The Shocking Truth... About Shock
It is essential to shock your swimming pool when opening your pool in the spring along with regular pool maintenance during your swimming season. Pool shock is also known as granular or powdered chlorine and is used to remove bacteria, kill algae and any other micro-contaminants. Shock is also used when your chlorine level is low and needs to be boosted quickly. The main reason that you should shock your pool is to break up the chloramine molecules that can give off a strong chlorine smell and cause red eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Shock
Broadcasting shock directly to pool.
When should I shock the pool? Shocking is best to do at night when the sun has gone down. There are a few reasons for this time frame. Most shocks require 8-10 hours of circulation before anyone can swim in the pool. It is also best to shock when the sun is not out because the sun can eat up the shock if it is not stabilized.
How often should I shock the pool? It is recommended that people should superchlorinate (shock) their pool every 7-10 days in order to make sure the pool remains clean and clear. Even if your pool chlorine levels are reading in the normal range there may be times that you want to shock your pool in order to keep it clean and safe. After heavy rain or wind storms, heavy pool use and after water change it is recommended to shock your pool.
How do I shock my pool? In order to determine how to shock you pool, you need to know the gallons in your swimming pool. The best way to determine how much shock would go in your pool is to read the back of the label. Once an amount is determined, the label instructions will explain the best way to put it into your pool. Shock should be broadcasted across the pool or be poured into a bucket full of water and stirred to dissolve.
Robelle Powdered Shock is the industry standard for high-concentration Cal. Hypo. Shock
Safety tips for Pool Shock
There are a few tips to follow when using, dispersing and storing pool shock.
- Do not mix shock with any other shock or any other type of chemical.
- Do not leave half full bags of pool shock. Always use the entire bag.
- Add shock to pool water; do not add pool water to shock.
Types of pool shock available
There are a variety of types of swimming pool shock available. Here is some information about the different kinds of swimming pool shock available:
Calcium Hypochlorite Shock (cholrine shock) This is one of the more commonly used shocks that contains between 65% and 73% available chlorine depending on the brand. This shock can be broadcasted across the pool surface. It is a slow-dissolving shock so it may not completely dissolve right away. Calcium is added to the pool when using this shock. There is an 8 hour wait time before swimming so it is best to put this shock in later in the day when you are done using the swimming pool.
Non-Chlorine Shock allows swimmers in as little as fifteen minutes.
Potassium Monopersulfate (non-chlorine shock) This type of shock contains no chlorine and does not kill bacteria. It is an oxidizer made up of potassium salt. Non-chlorine shock oxidizes the organic waste and helps clarify pool water allowing the free chlorine to do its job of attacking bacteria and algae instead. Generally this shock only requires a 15 minute wait time before swimming and can be added at any point during the day.
Most pool shocks are available in convenient one pound bags. Whatever type of pool shock you decide to use, please remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your pool clean and safe.