Pool Shock Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Pool shocking helps keep your pool clean, fresh, safe, and healthy to allow you and your family/friends to enjoy a better swimming experience.

If you’re wondering how to shock a pool and what treatments to use, read on.

What is Pool Shocking?

Pool shocking is the process of managing and cleaning a pool to prevent further accumulation of bacteria or other contaminants. The process involves using pool shock, which is an oxidizer used to treat pools. This shock will sanitize and disinfect the pool to make it much safer to use.

Another term associated with pool shock is “breakpoint chlorination”. This is when a pool shock is used for the removal of the combined chlorine present in the pool. To reach this breakpoint, the needed pool shock must contain 10 times higher than the combined chlorine in the unit of parts per million. 

3 Things to Remember Before Pool Shock Use

How to Shock a Pool

Shocking a pool is simple but requires careful application. The first thing you need to do is clean your pool. Then, for the pool shock to be more potent, change the pH water to 7.2. Once the pool is clean and you have changed the pH, you can now pour the shock directly to the surface of the pool.

Then, filtration is done and the treatment is spread across the pool. Once you are done, clean up your working area and check your pool’s condition the following day.

When to Shock a Pool

You need to do it at the right time of day on a regular basis. If you want to get the best results, you should shock your pool at night or after sunset.

These times are optimal to make the chemicals more effective. Shocking during nighttime is most recommended as it can prolong the oxidation of the shock. Doing it during the day when the sun is out is not recommended since the sun emits UV rays which can evaporate the shock out of the pool water.

There are safety precautions to be done before, during, and after pool shocking.

First, make sure the pool is empty. Then, you should have protection on your body like gloves and protective glasses.

The filtration run should last for 24 hours. On the next day, monitor the chemistry of the pool to balance it properly. 

Types of Pool Shock to Use

There are two main things to put into consideration to get the best shock pool treatment. First is the chemistry of the pool water that you have. Second is the why you want to shock your pool.

That said, here are some types of pool shock products you can use:

• Calcium Hypochlorite

Also known as Cal-hypo, this is a shock treatment that comes in tablet form and can be used for green-colored water.

It effectively kills harmful bacteria and algae. It’s also very flammable, so extra precaution is highly advised. It’s best used at night as it burns away when exposed to direct sunlight.

• Sodium Dichlor

If you want to pool shock as part of your pool maintenance, then sodium dichlor or sodium hypochlorite would be most ideal. This is because sodium dichlor has a slow dissolving effect. However, it needs to be pre-dissolved before adding to the pool. It basically augments the level of cyanuric acid on the water and its pH level.

Other than acting as a shock treatment, this pool shock product can be used for sanitizing and oxidizing. Take note that it must be applied in the pool at night.

• Sodium Hypochlorite

Another great treatment is sodium hypochlorite or the liquid shock. Like the first one, this type also dissolves fast. However, it is most commonly used in commercial pools rather than in home pools. This is because it has a high sodium hypochlorite concentration of 12.5%. Besides, it is also commonly used in laundry and dry cleaners.

Conclusion 

Pool shock treatment is essential to practice proper sanitation of your pool. This is not just for your benefit but also for other people whom you share the pool with. Doing pool shocking the right way will keep your pool and family safe.