When chlorine (Cl2) is added to water it forms free chlorine as HOCl (hypochlorous acid), which is an excellent bactericide.
However, chlorine alone is not the whole story. Most liquid bleach (sodium hypochlorite) contains over 90% caustic soda (sodium). Because of this, as more liquid bleach is added to the water, the pH is driven higher. Raising the pH of the solution results in lowering the amount of chlorine that is available as HOCl (hypochlorous acid).
REMEMBER, HYPOCHLOROUS ACID IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE BACTERICIDE!
As the pH rises, hypochlorous acid splits apart to form hydrogen ions (H+) and hypochlorite ions (-OCl). The hypochlorite ions (-OCl) have some weak bactericidal properties, and the kill rate is 80 to 120 times lower than that of the HOCl, hypochlorous acid.
Klorman Hypochlor cartridges and Watertech Pellets / Granules are designed to be self-buffering. They will not significantly raise the pH of the water. This allows higher concentrations (ppm) of free chlorine, HOCl (hypochlorous acid), to be available as disinfectant, resulting in higher ORP readings. Higher and more effective levels of HOCl can be attained by using Klorman Hypochlor cartridges & Watertech Pellet than can ever be achieved by using liquid chlorine.
