What should I do if my pool doesn’t clear after shock?
Big-box stores will often provide a less expensive product that does not contain calcium hypochlorite, but avoid this as it is less effective. If the pool hasn’t cleared up in a couple of days after applying shock, it’s likely a water circulation issue. If this is the case, clean your filter and make sure it is cycling correctly.
What should the pH be in a pool before shock treatment?
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.
How do you shock a pool with dissolved granular shock?
Add Shock To The Pool If using dissolved granular shock, make your way around the perimeter of the pool and slowly pour the solution into the water. What this allows for is the power of the return jets to circulate it quickly.
Can you swim in a pool with non-chlorine shock?
Non-chlorine shocks are known as Oxidizing 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. However, Oxidizing shock will not get rid of algae so you will need chlorine shock for that.
Why is my pool not clearing up after shock?
It's usually just a temporary reaction as the sanitizer works its magic, and doesn't always indicate a problem. But if the cloudy water persists long after you've shocked the pool, you're likely having an issue with water balance, circulation, or filtration.
How long does it take for pool water 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.
How do you clear up cloudy pool water fast?
0:352:00How To Clear CLOUDY POOL Water FAST! | Swim University - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipToday i'll be using c-clear's natural clarifier. And they recommend putting one ounce per 10 000MoreToday i'll be using c-clear's natural clarifier. And they recommend putting one ounce per 10 000 gallons directly in the water.
Why is my pool still green after shocking it?
Algae will remain in your pool after shock if you've had insufficient chlorine and an overabundance of metal elements in the pool water. Therefore, to start the cleaning process. Remove all the debris from the pool with a leaf net and then let the smaller dirt fragments settle.
How to clean cloudy pool?
There’s a few important points to note about this process: 1 Manual: You won’t be able to use an automatic pool vacuum to do this, it’ll have to be done manually. 2 Water: As you vacuum out the cloud particles, you’ll naturally lose a considerable amount of water, so it’s a good idea to keep the hose running as you’re doing this. 3 Filter: It should take around half a day to clear out the debris from the bottom of your pool, during which point your filter should be turned off
What happens if your water filter doesn't clear up?
If it doesn’t clear up, either your filter-system is compromised, the rest of your water chemistry is out of whack, or you’re using some cheap-ass, low-grade shock.
How does cloudy pool water work?
Well, it works through a process called “coagulation” and it’s really not as complicated as it sounds. Cloudy pool water is essentially a buildup of tiny particles, and your filter can have a difficult time catching those because of their size — but that’s why coagulation is useful.
How much calcium is in pool water?
Calcium hardness is a measure of how much calcium is in the water, with the recommended range being somewhere between 200 ppm to 400 ppm. While low calcium hardness levels can cause damage to your pool fittings, it’s the opposite side of the spectrum you need to be concerned with here. High calcium hardness leads to excess calcium, ...
Why is my pool water cloudy?
That’s because circulation pushes your pool water through your filter system, so without it, the filter can’t work it’s magic and keep your water squeaky clean. There are a few moving parts to this, so let’s go through them.
Why is my pool clumping?
Need a quick answer? The cause is either chemical imbalance, circulation/filtration issues, or environmental effects. To fix it, you’ll first want to test your pool chemistry to make sure everything is in balance, then throw in some clarifier or flocculant to clump the debris.
What happens if your water pump is too powerful?
If your pump is too powerful for your filter, it will end pushing more water than your filter can handle. This bottleneck not only prevents the water from being properly cleansed, but it can also cause physical damage to your filtration system.
When to use shock treatment in pool?
While shock treatments can help balance the chemical levels in a pool, they are usually only used when the pool is nearing a level that cannot be saved with normal means. There are five things that a shock treatment will react to, each one leaving behind different carcasses that need to be handled.
Why do pools need shock treatment?
Usually, this is why you will find that pools need to be shocked as the temperatures change as well, as the sunlight through the day lasts longer. Adding a shock treatment at night will mean that the pool is ready and willing to stop anything from growing when the sun does eventually start to rise.
What is the name of the chemical that is used to make chlorine shock?
There are two main types of Chlorine shock (that is, shock containing Chlorine) which are Calcium Hypochlorite (often referred to as Cal-Hypo) and Dichloroisocyanuric acid (often referred to as Di-Chlor). Cal-Hypo is the one you will see for sale most often, primarily because it is not only the cheapest but strong too.
Why is it dangerous to add chlorine to a pool?
If you add too much shock, the water can become dangerous as the chlorine reacts with other chemicals in the water. The calcium in the shock can cause buildup, while the pool’s chlorine levels can stay high for more than a week, turning the pool dangerous to be in.
How does shock affect chlorine levels?
Shock increases the free chlorine level. There are two ways that shock increases the free chlorine levels within a pool. The first way is by adding more chlorine to the pool. The second is by reacting to the stored, combined chlorine already in the pool’s water, releasing 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.
Why do you use pool shock?
This is often used because it does not need to dissolve into the pool water; it is already a liquid and starts reacting immediately. The last type of pool shock contains no chlorine but oxygen instead and is only used if you want to go swimming soon after adding it to the pool.
How long does it take for pool shock to clear up?
