There are many maintenance procedures that you have to know to keep your pool clean and safe to swim in all the time. One of which is getting the right ideas about how to shock a pool which we are about to discuss, here.
The procedures about how to shock a pool are not that difficult, as long as you follow the steps well, the result will be according to what you have imagined. Also, it is something that must be done by all pool owners regularly or can also be based on the devised maintenance schedule.
In this article, we are going to learn about how to shock a pool, its definition, and the basic things that we have to know about it. We are also going to give you an intensive guide that will be helpful to new pool owners and those that are had already forgotten the step-by-step procedures on how to shock a pool.
Part 1. What Is Pool Shocking?
Before we have a deep discussion on the process of how to shock a pool, knowing more about pool shock is a must. Some may be too scared to hear the terminology shock, but this one can help maintain the health of your pool from the inside to the outside. Pool shocking is a process of adding non-chlorine and chlorine chemicals to your pool, a process of super chlorination that will raise the level of chlorine in your pool helping it battle against bacteria, viruses, germs, and even algae. It is also needed in destroying combined chlorine or chloramines that cause the foul odor in your pools, making it unattractive for swimmers.
Once your pool is properly maintained, a lot of things can be in control, helping you easily keep a healthy, clear, clean, and safe to swim in pool every pool owner wants. It is best advised to shock your pool during the opening season, if there is a sudden surge in temperature, after a heavy pool party, when it is always full of bathers or a heavy load of bathers, or you can do it once or twice a week depending on how much the pool is used.
There are many beneficial things to gain from pool shock, as there are also lots of things to figure out such as the process of how to shock a pool and the right type of pool shock that must be used. It is recommended that you have learned a lot about the process before trying it out on your new pool!
Part 2. The Different Types of Pool Shock
It is only right to know the different types of pool shock that you can use before executing the process. This will also help you determine which type to use based on your pool, financial ability, and even the availability in the area where your pool is located. Let us see the different types of pool shock, and how these types differ.
1. Lithium Hypochlorite Shock
The first one on our list is the lithium hypochlorite which is best for pool water that has high calcium content. It is faster to dissolve compared to calcium hypochlorite, another type of pool shock. Since it is quick to dissolve, you can directly apply it to your pool even without dissolving it first. This type of shock can be hard to find since some pool chemicals manufacturers have stopped producing it because of the high cost of lithium. The commercial versions of this type of pool shock have 35% chlorine, and it is said that it must be used after dusk. If you used it for your pool shocking session, it would take at least 8 hours of waiting before anyone could swim again. This one can also act as one of the best algaecides since it is harmful to aquatic life. It is also a must to take precautions when disposing of this type of pool shock.
2. Calcium Hypochlorite Shock
The next one we have is the calcium hypochlorite shock. This is also known as cal hypo and has been used in the market for so many years to disinfect swimming pools and even public water sources. This is one of the most commonly used ones since it is cheap and convenient to use in the pool. If you are going to evaluate the content of commercial versions, they have at least 65 to 75% chlorine. Before you add this type of pool shock into your pool, you have to make sure that it is well dissolved, and like the lithium hypochlorite shock, this must also be used after dusk. You also have to wait for a minimum of eight hours before dipping into the pool again. When using this type of pool shock, always take caution on the level of calcium.
3. Dichlor Shock
This shock is also known as sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione or dichloroisocyanuric acid. There are brands of this pool shock that can be directly added to your pool, so you have to always check the packaging. This pool shock is also applicable to saltwater pools. You can find almost 50 to 60 percent of chlorine content in this type of pool shock, you can also use this if you are just going to apply regular chlorine treatments in your pool. You also have to wait for roughly eight hours before taking a dip in your pool
4. Non-chlorine Shock
We also have a non-chlorine shock or use an inexpensive and fast pool shock alternative. This type of pool shock is recommended for saltwater pools. You do not have to dissolve this pool shock before applying to your pool, you can directly add it, and in just 15 minutes after application, you can return to swimming again! However, you also have to know that this type of pool shock will not kill algae since there is no chlorine involved.
When using any type of pool shock, you have to always check the container of the shock to see the specifications and doses based on the size and type of the pool you have. Some precautions must be taken and remembered before executing pool shock.
Part 3. How Do You Shock A Pool?
Now that we have almost everything that we have to know about pool shock, it is time to figure out the steps on how to shock a pool. There are materials that you have to prepare before pool shock. Some may be needed, while some are not depending on the type of pool shock are you about to use. These materials are:
- Safety or protective goggles for your eyes.
- Gloves that are chemical resistant to protect your hands.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants that can be messed up.
- You also have to be prepared with testing kits like the liquid type or water test strips or kits.
- An empty bucket that is approximately 5 gallons.
- A wooden stick that you can use for stirring the shock in the bucket.
It is needed that before proceeding with the steps on how to shock a pool, you are aware of the volume of your pool. Once done, proceed with the steps below.
Step 1. Execute Pool Water Testing.
The initial step that you have to do is to make sure that you have done water level testing. This will determine if the combined chlorine’s level is off, and you have to shock your pool. You also have to check the pH and alkalinity levels of your pool and make sure you have a balanced water chemistry to make the shocking process effective. Make sure the pH level is between 7.4 and 7.6 and the alkalinity level is between 100 and 150 ppm.
Step 2. Pre-dissolve the Pool Shock.
You always have to check the instructions of the manufacturer that is on your shock product. Some brands include charts in their packaging helping you calculate the right amount of shock to apply. If the shock that you have chosen to use needs a pre-dissolving, get your bucket and fill it with ¾ of warm water. Add the shock, and start stirring it until the chemicals that you have added have finally dissolved.
Step 3. Calculate the Amount of Shock You Need.
You have to add them gradually until the calculated breakpoint is finally reached. Usually use one pound of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Once pool shock is added to your pool, make sure that your pump and filters are running. You have to keep this equipment running for 8 to 12 hours. Make sure that you distribute the shock evenly. You have to make sure that you have followed the instructions presented on the container of the pool shock.
Part 4. Conclusion
And we are finally done! These are only some of the most notable and needed facts that you have to know about how to shock a pool. By taking these notes down, and putting them into mind, you will achieve the result that you are always yearning for!