pound bag, I'd recommend having some on hand.

1/8 oz. of the powder will make a gallon of chlorine bleach and that each pint of bleach can disinfect 12 gallons of water. One could use this for cheap barter in a SHTF scenario.

[Convert 54]

great comments.thanks