Generally, it takes 12 to 24 hours for the water to clear up after adding pool shock. If it remains cloudy after this, you may need to add another treatment of pool shock. Always make sure the pump is circulating water to ensure the chemicals are evenly distributed.
How long should I let my pool pump run after shock?
Allow the pool pump to run for 24 hours after shocking your pool. About 6 hours after adding pool shock, you’ll need to test the pool water to ensure it is properly balanced. The free chlorine levels will need to drop to 1-3 ppm before the water is safe to swim in. To maintain clear water in your pool, it is recommended to shock your pool once ...
How long does it take to shock a pool?
Shocking a pool is a fairly easy process that typically takes less than an hour to do. Before shocking your pool, make sure you’re well-protected by wearing goggles and gloves. Always be careful when working with pool chemicals, and never mix pool shock with anything other than water.
How long should I run a pool pump?
Typically, a pool pump should be run for at least 8 hours to ensure the water is well-circulated. If the pump takes longer than 8 hours to filter the pool’s water, it may be because the pump is damaged. Regularly check your pump to ensure it is in top condition.
How often should I clean my water filter?
If you’re using a sand filter, it may take up to a week to completely clean the water. Make sure the filter is working properly and clean the filter sand regularly.
Why is my pool cloudy after shock?
If the water remains cloudy after shocking the pool, it is likely caused by another issue, such as poor circulation. In addition to promoting clear water, pool shock is necessary for maintaining proper pool water chemistry. If you’re unsure how to use pool shock, continue reading to learn how to shock your pool and why pool shock will make your ...
What is shocking a pool?
Shocking a pool is the process of adding chemicals to the pool water. By adding chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals to the pool, the free chlorine level will rise to a point that contaminants will be destroyed.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Why Pool Water Turns Brown After Shocking
Pool water turning brown is an uncommon condition you would experience. If you regularly keep an eye on your pool condition, it would be easy to detect what caused a sudden change to your pool.
How To Clear Brown Pool Water
Iron presence in pools can be made by the chlorine used in treating the pool or from a well where water is supplied to the pool. You will also need to check if there is no rust from pool surfaces washing to the pool.
Conclusion
If you monitor your pool regularly, you would know beforehand when your water isn’t in the right state. This helps you provide a preventive measure before it gets too late, where the effect will start affecting other components of the pool.
How to clear up pool water?
Using flocculant chemicals is also a quick way to clear up the water by gathering all the particles and sending them to the bottom of the pool. Instead of the clarifier picking it up, use a manual vacuum or pool pump to vacuum the larger debris up with the setting on “backwash.”.
What is shocking water?
Shocking refers to upping the chlorine content to destroy more contaminants like bacteria, algae, and other organics that make the water cloudy. To kill algae, some recommend double or even triple “shocking.”
Why is my pool cloudy?
Cloudy swimming pool water happens because of the same issues: Shocking the water too much or too high, which leads to imbalanced chlorine levels. High pH and alkalinity. High calcium hardness. High ammonia levels. A clogged or broken filter. Algae development. Debris, bugs, and microbes.
How to keep pool water fresh?
You can also keep the water looking fresh by stirring it and skimming for debris or manually using a pool brush to push the particles in. Regularly shocking your pool cleaning the filter regularly by backwashing will go a long way in preventing cloudiness.
How long does a pool filter run?
If the problem is not a chemical one, then a broken pool filter could be the issue. Pool filters run up to ten hours a day to keep the water clean. If it’s on and the water gets stagnant or dirty, experience tells me you’re looking at an obstruction.
Why do pool filters need a clarifier?
Clarifiers gather tiny particles that pollute the water and bring them together to make larger particles that a filter can pick up with ease. Pool filters cannot always pick up the smallest bits, so clotting them together makes clean up easier.
What causes a pool to be clogged?
A clogged or broken filter. Algae development. Debris, bugs, and microbes. The outdoor environment is naturally destructive to a pool of clear water. Rainwater, bird droppings, twigs and leaves, flying debris, garden debris, algae, bugs, and even the sun can alter the chemistry levels of the pool water.
Wait, Just How Cloudy Is Your Pool?
- “Cloudy” is a pretty vague term, and you should know that there are different stages of cloudy pool water. And yes, it goes from bad to worse. Personally, I’d break cloudy water into three categories: 1. Flat. The least severe form, in that your pool waterstill has it’s color but it doesn’t have the sparkle it once did. 2. Hazy. The water is starti...
What Causes Cloudy Pool Water?
- There are a number of reasons your pool water can become cloudy, and understanding the potential cause will not only help you fix it, but also prevent it in future. So let’s talk about ways to fix the root of the problem before treating the symptoms — because we’re not about to slap on a bandaid and call it day. Here we go…
How to Fix Your Cloudy Pool
- Now that we’ve looked at (and hopefully identified) the potential cause for your cloudy pool water, let’s talk about clearing it up. As you might expect there are a few ways to fix cloudy pool water, so let’s break them down one-by-one.
That’S A Wrap!
- Nobody likes waking up to cloudy water in their pool, but it doesn’t have to be quite as devastating as many first-timers believe. The methods outlined above are by the far the easiest and most affordable ways to clear a cloudy pool, and also prevent it from happening again the future. Good luck and happy swimming!