When should I shock my 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.
Is shock treatment and chlorine the same thing?
Are chlorine and shock the same thing? SKIMMER NOTES: No. Chlorine and shock are not the same thing. Shock has a more intense chemical strength than the traditional chlorine sanitizers, and it also differs in how you should apply it to your swimming pool.
Can you swim in pool after you shock it?
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!
How long does it take for the shock treatment in the pool to work?
Keep your pump and filter running. Give the shock a good 12 to 24 hours to work it's magic. If the algae hasn't cleared up after 24-48 hours, clean and brush the pool and add another shock treatment.Aug 7, 2020
Do I add chlorine or shock first?
This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.Jan 22, 2020
Which is better liquid chlorine or shock?
Liquid chlorine and granular shock have the same active chemical that sanitizes your pool, what changes is the strength and the way you use it. Liquid chlorine is less costly, unstabilized and comes in liquid form. Granular shock is stabilized and comes in a solid form that dissolves in your pool.
What happens if you go in a shocked pool?
If you enter the pool immediately following a chlorine pool shock treatment, you are risking as little as skin and eye irritation and as much as fatality. Shocking your swimming pool is necessary, but take caution when doing so.Oct 21, 2021
How long does pool shock last?
So if you buy liquid shock, be aware that it only lasts one to two months at the most before it starts to lose effectiveness. While many swimming pool chemicals stay good for years if stored correctly, some pool-maintenance supplies expire more quickly.Mar 10, 2016
Can you add shock and chlorine at the same time?
Adding chlorine besides the shock can increase the chlorine content in the water which can make the entire shocking process useless. Hence, it is better if you don't use the shock and chlorine at the same time. The best time to add chlorine to the pool water is after you have shocked the pool.Jan 22, 2020
Why did my pool turn green after I shocked it?
Pools can immediately turn green after shocking or adding chlorine when they have metals like copper or iron in the water. These metals oxidize when exposed to high levels of chlorine, which makes the pool water turn green. Metals in the water are caused by some algaecides and using well water.
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.May 9, 2014
Can you shock a pool during the day?
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.Jan 15, 2019
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.
What does shock do to a pool?
But exactly what does pool shock do? Pool shock increases the total amount of free chlorine in your pool, either by adding more chlorine or other shock chemicals that break apart combined chlorine . The increased level of free chlorine then destroys contaminants such as algae, bacteria and chloramines.
How does chlorine shock work?
How do the chemicals react differently? 1 Algae: The free chlorine that the shock treatment creates will kill all the algae currently in your pool, no matter their size. This creates a soft, easy-to-disturb blanket of dead algae plants that sink to the bottom of your pool. 2 Plants: Depending on the type of plants that are in your pool, hopefully, nothing that is growing, the chlorine may not have any reaction. However, dead or alive leaves will all be bleached a bright white before turning into dust if left for long enough. 3 Murkiness: Depending on what is causing the murkiness, the shock can increase or decrease the total murkiness in the pool. A chemical imbalance might be made worse by shock treatment, while murkiness from algae will die out and sink to the bottom. 4 Bacteria: You won’t see the bacteria in the pool, but once the free chlorine levels in the pool increase, they will all die out. Chlorine does not leave anything behind, and bacteria are easily killed by the chemical once it is no longer stuck to other chemicals. 5 Pathogens: Pathogens can be harmless, good, or bad for you, and chlorine will not distinguish between them. The extremely high chlorine content in your pool will kill off any pathogens while the chlorine is present; however, as the levels drop, they return.
How long does it take to swim in a non chlorine shock?
They contain no chlorine but instead uses oxygen to to remove contaminants from the pool. With this type of shock you can usually swim in as little as 20 minutes after adding it to your pool.
Why does my pool water turn green?
As your pool chlorine levels continue to increase, you will find that the pool water can easily damage your skin or even cause your hair to turn green. Chlorine at high levels can cause a lot of damage to your body, making the pool you are swimming in dangerous.
Is chlorine bad for you?
Pathogens: Pathogens can be harmless, good, or bad for you, and chlorine will not distinguish between them. The extremely high chlorine content in your pool will kill off any pathogens while the chlorine is present; however, as the levels drop, they return.
Can you shock a pool with chlorine?
This leads to many thinking that if they simply add chlorine from their own supply to a pool, they are effectively shocking the pool. However, this is not true, and you can have two different types of shock treatments for your pool, depending on how high the current pH levels are.
How often should I shock my pool?
All that said, a general rule of thumb for most pool owners is you should shock once a week, knowing, however, that unusual events might require more frequent shockings. The ideal time to shock your pool is in the evening after all swimming is complete.
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 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.
What is total chlorine?
Total chlorine is simply the combination of free and combined chlorine. Shocking then releases the combined chlorine and off-gasses the contaminants, increasing the amount of free chlorine in your pool or spa. The question of whether to use a chlorinated or non-chlorinated shock will depend on how much total chlorine you have in your pool or spa. ...
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 happens after a party?
After a party - the extra bather load of active swimmers will put additional strain on chlorine in the pool. After/during a period of hot sunny weather - Not only does the sun boil the chlorine out of the water but as the water temp increases, algae and bacteria grow at a faster pace.
What is the best shock for a pool?
1. Calcium Hypochlorite. Calcium hypochlorite is the most popular shock because it is cheaper than the other options available and gets the job done. It's slow dissolving and should be pre-mixed in a bucket of water to prevent bleaching of the pool liner and help with dissolving.
How often should I shock my pool?
There are many pool professionals that recommend a weekly or bi-weekly shock as an affordable preventative measure and almost as many that say it's a waste of money. It will depend on how much value you place on peace of mind as well as how well you know your pool.
What is the most popular shock?
