How To Shock A Pool
- Step 1. Test & Balance Your Water. Before you add shock treatment, you need to test your pool water and balance its...
- Step 2. Suit Up. Anytime you’re using pool chemicals, you want to practice good safety protocols. Wearing the...
- Step 3. Do Some Math. Next up is determining the amount of shock needed for your pool. As a general rule, 1 lb. of 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
What is the best swimming pool shock?
- Algaecide and pool shock all in one
- Easy to use granular product in a bottle
- Works to prevent algae after the shock
What is the best type of pool shock?
- Clears Cloudy Water
- Fast-Dissolving Pool Shock
- Six 13.4 oz Bags Of Pool Shock
When to shock a pool?
When To Shock Your Pool
- You Can Smell Chlorine. Pools that reek of chlorine are trying to tell you something: they are lacking in chlorine. ...
- There Was A Surge In Pool Use. People love a good pool party. ...
- There Was Heavy Rain. ...
- Your Water Temperature Soared. ...
- You Just Opened or Closed Your Pool. ...
Can you add shock directly to pool?
Lithium Hypochlorite Shock It dissolves much more quickly than calcium hypochlorite, so you can add it directly to your pool without dissolving it beforehand. Commercial versions contain 35% chlorine. It must be used after dusk. It will be roughly eight hours before you can safely swim again.
Is shock and chlorine the same thing?
Chlorine is a sanitizer, and (unless you use Baquacil products) is necessary for maintaining a clear and healthy pool. Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly.
How much chlorine do you need to shock a pool?
Generally speaking, the dosage amount of pool shock is 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons, but consult the shock package label.
What do you put in a pool to shock it?
Calcium Hypochlorite: Also referred to as cal hypo, this chemical is one of the least costly and most convenient ways to shock your pool. It's usually sold in granular form. Needs to be dissolved before you add it to the pool. Must be used after dusk.
How soon can I swim after shocking pool?
And how long do you have to wait before you can swim? You should wait one hour per pound of shock product added, and then test the water to confirm the pH and chlorine are in the proper range before letting anyone enter the pool.
How long after shocking pool can we swim?
24 hoursAfter you shock the pool — As soon as your chlorine levels reach 5 ppm or lower, it's officially safe to swim. Depending on the type of shock used, as well as the amount used, it can take anywhere from 24 hours or even up to a couple of days.
What happens if you put too much shock in a pool?
Although, if you overdo the shock treatment, you risk getting green hair from chlorine due to the excess chlorine oxidizing the copper in the water. You can execute a shock treatment with a few different types of pool shock, just be mindful of how much you're using.
What happens if you go in a pool that was just shocked?
In terms of swimming in a pool that has been recently shocked, you may be exposing yourself to the risk of skin and eye irritation. If this happens then rinse thoroughly with clean water for several minutes (source).
How often should I shock my pool?
about once a weekHow Often Should I Shock My Pool? Shocking your pool regularly will help to keep the water clean and free of contaminants. You should aim to shock your pool about once a week, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.
Do you run filter when shocking pool?
Run the filtration system 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 do I shock my pool for the first time?
How do I shock my pool?Check that the pH levels in your pool are balanced.Prepare shock ahead of time in a 5-gallon bucket of pool water and stir.Ensure the pool pump is running. Pour the mixture from the bucket into the water around the edges of the pool.Let the pump run for about 6 hours or more and test the water.
How long should I run my pool pump after shocking?
It is a question a lot of pool owners have and a question that we have the answer to! A pool filter should be run for a minimum of 6 hours after shocking a swimming pool. This is to allow the filter to clean the water and give the shock enough time to fully mix with the pool water.
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?
Shocking a pool is part of regular maintenance during the warmer months. It is also done throughout the entire year, just less often during cooler months. Pool owners and pool service professionals shock a pool to “super-chlorinate” the water. Shocking a swimming pool will destroy bacteria, algae and organic waste that regular chlorination may have ...
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.
What is pool shock?
Now, let’s discuss the three types of pool shock. Cal-Hypo - Calcium Hypochlorite pool shock is a powerful and effective form of chlorine. It quickly kills algae and contaminants and is ideal for pools with a normal-to-low pH level. This is because Cal-Hypo contains a high pH level (10.8) and contains calcium, which can contribute to ...
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.
Does di chlorosis raise pH?
