Sodium Thiosulfate Dechlorination Calculator

Sodium thiosulfate is a commonly used chemical for dechlorination. It works by rapidly neutralizing chlorine in water, making it safe for aquatic life and various applications. Typically, it’s dosed at approximately 1 gram per 1 milligram per liter of chlorine or 1 pound per 10,000 gallons of water for pools. Proper storage and disposal, following safety guidelines, are essential when using sodium thiosulfate.

Aspect	Information
Chemical Name	Sodium Thiosulfate (Na2S2O3)
Common Uses	Dechlorination of water, aquariums, swimming pools
Dechlorination Process	Sodium thiosulfate reacts with chlorine to form harmless chloride ions and sulfate.
Dosing Guidelines	Roughly 1 gram of sodium thiosulfate per 1 milligram per liter (mg/L) of chlorine, or 1 pound per 10,000 gallons of water for pools. Dosages vary based on chlorine concentration and water volume.
Preparation	Dissolve in water to create a dechlorination solution.
Storage	Store in a cool, dark place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Ensure containers are tightly sealed.
Effectiveness	Rapidly reduces chlorine levels, making water safe for aquatic life and various applications.
Safety	Generally safe when used as directed. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Follow manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Disposal	Dispose of excess solutions according to local regulations. Small quantities can often be poured down the drain.
Duration of Action	Works almost instantly to neutralize chlorine.
Decomposition	Can decompose over time when exposed to heat, light, or air.
Compatibility	Can be used alongside other water treatment chemicals.
Environmental Impact	Can be safe for aquatic life when used in appropriate concentrations; excessive use can harm fish and other organisms.
Regulations	Follow local and regional regulations for chemical handling and disposal.

FAQs

How much sodium thiosulfate to dechlorinate? The amount of sodium thiosulfate needed to dechlorinate water depends on the chlorine concentration and the volume of water. As a rough estimate, you can use about 1 gram of sodium thiosulfate per 1 milligram per liter (mg/L) of chlorine. So, for example, if you have 10 mg/L of chlorine in 100 liters of water, you might need around 10 grams of sodium thiosulfate.

How much sodium thiosulfate to neutralize chlorine in a pool? To neutralize chlorine in a pool, you’ll need to know the current chlorine level and the pool’s volume. For a rough estimate, you can use about 1 pound (16 ounces) of sodium thiosulfate for every 10,000 gallons of water to reduce chlorine levels by approximately 1 ppm. So, if you have a 50,000-gallon pool with 5 ppm chlorine, you might need about 8 ounces of sodium thiosulfate.

How much sodium sulfite does it take to neutralize chlorine? Sodium sulfite can also be used to neutralize chlorine, but the exact amount depends on the chlorine concentration. As an estimate, you might need roughly 1.5 times the weight of sodium sulfite as the weight of chlorine you want to neutralize. For example, if you want to neutralize 10 grams of chlorine, you might need around 15 grams of sodium sulfite.

How much sodium thiosulfate to lower free chlorine from 18 ppm to 2.0 ppm in a 150,000-gallon pool? To lower free chlorine from 18 ppm to 2.0 ppm in a 150,000-gallon pool, you might need a significant amount of sodium thiosulfate. As a rough estimate, you could require approximately 240-300 pounds (or 3,840-4,800 ounces) of sodium thiosulfate. This calculation assumes you’re starting with 18 ppm chlorine and targeting 2.0 ppm.

How do you make a Dechlorinator from sodium thiosulfate? To make a dechlorinator solution from sodium thiosulfate, you can dissolve a specific amount of sodium thiosulfate in water. For a typical solution, you might dissolve 1 pound (16 ounces) of sodium thiosulfate in 10 gallons of water to create a solution suitable for pool dechlorination. Adjust the concentration based on your specific needs.

How long does it take to dechlorinate 2 gallons of water? The time it takes to dechlorinate 2 gallons of water with sodium thiosulfate depends on the chlorine concentration and the amount of sodium thiosulfate used. Typically, it should take just a few minutes to neutralize chlorine in 2 gallons of water with the right dosage.

