When to Shock Your Above Ground Pool How often you’ll need to shock your pool will really vary depending on use, climate, and how diligent you are about maintenance. The most common times you’ll need to shock you pool include: If you notice algae growth. After heavy rainfall. After constant hot weather. As part of your pool opening routine.
How do you shock an above ground pool?
- Weekly e-mail notification and photographs
- Visual inspection of equipment and reporting of significant issues
- Monitor and maintain valve orientation for circulation adjustments
- Calibrate salt system as needed
- Clean salt cell as needed
- Backwash DE and sand filters as needed
- Monitor filter pressure
- Pool sweep operation checked
What does a shock treatment do for a swimming pool?
Which type of pool shock is right for you?
- Calcium hypochlorite - or “cal hypo,” as the pros say, is a super-concentrated form of chlorine that’s sold in granular form. It’s super-effective at killing algae and harmful bacteria. ...
- Dichloroisocyanuric acid, also known as “dichlor,” is a formulation of chlorine and cyanuric acid. ...
- Non chlorine shock. ...
What is the Best Shock Treatment for pools?
- 40-lbs Of Pool Shock
- Ideal For Use In Swimming Pools
- Kills Algae And Destroys Bacteria
How to properly Shock Your swimming pool?
- Read the directions on your container of pool shock and mix and measure it, using the manufacturer’s directions.
- Pour the shock into the water according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. ...
- Let the chemical mixture do its work. ...
- Once the correct amount of time has passed, it’s time to test your pool’s chlorine levels before diving in. ...
When should I shock my above ground pool?
The ideal time to shock your pool is in the evening after all swimming is complete. In the evening because the sun will not be boiling the chlorine out of your pool, and after everyone is done swimming because shocking is going to bring the chlorine level up to a level that may be irritating to skin and eyes.
Can you use shock in an above ground pool?
0:001:24How to shock your pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo be sure to add shock in the evening. Make sure your pump is running just snip the corner off theMoreSo be sure to add shock in the evening. Make sure your pump is running just snip the corner off the package and sprinkle it in along the deepest end of your pool.
Should pool pump be on when adding shock?
Circulate the Water and Add Pool Shock The best time to shock is at dusk or evening hours, so you can let your pump run overnight.
Can you shock an above ground pool during the day?
Best Time to Shock Your Pool The best time of day to shock pool is when the sun is down. So, experts recommend shocking your pool in the evening or at night, to make sure it does its job. Shocking during the day can be ineffective as UV rays from direct sunlight significantly reduce free chlorine levels.
Should I shock my pool every week?
Chlorine has a low pH level, and in order to maintain your pool water's clarity and balance, shocking weekly will allow you to quickly raise the chlorine level, which will rid the pool of contaminants, without lowering the water's pH levels.
How many hours should you wait to swim after shocking a pool?
24 hoursAfter Shocking Your Pool It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours. It is always best to test first!
Should I brush pool before shocking?
Before you start pouring shock in the pool, the first step is to brush the sides and floor of your pool to loosen all the algae. Doing this breaks the skin and allows the pool shock to more easily kill the algae. Once you've done this, it is important to make sure you have the proper pH level in your water.
What do you do after you shock your pool?
Answer: After shocking the pool, it will need filtration and circulation. Run the pump as much as possible. Keep the filter clean (daily) until the water runs clear. Be sure to brush the pool often during this process as above-ground pools do not have drains at the bottom.
Should you shock pool before or after rain?
Give your pool a good shock treatment 1 to 2 days before the storm hits. You can bring the chlorine level up pretty high to prolong the pool being depleted of chlorine.
How long should you run filter after shocking pool?
While shocking your pool will help kill any germs any algae, it won't actually get rid of them; for that, you need your filter. So be sure to run your pool filter for at least 24 hours.
How often should I shock my Intex pool?
every weekWe recommend shocking Intex pools every week, especially if you're having a heat wave or heavy rains. Heat and excess water can knock your chlorine levels to sub-par levels pretty quickly. Use a pool shock with a decent amount of available chlorine, and run your filtration system after you shock your pool.
What is pool shock?
The idea behind pool shocking is to quickly raise the free chlorine level in the pool, killing off bacteria, algae growth, chloramines, and other pathogens in the water. This can be done using either chlorinated or non-chlorine pool shock. Chlorinated pool shock is the most common. It gives the pool a massive dose of chlorine, ...
How long does chlorine shock last in a pool?
So, when using chlorinated shock, always shock at night. This will also allow the pool to circulate the shock for a good 8+ hours, giving it plenty of time to fully clean the pool.
