Ratios for Sodium Hypochlorite Using a
Proportioner

Dialing in the Correct Percentages of Bleach and Water for Soft Wash Applications

Choosing the correct mixture of sodium hypochlorite (SH), water and surfactant is oftentimes a game of trial and error. Worse yet, it's often just plain old guesswork. And while the formula for liquid volume is nothing more than basic arithmetic, it can still be confusing at times.  This is especially true when variables such as SH degradation and uncertain quantities are in question.

In lieu of all of this, proportioners have become quite common to eliminate the hassles just mentioned. To help simplify this, I have provided two charts below to alleviate the confusion.

Note that these mix settings are offered only as a guide and are based on simple math. Actual percentages will vary if the SH percentages are off. Nevertheless, I hope you find it a useful resource. The charts are mobile-friendly, so feel free to save this page on your phone for easy reference.

proportioner

Defining the Valve
Settings

Adjust Valve Settings

The settings as defined below are very simple as you have probably already guessed. The column labeled SH is your bleach valve. The columns marked WATER is your water settings. By cross-referencing the SH setting with the WATER setting will give your the mathematical percentage result. Again - this assumes your SH strengths are in fact 12.5% or 10% respectively.

Is this Only for Pentair Valves?

No. These ratios are based on simple mathematical equations of percentage. So, while the graduated valve indicators may differ, the equations do not. The key is applying an equivalent setting.
12.5% SH
  WATER
SH 1 2 3 4 5
1 6.25% 4.125% 3.125% 2.5% 2.125%
2 8.375% 6.25% 5% 4.125% 3.625%
3 9.375% 7.5% 6.25% 5.375% 4.75%
4 10% 8.375% 7.125% 6.25% 5.5%
5 10.375% 9% 7.875% 7% 6.25%
*Mathematical calculations based on mix valves of equal diameter using 12.5% sodium hypochlorite and water.
10% SH
  WATER
SH 1 2 3 4 5
1 5% 3.3% 2.5% 2% 1.7%
2 6.7% 5% 4% 3.3% 2.9%
3 7.5% 6% 5% 4.3% 3.8%
4 8% 6.7% 5.7% 5% 5.6%
5 8.3% 7.2% 6.3% 5.6% 5%
*Mathematical calculations based on mix valves of equal diameter using 12.5% sodium hypochlorite and water.