Can I use sodium thiosulfate to dechlorinate water? Yes, sodium thiosulfate is commonly used to dechlorinate water, especially in swimming pools and aquariums. It effectively reduces chlorine levels, making the water safe for aquatic life and other applications.

What is the best way to add sodium thiosulfate to a pool? The best way to add sodium thiosulfate to a pool is to pre-dissolve it in a bucket of water and then evenly distribute the solution throughout the pool. This ensures even distribution and effective dechlorination.

What is the fastest way to lower free chlorine? The fastest way to lower free chlorine in a pool is to use a chemical like sodium thiosulfate or sodium sulfite, which can rapidly neutralize chlorine. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive dechlorination can lead to water quality issues.

What are the best chemicals for dechlorination? The best chemicals for dechlorination include sodium thiosulfate, sodium sulfite, and ascorbic acid. The choice depends on the specific application and the type of chlorine you need to neutralize.

How much thiosulfate do I add? The amount of thiosulfate to add depends on the chlorine concentration and the volume of water. Refer to earlier answers for approximate dosages.

What is the most commonly used chemical for dechlorination of water? Sodium thiosulfate is one of the most commonly used chemicals for dechlorination of water due to its effectiveness and availability.

Is it safe to swim in a pool with 10 ppm chlorine? A chlorine level of 10 ppm in a pool is higher than recommended for swimming. Chlorine levels above 4 ppm can be uncomfortable and potentially irritate the skin and eyes. It’s best to lower the chlorine level before swimming.

Does sodium thiosulfate reduce chlorine? Yes, sodium thiosulfate effectively reduces chlorine by chemically reacting with it to form harmless chloride ions and sulfate.

What is the highest chlorine level safe to swim in? A chlorine level of 1-3 ppm is generally considered safe and comfortable for swimming. Levels above 4 ppm can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

How long does sodium thiosulfate last in water? Sodium thiosulfate remains effective in water for a reasonable amount of time, but it can slowly degrade over months or years, especially in the presence of sunlight or high temperatures. It’s best to store solutions in a cool, dark place and use them relatively quickly.

Does sodium thiosulfate need to be diluted? Sodium thiosulfate can be used in a concentrated form for dechlorination, but it’s often easier to handle and distribute when diluted in water. Dilution can also help ensure even dispersion in the water.

Is sodium thiosulfate harmful to fish? Sodium thiosulfate is generally considered safe for fish when used in appropriate concentrations for dechlorination. However, using excessive amounts can harm aquatic life, so it’s essential to follow recommended dosages.

How long should you wait after adding dechlorinator? After adding dechlorinator to water, you typically don’t need to wait long before using the water. It should work almost instantly to neutralize chlorine. However, for critical applications like aquariums, it’s advisable to wait a few minutes to ensure complete dechlorination.

How long does it take to dechlorinate 1 gallon of tap water? Dechlorinating 1 gallon of tap water with sodium thiosulfate should take just a few minutes, as it works rapidly to neutralize chlorine.

Can you use too much sodium thiosulfate? Yes, using too much sodium thiosulfate can lead to over-dechlorination, which can affect water quality and harm aquatic life. Always follow recommended dosages.

Can you pour sodium thiosulfate down the sink? Small amounts of sodium thiosulfate used for dechlorination can typically be safely poured down the sink. However, for large quantities, consult local regulations and consider proper disposal methods.

What does sodium thiosulfate remove from water? Sodium thiosulfate primarily removes chlorine and chloramines from water, making it safe for various applications.

Does sodium thiosulfate decompose? Sodium thiosulfate can decompose over time, especially when exposed to heat, light, or air. Proper storage can help prolong its shelf life.

Does sodium thiosulfate dissolve in water? Yes, sodium thiosulfate is highly soluble in water, which makes it effective for dechlorination when dissolved in water.