Shock treatments work by immediately increasing the water’s chlorine level, allowing it to clean the pool effectively. Using a shock treatment raises the waters "free chlorine" level.
How do you add shock to a pool?
- Needs to be dissolved before you add it to the pool.
- Must be used after dusk.
- Allow eight hours to pass after shocking before you can safely swim.
- Adds about 0.8 ppm of calcium to your water for every ppm of FC added.
What is the best rated pool shock?
Type of Pool Shock
- Calcium hypochlorite Calcium hypochlorite comes with 65 to 75% of active chlorine, which is really strong. ...
- Sodium di-chlor Having a stabilizer ingredient in it, Sodium di-chlor is really perfect for regular pool maintenance. ...
- Potassium peroxymonosulfate
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. ...
How long after shocking a pool can you swim?
You should wait 2-4 hours (or one full cycle through the filter) to swim from the moment you use calcium chloride in your pool. After 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!
When should you shock a pool?
It's often recommended to shock your pool once a week. If you don't do it every week, you should at least do it every other week. This is necessary to maintain your pool's water chemistry. If you have a lot of people over in your pool or have a party, you may want to shock your pool more frequently.
How long does it take for pool to clear after shock?
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. Running the filter after shocking for 24 hours to 7 days is necessary if the pool has a large amount of algae.
What happens if you don't shock pool?
Try to reach the breakpoint every time you shock your pool. Not hitting the breakpoint can result in even more chloramines in your pool, and if the chloramine levels continue to rise unchecked, you may eventually have to partially or even fully replace your water to fix the issue.
Can you swim in pool after shock?
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.
Is pool shock the same as chlorine?
Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly. Chlorine tabs (placed in a chlorinator, floater, or skimmer basket) maintain a chlorine residual in the water. You do need to use both tabs and shock.
Does shock increase pH?
It will slightly raise your pH, so make sure you adjust pH while using it. As the name implies, it will also raise your calcium hardness levels in your pool slightly. It is sold in granular or in pucks/tablets. A close relative of calcium hypochlorite is sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach.
Can you put too much shock in a pool?
Can you put too much shock in a pool? SKIMMER NOTES: It's unlikely but it could happen. It would take a lot of shock to really make the water unsafe for swimming. The best way to make sure you're safe to swim is to test your pool water and make sure free chlorine levels are between 1-4ppm for healthy swimming.
Do you shock saltwater Pools?
Superchlorinate after rainstorms or heavy pool use, but for algae, chloramines or contamination, you will need to use packaged pool shock. In summary, shocking a saltwater pool is no different than shocking any other chlorine pool.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
When to shock a 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.
Why is my pool shocking?
The most common reason for shocking your pool or spa is to deal with combined chlorine. There are three measurements of chlorine in pool or spa water: free chlorine, combined chlorine, and total chlorine.
What happens when it rains in a pool?
Also, as the rain is falling through the air, it picks up contaminants such as pollen and pollutants and dumps them in your pool. Heavy rain may cause ground runoff to empty into your pool. Thou shalt shock if thy combined chlorine level is at .5 or higher.
What is shocking chlorine?
Shocking is the process of adding chemicals (usually chlorine) to your pool to: break apart chloramines, also known as combined chlorine. quickly raise your chlorine level. kill algae, bacteria or other harmful pathogens. Chloramines Bad, Free Chlorine Good.
How much free chlorine should I use for a breakpoint?
As a rule, you will need to raise free chlorine to 10 times your combined chlorine to hit what is known as “break point.”. Therefore, it is good to deal with combined chlorine while it is still small. The formula for hitting breakpoint can get a little complicated, so we suggest you talk to your pool professional.
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 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).
Can you mix pool shock with other chemicals?
Remember that some types of pool shock are extremely flammable – and they can even explode if handled carelessly. Do not mix pool shock with other chemicals (or other types of pool shock). We can’t stress this enough. Mixing chemicals – especially pool shock – is super-dangerous.
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.
How to know if your pool is in shock?
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. Clearing up cloudy water: Pools can get cloudy from insufficient chlorine, or an abundance of chlorine. The sweet spot for chlorine levels is between 1 and 3 ppm.
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.
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.
How many gallons of shock to superchlorinate pool?
As discussed earlier, the bigger the pool, the more bags of shock that will be required to superchlorinate the water. If this sounds like your pool (anything 30,000 gallons and up), repeat this process as necessary.
How to test pool water for shock?
Step 1. Test & Balance Your Water. Before you add shock treatment, you need to test your pool water and balance its levels. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6, with total alkalinity being between 80 and 120 ppm. Pool water testing is easy to do using test strips or liquid test kits.
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
Is chlorine safe to swim in?
Chlorine levels will fluctuate depending on the bather load and contaminants in your pool water. Pool chlorine is engineered to attack and kill bacteria so the pool is safe to swim, but will also bind to ammonia in water, forming chloramines.
What does a pool shock mean?
Pool owners often hear the term pool shock when there is a problem in their swimming pool.
The different ways to shock your pool
Beginners often assume that any chlorine can be used for a pool shock.
How much chlorine to use for a pool shock?
The chlorine level in your pool must be increased significantly so that the shock chlorination succeeds.
Instructions: How to shock a pool
Enough with the theory. Now it’s time to learn how to shock your swimming pool.
When should you shock your pool water?
Is your pool water milky or completely green? Does it smell unpleasant like chlorine?
How often should you shock your swimming pool?
Many beginners ask themselves how often the pool should be shocked with chlorine.
Safety instructions when using a pool shock
The pool shock is an essential part of pool cleaning, and as you have learned, it is not difficult once you understand what is important.
How long does it take for a pool to clear?
Method 1. The first method is the simplest. Many times a pool will clear in 18 to 24 hours. It is best to leave it uncovered as the sun can have an effect on the chemicals causing the cloudiness to clear.
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.
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.
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.
