It doesn't do anything in particular -- it's advised to keep ph above 5, which is also the point on the curve that maximizes HOCl https://www.ams.usda.gov/site

It doesn't do anything in particular -- it's advised to keep ph above 5, which is also the point on the curve that maximizes HOCl https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Hypochlorous%20Acid%20TR%2008%2013%2015.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Hypochlor... > The use of chlorine products that form hypochlorous acid in solution at very low pH has limited potential for long-term applications. At this pH <4.0, dissolved chlorine gas can be rapidly lost due to volatilization, decreasing the biocidal effectiveness of the solution over time, but creating human health and safety issues. It is not advisable to do this indoors IMO. Generally you are producing a pretty small amount, say 12 oz at 180 ppm. There are commercial products (eg Force of Nature) that provide NaCl + acetic acid capsules in the right proportion to generate HOCl at home in a printer-ink type of business model. I'm not sure about the salt; I have tasted some of the HOCl and it does taste somewhat salty (this is also true of commercial preparations sold for dermal use) . I have not tried to make bleach -- this could be a stumbling block for drinking water! I wanted to show the OP's idea of portable + inexpensive electrolysis for making bleach is possible, but admittedly I'm not sure how well this would work for sanitizing drinking water.