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“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. Strong chlorine smell is a sign of improperly treated water.
Is chlorine and shock the same thing?
1) What is the difference between chlorine and shock? 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.
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.
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 a shock treatment to work in a pool?
How long does it take to shock a pool? The actual process shouldn’t take more than an hour, but depending on the product used, it could be up to 8 hours before you can use it.
Which is better chlorine or shock?
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. Short answer: No. Chlorine sanitizers and shock are similar but different in strength.
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.
Should I shock pool after rain?
Shock the pool It’s not time to fix your pool chemistry just yet – that said, there’s nothing wrong with giving your water a little boost. After heavy rainfall, your pool’s chlorine levels will be much lower from fighting off contaminants. Shocking your pool replenishes the chlorine lost from the rain.
What happens if you put too much shock in your pool?
Adding too much shock or overshocking your pool will kill off algae. The negative of adding too much shock is it will upset the chemical balance of your pool. It’s likely to do that regardless of if you overshocked the pool or not. The pH will either go up or down depending on which product you used.
How long does pool shock last?
Granular Chlorine Pool shock in 1 lb. bags absorb moisture from humid air, and bags can dissolve in 12-24 months (!). For longer term storage, re-pack into zip-loc freezer bags or buy Chlorine Granules, sold in buckets. Properly stored, pool shock has a shelf life of over 5 years.
Can I 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.
How long should you run filter after shocking pool?
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.
Why did my pool turn green after I shocked it?
Shocking a pool should help clear up a green pool if the water is green because of algae or other issues. However, the pool may turn green after shocking, which is caused by an increased amount of dissolved copper in the 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. A high pH level can prevent the chlorine shock from properly killing the algae.
Why is my pool water still green after shocking it?
Copper is a metal prone to oxidation (just look at the The Statue of Liberty). When shock chlorine oxidizes the copper, it turns green and that’s what you’re seeing in the pool. To get rid of it you’ll need to raise the pool’s calcium hardness by adding calcium chloride. The other culprit can be high levels of pollen.
Which pool shock is best?
The 5 Best Pool Shocks: In The Swim Chlorine Pool Shock — Best Overall. Check Latest Price. Clorox Pool&Spa Shock Plus — Best Value. Check Latest Price. Doheny’s Super Pool Shock. Check Latest Price. Aqua-Chem Pool Shocks. Check Latest Price. Ultima Total Control Pool Shock. Check Latest Price.
What is the difference between chlorine shock and non-chlorine shock?
A non-chlorine shock does not disinfect the water which is why its main use is as a weekly treatment to oxidise the water and help remove contaminants and clear cloudy water. The non-chlorine shock will help your chlorine work better by creating ‘Free chlorine’ which is the type of chlorine needed to kill bacteria.
