Portuguese Prepper
Tablets vs. Pool Shock: How to chemically treat water
Filtering water removes sediment and bacteria, but it does not always kill viruses. For complete safety, or when storing water for years, chemical purification is required.
Most beginners rely on liquid bleach, but they don’t realize it degrades and becomes useless within 6–12 months.
For long-term preparedness, the choice comes down to Purification Tablets (for bug-out bags) or Calcium Hypochlorite (Pool Shock) for indefinite bulk storage.
Liquid bleach loses potency quickly; powder lasts 10+ years.
Tablets are pre-measured; Pool Shock requires careful dosing.
Both methods kill viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.
The “Easy” Way: Aquatabs
Aquatabs (NaDCC) are the global standard for emergency purification. They are individually sealed, shelf-stable for 5 years, and virtually tasteless.
There is no measuring required. You drop one tablet into one liter (or quart) of water, wait 30 minutes, and drink. They are mandatory for any bug-out bag or vehicle kit where measuring powder is impossible.
The “Doomsday” Way: Calcium Hypochlorite
Calcium Hypochlorite (sold as Pool Shock) is the raw chemical used to make liquid bleach. In its granular form, it has a shelf life of 10+ years.
A single 1-pound bag can treat up to 10,000 gallons of water. It is the cheapest and most space-efficient way to secure a lifetime supply of purification capability. However, it is highly corrosive and must be handled with care.
Which chemical belongs in your stock?
A Warning on “Pool Shock”
You must buy Calcium Hypochlorite with no other active ingredients. Do not buy “algaecide” or “blue formula” shock. It must be plain, high-percentage (68% or 73%) shock. To use it, you dissolve a small amount in water to create a stock bleach solution, then add that solution to your drinking water.
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