Calcium hypochlorite is an essential item to store at home. Here’s why: Pool and Hot Tub Disinfectant: Commonly used for keeping pools and hot tubs clean. Drinking Water Purifier: Excellent for purifying drinking water (learn how at BuckhornCliffs.com). Surface Cleaner: Disinfects water storage tanks and various surfaces. Long-Lasting Bleach Alternative: While bleach lasts 6 months to a year, calcium hypochlorite stays potent for 5 years, up to 10 years in ideal conditions. Emergency Uses: Treat

Bleach vs Calcium Hypochlorite Bleach loses half its strength in 6 to 12 months. Calcium hypochlorite, which is pool shock, can last about 10 years if kept dry. You can make a bleach solution from it anytime. Use it to clean tanks or purify water. If you’re stocking up, this is the one you want on your shelf. | Rob Benson

5 must-have chemicals for your home supply: Calcium Hypochlorite: Essential for water purification and sanitation. Shelf life: about 10 years. Iodine: Perfect for treating wounds. Indefinite shelf life. Activated Charcoal: Filters water, binds toxins after poisoning or overdose. Vinegar: Useful for food preservation, cleaning, disinfecting. Shelf life: indefinite. Baking Soda: Cleans, deodorizes, extinguishes fires, and more. Indefinite shelf life. | Rob Benson