All You Need to Know About Swimming Pool Shock
The term “shock” and “pool” don’t seem to go hand-in-hand. Shocks are associated with electricity and pools with water—electricity and water are rarely a safe combination.
Well, no need to worry here, as “shocking” a pool is completely unrelated to electricity. The entire process pertains to using chemicals to better a pool’s environment.
Let’s dive into the basics of swimming pool shock.
What does pool shocking do?
Pool shocking brings pool water into balance by utilizing added chemicals. With this method, three main goals are achieved:
Chloramines are broken apart
Pools are commonly shocked as a means of dealing with combined chlorine. These three measurements help classify chlorine:
Free chlorine accounts for the desirable chlorine inside a pool, used to disinfect and sanitize the water
Combined chlorine makes for the bad-smelling chloramines, which form as a result of insufficient amounts of free chlorine
Total chlorine is comprised of combined and free chlorine
Chlorine level is raised
When the chlorine level bottoms out (usually after excessive pool use), raising the chlorine level back to the recommended numbers (3 to 5 ppm) is advised. If the chlorine levels aren’t raised in time, algae and bacteria will set in, which is damaging to the pool.
Algae, bacteria, and harmful pathogens are killed
When algae and bacteria have already settled in, it’s time to use pool shocking to deal with them. A shock will temporarily raise the chlorine level, which tackles algae, bacteria, and various other harmful pathogens.
Perfect time to shock a pool
Keeping track of the free chlorine levels is very important. When this level drops below the recommended range, shock the pool to raise it.
Ideally, pool shocking is performed during sundown. The process of freeing the chlorine needs some time to settle in, so leaving the pool undisturbed overnight is best.
Some exceptions may require more frequent shocking. For example, parties and stormy weather will compromise a pool’s chlorine levels. Additionally, if the weather is particularly hot, more frequent shocks are necessary.
During the swimming season, pool shocking is recommended every few weeks.
Salt pools
Although salt pools are generally more resistant to bacteria, algae, and various pathogens, they still might require an occasional shock. Saltwater pools have chlorine generators, which turn salt into chlorine. When adjusting this generator doesn’t help, a pool shock is in order.
Do not underestimate pool shocks
Pool shocking is one of the most critical aspects of pool maintenance. As such, these “shocks” should be performed regularly, as explained above. Pool shocking is a necessary part of pool maintenance and must be done timely and correctly.
Dog Days Pool Service is a pool service company serving Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and all surrounding areas. We offer pool cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and more and would love to hear from you! (727) 791-6012