Why is my pool so stinky?
Chloramines are an irritant and hazardous to humans – causing red eyes, itchy skin, nasal and lung irritation, and respiratory issues. So if your pool is really stinky, it’s also really dirty. Shock it ASAP! 2. There Was A Surge In Pool Use. People love a good pool party.
What is chlorine shock?
Chlorinated pool shock is the most common. It gives the pool a massive dose of chlorine, killing everything in its path.
Why is shocking important?
Unfortunately for pool owners, you can’t just fill up a pool with water and expect it to always be clean. Due to outside influences, the state of pool water is constantly changing, becoming increasingly grimy with each passing second. It’s for this reason why an array of chemicals are added to pool water.
What happens when it rains on a pool?
But heavy rain will load the pool with contaminants from the air (ie. mold spores, wind-blown debris, insects), and also dilute the pool water, upsetting its chemical makeup.
Why does chlorine deplete in pools?
With an uptick of swimmers in the pool, the chlorine has to work extra hard to keep it all clean, resulting in a more rapid depletion and consumption.
When to use shock treatment in pool?
You’ll also want to apply shock treatment when opening the pool, and closing it down for the season. On opening, after you’ve balanced it’s pH level, shocking will sanitize and oxidize the pool, restoring its clear water. On closing, pool shock is used as a disinfectant to prepare the pool for the winter months.
What is pool shock?
Pool shock is a “super dose” of granular pool chlorine that oxidizes chloramines (combined chlorine) and kills bacteria in the water. Shocking depletes combined chlorine and increases free chlorine . If your chlorine levels are low, a chlorinated shock is required.
What is non chlorine shock?
Non-Chlorine Shock: Also known as Potassium Monopersulfate (MPS), this is a chlorine-free shock that oxidizes contaminants, but won’t rid the pool of bacteria. Compared to chlorinated shock, you can use MPS shock at any time of day and be swimming in the pool 15 minutes later.
What happens when you shock a pool?
By shocking your pool, you replenish your chlorine level and oxidize chloramines (combined chlorine), which are a gaseous irritant that are hazardous for human consumption.
Why do you shock a pool at night?
Pool shocking is usually done at night, when the sun no longer shines on the water. This is because UV rays destroy chlorine at near warp speed. Twilight hours give the shock an extended amount of time to effectively kill everything in its path.
Why does my pool smell like chlorine?
Chloramines irritate your eyes, nasal passage, lungs, and skin. If the pool has a very strong chlorine smell to it, you know it’s time to shock.
How many volts does a pool shock?
As a pool owner, you’re gonna need to learn how to shock a pool. Pool shocking doesn’t mean sending 5000 volts of electricity through the water (although that would be pretty cool to see). However, what it does refer to is the rebalancing of pool chlorine levels, keeping the pool water safe to swim in.
Seems Like A Lot I Knowbut Youre Almost There
How to shock an intex above ground pool. Click to see full answer. Also, you may want to wear gloves and, if its windy, a pair of glasses. Next, get rid of any skimmer, ladder, or other attached accessories in your pool, clean them, and store them in a protected and dry area for the winter.
Install A Winter Pillow & Cover
Who else is ready for a nap? Even your pool needs a pillow once a yearbut dont worry, you dont need to sacrifice anything from your linen closet. If you live in a cold climate, youll want to place a pool air pillow, or ice compensator, under your winter cover.
How Does Chlorine Ensure Safe Swimming
This one is pretty simple: when added to your pool properly, sodium hypochlorite inactivates the bacteria in your water. This doesnt mean that the bacteria is technically completely removed youll need the right pool filter and the help of pool shock for thatbut the bacteria will be dead in the water.
Two To Proper Chlorination: Adding Chlorine To Your Pool
I wish it was as simple as tossing the chlorine tablets into the pool and letting them take care of the restits not. Thankfully, there are a few devices that will ensure your chlorine is disseminated throughout your pool waterand active traces of bacteria are long gone.
How Often You Should Shock A Pool
You most likely test your pool at least weekly. If not, you should. Most of the time, the tests will tell you whether you have free or total chlorine content in the water. The more free chlorine you have, the more effectively your chlorine is killing bacteria. The total is how much of the chlorine in your water has already been used up.
Can I Use Too Much Shock
Contrary to popular belief, it isnt possible to use too much shock in your pool as long as it doesnt have a vinyl liner. Using too much shock may result in a brief down period of your pool. A pool thats been recently shocked can cause skin irritation, bleached clothes, and a bleached pool liner.
