If you want to keep your swimming pool as clean as possible and enjoy your time swimming to the fullest, knowing the ins and outs of how to shock your pool is key.
In this article, we take a closer look at what pool shock is and guide you through using it in your own swimming pool.
What is Pool Shock and Why is it Necessary?
Shocking your swimming pool cleans the water of algae as well as the sweat, skin oils, and cosmetics that come with people using your pool.
This procedure rids the water of chloramines and odor, both of which appear when the chlorine begins to weaken from exposure to the sun and rain. The chlorine mixes with what swimmers leave behind in the water to form chloramines.
To get rid of them, you must add enough shock treatment — which is usually a chlorine-based chemical — to clear the water.
You should also shock your pool at the beginning of the season, after a heavy rainstorm, or if you notice the chlorine smell getting stronger.
Preparing to Shock Your Pool
You can choose the shock of your choice from your local pool supply store. When ready to administer it, be sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves to shield your skin and eyes from chemical splashes.
Note: It’s important to make sure that everyone is out of the swimming pool before you start.
It’s also a good idea to wear old clothes because the material doesn’t stand up well to chlorine.
The 5 Easy Steps To Shocking Your Pool
- Follow the instructions on the container. Always measure and mix carefully, according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Add your shock mixture to the water in the manner advised by the manufacturer. Most suggest pouring it in near the jets to promote an even circulation throughout the water while others say it should be evenly dispersed around the edges of the pool.
- Now it’s a matter of waiting for the chemical mixture to do its thing. A minimum of eight hours is usually required before moving on to the next step. Simply follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on how long to wait before testing your pool’s water.
- Once the correct time has elapsed, you’ll need to test your pool’s chlorine levels. Make sure your pool water’s pH balance is below 8.0 before letting anyone go swimming.
- Although the shock treatment can balance your water, it can’t rid it of algae. That’s where your pool’s filter comes in. Let it run for a minimum of 24 hours.
When Should I Shock My Pool?
Treating your pool regularly will help thwart algae growth and odor while also preventing your water from becoming murky.
While you may not feel like treating the water every week, waiting until it’s cloudy will make this process that much more cumbersome.
You should also be prepared to shock your pool after any extreme weather as well as at the beginning and end of the pool season.
It’s also a good idea to shock your pool in the evening to prevent the sun’s rays from lessening the effect of the chemicals.
The chemicals process overnight and, by morning, your water should be ready for testing.
Shop Pool Shock Essentials at Van Dorn Pools & Spas
Now that you know how to shock your pool, it’s time to get the supplies you need from Van Dorn Pools & Spas. We offer a variety of high-quality pool products to keep your swimming pool clean and sparkling all season long.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have about our products or services.
Our goal at Van Dorn Pools and Spas is to help our clients maintain and enjoy their above-ground swimming pools to the fullest.
Visit any of our three locations to stock up on pool accessories or to find more information about pool care and maintenance. For more helpful information, visit our blog.