Are you tired of seeing murky pool water or smelling that pungent chlorine odor every time you dip? If so, it’s time to master the art of shocking your pool the right way.
This comprehensive guide will teach you how to shock your pool correctly, resulting in crystal-clear water and a refreshing swimming experience.
Pool Shock 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Use It
There are different types of pools available, including inground, above-ground, and semi-inground pools.
One of the essential steps to keep your pool in tip-top shape is knowing how to shock your pool the right way.
What is Pool Shock?
Pool shock is a powerful oxidizing agent to eliminate chloramines, bacteria, and algae that can build up in pool water. Chloramines are formed when chlorine binds with organic matter such as sweat, oils, and other contaminants.
So, what does pool shock do? Shocking your pool will improve water clarity and help protect swimmers’ health and prolong the life of your pool equipment.
Types of Pool Shock
There are primarily two types of pool-shocked agents— chlorine-based and non-chlorine-based.
- Chlorine-based shock
This chemical is the most common type of shock pool and is also known as calcium hypochlorite. It has a high active chlorine concentration, effectively killing bacteria, breaking down chloramines, and eradicating algae.
Saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine, which sanitizes the pool water.
- Non-chlorine-based shock
This type of shock, also known as potassium monopersulfate, is ideal for those who want to avoid using chlorine. It’s an oxygen-based shock that eliminates chloramines and other contaminants without adding more chlorine.
When do I need to Shock my pool?
There are a few telltale signs that it’s time to shock your pool:
- Murky or green water, indicating algae growth
- Strong chlorine smell, signaling the presence of chloramines
- High levels of combined chlorine (chloramines) after testing your pool water
Additionally, it’s a good idea to shock your pool after heavy use, such as at a large pool party or after a heavy rainstorm, as these events can introduce more contaminants into the water.
How Often Should You Shock Your Pool?
As a general rule of thumb, you should shock your pool every one to two weeks during the swimming season. However, this frequency may vary depending on pool usage, weather conditions, and water quality. Keep an eye on your pool’s appearance and test the water regularly to determine when it’s time to shock.
How to Shock a Swimming Pool The Right Way
Now that you have a better understanding of pool-shocked units, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of how to shock your pool the right way. Follow these steps to ensure a successful and safe shock treatment.
Supplies For Shocking Your Pool
People often ask, will shock raise free chlorine? Shocking your pool will raise the free chlorine levels temporarily before you begin, gather the necessary supplies:
- Pool shock (chlorine- or non-chlorine-based)
- A clean bucket for pre-dissolving the shock
- Rubber gloves and safety goggles
- Pool brush and vacuum (for algae-infested pools)
- Pool water testing kit
1. Test The Pool Water
Before implementing the shocking pool procedure, test the water to determine the free chlorine levels, combined chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity. This information will help you understand the severity of the problem and guide you in selecting the correct pool shock type and amount.
2. Pre-Dissolve Pool Shock
Wearing gloves and safety goggles, measure the correct amount of pool shock according to the package instructions and your pool size. Fill a clean bucket with warm water and slowly add the pool shock while stirring until it’s completely dissolved. This step is essential, as adding undissolved shock granules directly to the pool can cause damage to your pool liner and equipment.
Note: If you’re using a non-chlorine-based shock, you can skip this step, as it usually comes in a pre-dissolved form.
3. Add Pool Shock To the Water
Before adding the pool-shocked solutions to the water, ensure your pool’s circulation system is running. This will help distribute the shock evenly throughout the pool. Slowly pour the dissolved shock into the pool water, walking around the pool’s perimeter to ensure even distribution. If possible, shock your pool in the evening or on a cloudy day, as sunlight can break down the shock’s effectiveness.
4. Wait for the Right Time to Swim
After the shocking pool procedure, wait for the chlorine levels to return to a safe range (1-4 ppm) before allowing swimmers back into the pool. This typically takes around 8-24 hours, depending on the type and amount of shock used. Test the water again to ensure it’s safe for swimming.
5. Brush and Vacuum the Pool (if necessary)
If you see visible algae growth before shocking a pool, brush and vacuum the pool after the shock treatment. This will help remove dead algae and debris, leaving your pool sparkling clean.
Furthermore, It’s crucial to winterize a pool to protect it during the colder months.
Extra Tips for Shocking Your Pool
To make the most of your pool shocking efforts, keep these additional tips in mind:
Maintain balanced water chemistry
Regularly test and adjust your pool’s pH, total alkalinity, and chlorine levels to maintain optimal water quality. Balanced water will help prevent issues that may require shocking pool solutions.
Clean your pool regularly
Some popular pool designs include rectangular, oval, kidney-shaped, and custom-shaped pools. Use a pool skimmer, brush, and vacuum to remove debris and prevent the buildup of organic matter that can contribute to chloramine formation and algae growth.
Run your pool pump
Ensure your pool’s circulation system is running efficiently and for an adequate amount of time each day to help distribute sanitizing chemicals evenly throughout the pool.
Cover your pool when not in use
A pool cover can help keep debris out of the water, reduce evaporation, and minimize algae growth by blocking sunlight.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to shocking your pool correctly. So gather your friends and loved ones for a fun weekend in the pool.