Di-Chlor - Dichloro-S-Triazinetrione pool shock is a fast dissolving solution and will not raise the pH level. Di-Chlor also will not cloud the pool water. Just keep in mind that this type of chlorine pool shock contains CYA, which will increase the residual CYA level over time.
Can heavy pool water be contaminated?
Heavy Pool Usage: When pools are used by a large number of people in a short amount of time, the water can become contaminated in a variety of ways. Shocking after parties or other unexpected contaminations is highly recommended.
What is pool shock?
A pool shock is a project of inputting chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals to your swimming pool to raise your level of free chlorine. When your free chlorine levels are too low, bacteria, algae, and chloramines begin to crowd your swimming pool and make it unsanitary. By shocking your pool consistently, you can create the right amount ...
Why do you shock a pool?
After you have balanced the other chemicals, you can shock the pool so that you can eliminate any bacteria, make the water clear, and oxidize any particles. Lastly, if you have many people use the pool at once for a party, the water can get contaminated quicker. It is also essential to shock it after these events too.
How long should you let a pool shock pass before swimming?
This chemical, also known as cal hypo, is one of the more affordable and practical strategies to shock your pool. You can usually find this at the store in a granular condition. When you are using this type of pool shock, it must get dissolved before adding to the pool. You should always be used after dusk to let at least eight hours pass before you can swim again.
Why does chlorine in a pool fluctuate?
Pool chlorine is designed to eliminate any existing bacteria in the pool so that it is healthy for people to swim. But it also attaches itself to ammonia in the pool, which creates terrible chemicals called chloramines.
What is the chemical that attaches to a pool?
But it also attaches itself to ammonia in the pool, which creates terrible chemicals called chloramines. The ammonia is a product of the sweat, urine, fertilizers, sunscreen lotions, bird droppings, and other exterior radicals that find their way into the pool. If you want a clean pool, you must break the chlorine bond (chloramine) and shock it.
What happens when a pool is flooded?
While the storm is occurring, your swimming pool will get contaminated by rainwater, debris, and dust. Algae outbreaks are also a key signal for pool shocking. When the algae begin to pop up, you should utilize a shock type with extra chlorination or other cal hypo alternatives. You should also make sure to shock your pool when you are opening ...
How long does a pool shock pump last?
Once you input the pool shock into the water, you can be patient and allow the pump to keep running for at least six hours.
What is shock in a pool?
What is Shock? As the name suggests, shock usually refers to chemical products designed to create an instant and substantial impact in any swimming pool or hot tub. In almost all cases, shock relates to a concentrated chlorine supplement, but it can also refer to chlorine-free alternatives that fulfil a similar task.
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 shock chlorine?
A shock chlorine supplement differs substantially from the regular chlorine chemicals that you will use in day-to-day pool maintenance, so you must ensure you are buying the right product. Shock products are commonly labelled as such, but the most common version is a chemical known as Sodium Hypochlorite.
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.
What is the role of chemicals in a pool?
Chemicals play a considerable role in keeping your swimming pool clean, healthy and safe. A routine will help to keep your pool’s chemical balance in check, but there will likely come a time when more robust measures are required. Alongside using sanitisers such as chlorine, a crucial part of swimming pool maintenance is the use of shock treatments.
How does chlorine work?
Chlorine works by attaching itself to algae and other dirt. This process kills the algae, but also creates something known as ‘combined chlorine’ which can build up over time. Raising the chlorine level through shocking is a way to remove combined chlorine from the pool, further helping to keep your pool clean.
What is shock in pool?
Pool shock is a chemical treatment that helps break down contaminants – such as leaves, dirt and debris, even oils from your skin -- that can gradually build up in your pool water. Shocking your pool as part of your weekly pool maintenance routine will help keep your water clear and balanced. New to pool shock?
What happens if you shock your pool?
When you shock your swimming pool, you’re intentionally over-treating your water. The excess dose of chlorine (or oxygen, if you’re using a non-chlorine formulation) kills off bacteria and neutralizes contaminants that might otherwise cloud your pool water or encourage the growth of algae or harmful bacteria.
What to keep in mind when dealing with algae?
A few things to keep in mind when you’re dealing with algae: First remember that pool shock is just one part of the algae removal process (to learn more about the different types of algae and how to remove them, check out this article ).
What to do if your pool is full of debris?