The Best Time To Shock Your Pool
Shocking your pool should only be done after the sun has gone down, during dusk or twilight hours.
How to shock a pool?
How to Shock the Pool 1 Clean the Pool. Leaves and debris on the floor and surface will waste your chlorine’s killing power, as it attacks these organic materials, rather than the A-B-C problem that we are trying to correct. 2 Lower the pH. Chlorine is very sluggish at high pH levels. At a pH of 8.0, less than half of the chlorine you add to the water will convert to hypochlorous acid, the killing form of chlorine. Lower the pH to 7.2 before shocking. 3 Read the Label. We have 8 different types of pool shock, all with slightly different dosages. For some pool shock, dilution in a bucket is necessary to dissolve the granules, to prevent damage to pool surfaces. 4 Add the Shock. Distribute the granular chlorine throughout the pool surface, with the pool pump running. Be careful not to spill any on your clothing or the pool deck, and don’t broadcast it into the wind! 5 Brush the Pool. This helps to distribute the chemical, and removes the layer of dust and film on your pool surfaces, which may allow some contaminants to escape treatment. A good brushing, vacuuming and backwashing should follow an algae shock treatment.
How Much Pool Shock Do I Need?
Breakpoint chlorination is a level of chlorine at which point molecular bonds break apart. Conveniently, this is also the point at which chloramines, algae and pathogens are removed from the water.
How to remove chloramines from pool water?
Raise the chlorine level in your pool high enough and you will break apart these chloramine bonds, removing chloramines from the water. To effectively remove chloramines, many sources say that you need 10 times the amount of combined chlorine, but for complete removal I may double that amount to compensate for stabilizer (cyanuric acid) levels, or after active pool use, or when treating algae.
What does it mean when your pool smells like chlorine?
Although it seems counter intuitive, when your pool smells strongly of chlorine, chloramine bonds are likely at a high level, and a good pool shock is needed. There is another way to determine chloramine levels, however. Using a DPD test kit will allow you to measure both FAC and Total Available Chlorine (TAC).
What is shocking the pool?
Shocking the pool with chlorine is the raising of free chlorine levels in the pool to such a high level that every living thing in the water is killed by cell disruption. I liken the process to a lightning bolt ripping through the water, and perhaps that’s why it’s called shocking the pool.
How much shock to kill algae blooms in pool?
For dark green or yellow algae blooms, adding enough pool shock to reach 30 ppm may be necessary.
How to remove algae from pool?
Using mechanical methods is usually necessary – brushing the walls and floor, vacuuming and backwashing, to remove algae cells from the pool, and flush them out of the system . 2). Kill Bacteria.
Why Do I Need to Shock Treat My Swimming Pool?
Although it may sound like shock treatments are only necessary for emergency pool maintenance , they also play an essential role in pool maintenance schedules. While general chemical balancing is vital, shock treatments are also required, particularly during heavy use.
What is Shock Dosing for a Swimming Pool?
Shock dosing your pool refers to a stronger concentrate of swimming pool sanitiser that instantly impacts the water and provides a deeper clean when compared to general maintenance. In most cases, shock dosing is related to concentrated chlorine, but chlorine-free shock alternatives can accomplish a similar result.
How does shock treatment work?
Shock treatments work quickly to dramatically raise the water’s chlorine level, allowing it to clean the pool effectively. Once you’re back on top of your pool’s cleanliness, you can enable chlorine levels to return to their normal level.
What is the best way to maintain a swimming pool?
Alongside using sanitisers such as chlorine, a crucial part of swimming pool maintenance is the use of shock treatments . These treatments can be beneficial for providing quick and effective balancing for your pool, especially during heavy use. However, the nature of these chemicals means that you must know how to use them safely and effectively.
How to get a pool clean?
If your pool gets to this stage, the most effective way of getting it clean is by using a shock treatment. When a lot of algae develops in the pool, you’ll need more chlorine than usual to combat the unwelcome visitors. Shock treatments work quickly to dramatically raise the water’s chlorine level, allowing it to clean the pool effectively.
How long does it take for a chlorine shock to work?
After using a heavy granular chlorine shock, your pool will usually require 24-48 hours before the chlorine level has dropped to a safe swimming level. Lithium and non-chlorine shock labels usually allow bathers to return to the pool quickly; however, you will need to check the manufacturer's instructions before doing so.
Why do you shock a pool?
It is not only an essential part of a swimming pool's maintenance schedule, but it's an effective means for tackling various pool issues, such as algae infestations, reopening your pool after a significant closure or cloudy water after heavy use.