They are available in either powder or liquid form and sold in packets, buckets or in bulk quantities. 1. Calcium Hypochlorite. Calcium hypochlorite is the most popular shock because it is cheaper than the other options available and gets the job done.
How many types of shocks are there in a pool?
There are 4 types of pool shock and we'll go through each one so you understand the differences and most importantly how they will affect your pool. Each one operates a little bit differently and could have positive or negative effects on your overall chemistry depending on preexisting conditions in the water.
Is di chloroplast a stabilizer?
Di-Chlor pool shock contains chlorine and cyanuric acid which is another name for stabilizer. If you use this as a preventative weekly shock you may end up with too much cyanuric acid as a byproduct over time so it's important to recognize if you are having issues with high chlorine stabilizer you might want to switch to a different shock. It's slightly more expensive than calcium hypochlorite.
What is non chlorine shock?
Non-Chlorine (Potassium Peroxymonosulfate) Potassium peroxymonosulfate is the technical name for pool shock that doesn't contain any chlorine. It is ideal for pools that use bromine as the sanitizer but it can be used in chlorine sanitized pools.
How to keep pool from getting algae?
Keep pool circulation system running overnight or as long as the algae killing process takes. Keep the filter clean including backwashing for the entire algae killing process.
Why do you need a pool shock?
Pool shock is a great tool for keeping your pool’s chemistry balanced, and it is the best way to eliminate algae and return you water to pristine condition. When done at a regular frequency during the summer and high bather load months it is also a helpful and proactive way to retain a minimal level of chemical exposure to you, your family and, ...
What is shock in pool?
The term “shock” is an expression used in the pool industry to describe the intentional over-chlorination (or over-oxidation) of the pool water chemistry for a calculated period of time. Chlorine at normal residual levels is consumed by organic material (oils, lotions, urine and algae) in the water. Shocking (continual addition of chlorine ...
What is shocking chlorine?
Shocking (continual addition of chlorine beyond normal levels) a pool allows the elevated levels of chlorine to reach a breakpoint where the organic materials’ demand for chlorine has been satisfied. Once the chlorine has reached this level, combined chlorine is lowered and nuisance algae is eliminated.
Does chlorine shock affect pH?
It is also critical that pH is maintained through the process of shocking. The ability of chlorine to work effectively is directly proportional to the pH. When the pH is out of range, pool shock will decrease its effectiveness significantly.
Does Cal Hypo raise pH?
Both an oxidizer and sanitizer, cal hypo is quick dissolving and is the most frequently used in the pool industry. 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.
What is pool shock?
This pool shock is one of the most powerful shock treatments you can buy. It also kills the toughest algae and bacteria as well as other harmful water contaminants including green & yellow mustard algae. Treats Up To 30,000 Gallons. Kills All Types Of Algae. Chlorine Shock And Clarifier.
What is the active ingredient in pool shock?
It quickly eliminates algae, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants from your pool water. The main active ingredient in this pool shock is 68% calcium hypochlorite for quick sanitizing. Quickly kills algae and bacteria and removes micro-contaminants that make pool water cloudy.
What is shock xtrablue?
Clear cloudy water, destroy microscopic contaminants, and fight algae with Shock XtraBlue. We like this pool shock because it improves filter performance and kills and prevents green, black, and mustard pool algae. The fast-dissolving formula works quickly so you can treat and swim in just 15 minutes.
Can you go swimming in the summer without breaking the bank?
If you want to go swimming this summer without breaking the bank an above ground pool is an excellent choice! Above ground pools are easy to set up and you can be swimming in just a few hours.
Does pool shock work?
You should use this pool shock as a weekly as part of a regular maintenance routine. Overall, this pool shock creates crystal clear water, improves filter performance, and won't impact your pH levels. Kills Bacteria And Algae. Improves Filter Performance.
How does chlorine work in a pool?
It works by oxidizing organic compounds in the water. By focusing on them, it allows the residual free chlorine in the pool to focus strictly on sanitizing the water. Chlorine Vs Shock: The Comparison. When comparing pool chlorine vs shock, there are certain characteristics they have in common.
What is chlorine in a pool?
Pool chlorine is a sanitizer and oxidizer that keeps your pool water free from germs, bacteria, viruses, and organic pollutants. Breaking it down, chlorine releases two chemicals into the water: hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion (OCl-). They attack the enzymes and structures inside the cells of pollutants, destroying them.
What is CC in pool?
Combined chlorine (CC), often referred to as chloramine, is chlorine that has been used up in your pool after attacking (and combing with) pollutants, making it ineffective at keeping your pool water sanitized. Total chlorine (TC).
Does chlorine kill algae?
How They’re Similar. Both kill bacteria: Whether its residual chlorine or chlorinated shock, bacteria doesn’t stand a chance at surviving when sufficient levels of chlorine are present in the water. Both kill algae: Algae blooms in pools can be a problem, with mustard algae and black algae being the most common types.
What is unstabilized chlorine?
Sodium hypochlorite is a liquid form of chlorine that can be directly added to your pool skimmer. It won’t raise the pool’s pH level, and at 10-12% available chlorine, it’s pre-diluted for a safe-to-use level.
Does chlorine oxidize water?
As a result, the residual chlorine won’t need to oxidize the water, and can focus solely on disinfecting/sanitizing it. They’re Allies, Not Rivals. When it comes to pool chlorine vs shock as a method for keeping your pool clean, the main difference is in their strength.
What is cal hypo?
Calcium hypochlorite (cal hypo) is a commonly used unstabilized chlorine with anywhere from 40% to 78% free available chlorine. It’s available as a slow-releasing tablet for residual sanitation. However, it will raise your calcium hardness levels, eventually leading to problems with scale.