You should also remove any remaining equipment and toys from the pool. Measure the right amount of pool shock.
How long should you wait to use pool shock?
If you’re using a chlorine-based pool shock, be sure to wait 12 to 24 hours before allowing anyone into the pool again.
What is the job of a pool owner?
As a swimming pool owner, you’re responsible for keeping your pool clean and free of debris. You’re responsible for ensuring that your pump and filtration system is working correctly.
Can shock sanitizer be used in a pool?
Shock treatments can definitely help with the day-to-day maintenance of your swimming pool. But these super-powerful sanitizers really shine when it comes to cleaning up after the unexpected or totally-not-routine stuff. This could be anything from a thunderstorm (think: dirt, leaves, and debris) to a super-crowded pool party (think: sweat, oil and sunscreen; urine).
What does shock do to a pool?
What does pool shock do? Adding pool shock to your pool is kind of like power-washing your swimming pool water. By adding higher-than-normal dose of pool sanitizer to your pool water, you’re effectively killing algae, bacteria, and other contaminants -- and making sure they can’t come back to affect your water quality.
Is calcium hypochloride good for pools?
Calcium hypochloride - or “cal hypo,” as the pros say, is a super-concentrated form of chlorine that’s sold in granule or tablet form, and you need to pre-dissolve it before adding it to your pool. It’s super-affordable -- and super-effective at killing algae and harmful bacteria.
Why are unstabilized shocks better for pools?
Because they lack protective CYA, unstabilized shock treatments like cal hypo are more vulnerable to sunlight, making them best suited for indoor pools or evening use. The benefit of unstabilized shock treatments is that they are fast-acting and economic, they cost just a few dollars per pound.
Why do you shock a pool?
For example, it’s important to regularly “shock” your swimming pool, a process that involves adding chlorine or other chemicals to the water in order to destroy bacteria and other contaminants.
How to lower CYA in pool?
To lower the CYA levels in your swimming pool, you can dilute the water, or completely drain and refill the pool. Ideally, you should aim for a CYA level, or stabilizer level, of 35 to 60 ppm (for conventional swimming pools), or 60 to 80 ppm (for saltwater pools). For more tips on dealing with algae and green water, ...
Why do you need chlorine tablets?
Because they are weaker and less concentrated, chlorine tablets need to be used more frequently than pool shock. They also serve a different purpose, maintaining steady chlorine levels rather than destroying contaminants. However, both should be used for optimal results.
Why is my pool green?
If your pool looks green after being shocked, the problem may be unbalanced pH levels or faulty filtration systems. If neither of these are causing the issue, the culprit may be high levels of the stabilizer CYA, which can interfere with free chlorine’s ability to kill algae — a common cause of green water.
How much Cal Hypo is needed for a pool?
Cal hypo is available at three concentration strengths (65%, 68%, or 73%) and can generally be purchased in quantities ranging from one to 50 pounds, depending on your needs. However, because it contains calcium, cal hypo may be unsuitable for pools that already have issues with calcium hardness.
What is the name of the chemical in chlorine shock?
Depending on the specific brand and formula, chlorine-based shock products typically contain active ingredients, like calcium hypochlorite (commonly known as “cal hypo”) or sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione (commonly known as “di-chlor”).
What is a Pool Shock?
So, what is pool shock, exactly? "Shocking” refers to the process of adding chlorine or non-chlorine pool chemicals to the water in order to raise the "free chlorine” level. The goal is to raise this level to a point where contaminants such as algae, chloramines and bacteria are destroyed.
Types of Chlorine
As you learn how to shock a pool, it's vital to understand the difference between the types of chlorine .
How to Shock the Pool
When you’re shocking a pool, the goal is to raise the free chlorine level of the pool water to roughly 10 times the combined chlorine level. Reaching this mark is the breakpoint chlorination.
Types of Pool Shock
There are several types of products you can use to shock the pool. Typically, you will not use regular chlorine tablets as pool shock chlorine.
Shocking Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pools need to be shocked, too. Saltwater pools use regular table salt to create chlorine, by passing the slightly salty water over two electrically charged plates. How often you need to shock a saltwater pool is no different from when to shock other chlorine pools.
How Often to Shock Your Pool
How will you know when to shock a pool? Don’t wait for a bad smell or eye irritation before you shock your pool. It's recommended that you should do a pool shock once a week. The more you use the pool, the more often you need to shock it.