When opening a pool, should you shock it?
Opening & Closing: When opening your pool, it's recommended that you shock it after balancing the other chemicals. This will oxidize the particles, kill bacteria, and clarify the water. When it's time to close your pool, shocking will help fight off contaminants over the long winter months.
How to get shock out of pool?
Step 1. Test the Water. Using a water test kit or test strips, ensure that the pH level is in the proper range. Step 2. Circulate the Water. Turn on your pump and filter system to circulate the water. Now, pour the shock/water mixture around the inside perimeter of your pool.
Why Shock a Pool?
This type of wastes come from swimmers, fertilizers, bird droppings, sunscreen lotions, etc. The only way to release the bound chlorine (chloramines) is by shocking the pool.
What is the best way to kill algae in a pool?
Algae Outbreaks: When algae appears in your pool, super-chlorination with powerful types of shock like Power Powder Pro or other variations of Cal-Hypo can often eliminate the problem.
What happens if your chlorine level is 0.3?
Remove Chloramines: If your Total Available Chlorine level is 0.3 ppm or higher above your Free Available Chlorine level, it's time to shock the pool. This will break down the inactive Combined Chlorine in the water. Fecal Incident: If there's been a fecal accident or other unsanitary incident, close the pool for swimming.
How to shock a pool?
SHOCK THE POOL: The best way to administer shock into your pool is by pouring it into a bucket of water with at least a couple gallons of water. Mix it to dissolve, and pour the mixture around the perimeter of the pool. Remember: always add shock to water, never add water to shock! Now it’s time to wait a while.
What is the best pool shock for algae removal?
In Sum, shocking for algae removal requires a good pH, a good brush, and a Triple dose of Cal Hypo pool shock, available in bags and buckets, along with effective filtration and circulation.
What happens when chlorine is finished?
When the chlorine has completely finished working, the algae in the pool will turn a white/gray color and will either settle to the bottom of the pool or be suspended in the water . There shouldn’t be any more green color and the water visibility should be improving. Run the filter 24/7, and backwash as needed.
How much shock is needed to achieve 30 ppm?
How much shock is needed to achieve 30 ppm will vary depending on the available chlorine percentage of the shock you are using. For example, if using In The Swim Super Shock, it’s a 73% cal hypo shock, but HTH Shock -N-Swim is only 45% cal hypo; so you’d use more – or less, depending on the shock potency.
What is the best chlorine to use to kill algae blooms?
Faster kill rates and a more complete reaction than using algaecide or other oxidizers. Cal Hypo is the perfect chlorine type to use to eradicate algae blooms – powerful and economical. Our discussion will focus on how much pool shock to use for complete algae removal, plus other tips on effective pool shocking.
How to remove algae from pool?
8 Tips for More Effective Algae Removal 1 Put away the algaecide – pool shock destroys or deactivates algaecide. 2 Lower the pH before shocking, 7.2 – 7.4 is best for shock efficacy. 3 Dilute pool shock in a bucket of water for vinyl liner pools. 4 Run the filter 24/7 until water is clear. Backwash only as needed. 5 Brush the pool vigorously, several times after shocking the pool. 6 Do not use a solar blanket until chlorine and pH level are normal. 7 If chlorine level drops to zero within 24 hours, Repeat the shock treatment. 8 Improve filtration with a pool filter cleaner or filter aid like Jack’s Filter Fiber.
How much chlorine kills algae?
It’s a generally accepted notion that 30 ppm of chlorine residual will kill all algae. Assuming that your pool is clean, and you have adjusted the pH, you can now add the granular chlorine to the pool.
What is the main ingredient in shock?
Different Brand of Shock (The main ingredient should be calcium hypochlorite)
Why is my pool green?
Sometimes you will find that your pool is green and not where you want to take a dip. There is a simple reason, the chemicals have gotten out of balance and this lets algae begin to grow in your pool. With a simple problem, there is generally a simple solution. In this case, the solution is to merely shock the pool.
What is a pool water clarifier?
There are products on the market that are called Pool Water Clarifiers. These will help to bind to chemicals, gunk and debris in the water. The net result is that you now have bigger particles that are easier for your filter to handle, giving you a crystal clear pool.
Can you clean a pool filter if it hasn't been cleaned?
If it hasn’t been cleaned in a while it may not be able to keep your pool clear. Depending on the model that you are using the answer might be to backwash it or clean the filters. If it has been some time since your filter got any maintenance, you might have to replace either the filter or the filter media.
