When shocking a pool, always do so at night to avoid sunlight burning up the chlorine. Always thoroughly clean your pool before shocking it by skimming off debris, brushing off sediment, and vacuuming, and check that the pH levels are balanced. Prepare the shock in a bucket of pool water and mix well, then pour the mixture into the water around the edges of the pool. Ensure you run your pool filter for a minimum of 6 hours after you shock your pool so it has time to mix with the water and so your filter can clean the water. It is recommended to shock your pool once a week.
Is pool shock the same as chlorine?
As the name implies, pool shock is a high dose of chlorine that “shocks” your pool and raises its chlorine levels for cleaner and clearer water. These shocks are much stronger than chlorine and come in liquid or granulated forms. Chlorine is slow releasing and sanitizes the water over a few days, whereas shock is instant as it applies a concentrated dose of chlorine into the water. It is common to use both to provide the pool with both immediate results and results over time. For non-chlorine shocks, a strong oxidizing agent works to remove contaminants from the water, but it is not a sanitizer.
How much pool shock does my pool need (by the gallon)?
The amount of shock you’ll need depends on the size and volume of your pool. The general dosage is 1 pound per 10,000 gallons of pool water, but it is advised to always read the packaging on your shock product for more accurate dosing.
To keep your pool extra clean, shop pool cleaning equipment such as filters, covers, and skimmers.