How Much Shock Do I Add To My Pool
To shock your pool, use 2 pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water, which should raise your chlorine to 10.0 ppm. Depending on your pool, you can use Leslies Power Powder Plus or Leslies Chlor Brite. After shocking the pool, run the circulation system for at least 2 hours before adding an algaecide.25 2017 .
How To Use Pool Shock To Purify Water
Backdoor SurvivalPreparednessPrepping and Survival BasicsWater SupplyHow to Use Pool Shock to Purify WaterSurvivalWoman
If I were to ask how many of you store liquid bleach along with your other prepping supplies, I am certain that a good percentage of you would raise your hands. Liquid bleach is a powerful disinfectant and sanitizer but did you know that there is something better? Something with an almost indefinite shelf life that is inexpensive and takes almost no room to store?
That something is the chemical Calcium Hypochlorite most commonly known as Pool Shock.
I have known about Pool Shock for years but because it is not readily available in my area, I never took the time to search it out so I could stockpile some for my own emergency preps. That has now changed and today I plan to show you how to use Pool Shock the easy way, step by step.
How Long Should It Take To Shock Your Pool
Shocking the pool only takes a few minutes of your time, but the waiting out process should be a few hours at the least.
As shocking is best done at night, it gives the pool a solid 8 hours to circulate the chlorine and fully disinfect the pool.
However, in situations which call for non-chlorinated shock, you can be back in your pool 15 minutes after its application.
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How Much Pool Shock Do I Need
Breakpoint chlorination is a level of chlorine at which point molecular bonds are broken apart. Conveniently, this is also the point at which chloramines, algae and pathogens are removed from the water.
For most situations, a level of 30 ppm of chlorine will reach the threshold of breakpoint chlorination and order will be restored.
Example: 20,000 gallon pool 7.8 lbs of Cal Hypo to reach 30 ppm
Heres a pool shock treatment chart to determine the amount of pool shock necessary to raise the chlorine level above the breakpoint threshold, which is usually around 30 ppm.
Not using enough chlorine to not quite reach breakpoint may not have the desired full effect.
Check for proper water balance, especially pH, in the range of 7.2-7.6, before adding the shock to the pool. High pH of 7.8-8.2 can render up to half of your pool shock completely inactive.
Proper filtration and circulation deserve some mention as well pool shock doesnt do it all alone. The pool water needs to be filtered to remove the microscopic remnants of organic matter that is destroyed.
Can I Just Drop Pool Shock Right In
As long as you have shock that doesnt require pre-dissolving, adding pool shock to your pool is unbelievably easy. All you have to do is walk slowly around the perimeter of your pool and pour it straight in.
If you have a type of sodium hypochlorite that requires pre-dissolving, add each pound to a five pound bucket of water and give it a mix and some time before adding it to your pool.
In either case, if you have an outdoor pool remember to apply pool shock at dusk or at night, or the sun will burn out the compound that makes it effective. True to its name, pool shock for pools is usually unstabilized. If youre adding pool shock to your hot tub, any time will do.
Unless youre using a non-chlorine shock, youll want to wait eight hours after using shock before you jump back into the pool. If youre a night swimmer, go you. Just add pool shock in after youre done for the day.
Shocking your above-ground pool? Make sure its circulated properly with a high-powered pump like the Copper Force Above Ground Pool Pump, which has three options for horsepower and an ultra-cool operation. According to customer Doug Paar, The pump is very quiet and has good pressure. I would recommend.
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How Long After Shocking A Pool Before Is It Safe For Swimming
Generally, you should not swim in a pool for 8 hours following shock treatment. Be guided by your shock treatment of choice and follow the manufacturers instructions.
If you use a non-chlorinated treatment the time can be as little as 15 minutes, however, these types of treatments will not work against algae bloom.
Prevent Algae All Season Long
For a clean and algae-free swimming season, we recommend to start treatment before the first swimmers even jump into the pool. After shocking your pool, it is a good idea to add either Leslies Algae Control or Pool Perfect + PHOSfree to your water. Both of these products will prevent the growth of most types of algae, and help keep your pool clean, clear, and fresh all year long. Once you’ve added the algae controller, the last step is to take a water sample into your nearest Leslies location for a FREE AccuBlue® Water Test. Once they give your pool the OK with a professional water test, you are ready for a summer of fun in the sun!
Leslie’s is your go-to resource for all the pool opening supplies you need this spring. If you have any questions or need help opening your pool, stop by your local Leslie’s store to speak with a knowledgeable pool expert.
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Add The Shock To The Pool
Following the manufacturers instructions, measure the correct shock treatment dose. You will need to know the volume of pool water as well as your water testing results above to administer the correct dose. Many treatments will require you to mix up the treatment with water in a bucket first.
Treatment is usually added at dusk to ensure it can work without being used up by the suns UV rays.
Some pool owners have accidently added too much shock, dont worry too much if you do though. We have a detailed article on this here:
Check Your Swimming Pools Chlorine Levels
For this step, make sure to follow the instructions provided with your kit or test strips. If your CC reading is 0.5 ppm or higher, its time to shock your pool. Its also a good idea to shock your swimming pool:
- After pool parties or heavy use
- After heavy rains, high-speed winds, thunderstorms, or other extreme weather
- Every 1 to 2 weeks
- If you notice visible algae or a strong chlorine smell
Step Three
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Should I Check Water Chemistry During Winter
In most cases there is no need to test the water on a covered pool, with exception to a pool with new plaster or whitecoat, which tends to rise in pH level during the first year. In such cases, pull back the cover and test the pH and alkalinity each month, adjusting as needed before covering the pool again. Pool covers with drains to allow rain and snow melt to pass through may wish to check pH once or twice during winter, to prevent possible etching or scaling issues.
Calculate The Proper Amount Of Shock
You might be wondering how much shock is enough.
Well, in order to reach breakpoint chlorination, you’ll need to achieve about 30 ppm.
If the chlorination does not reach this level, it wont kill all of the algae in your pool or remove unhealthy chloramines.
In order to calculate the proper usage, you will need to know approximately how many gallons of water are in your pool and read the label of your product.
For the cal-hypo product we recommend, that is about three pounds per 10,000 gallons of water.
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How Do You Shock Your Pool
When the filter is running, either pour or sprinkle the shock around the perimeter of your pool. Be sure that nothing sprinkles on you because it will bleach your clothing.
Its recommended to avoid swimming in your pool 24-48 hours after you shock your pool. This will allow the chemicals to run through the water and not harm your skin or eyes. Always read the packaging on your pool shock to check the recommendations.
When Free Chlorine Levels Drop Below 3 Ppm
Let’s first talk about the differences between free chlorine, combined chlorine, and total chlorine.
- Free chlorine: The chlorine that’s actively cleaning your pool, “free” to do its job. Be sure to use cyanuric acid to stabilize the free chlorine.
- Combined chlorine: This is the chlorine that while technically still in your pool, is mostly “used up” and not able to clean your pool. High levels of combined chlorine mean there is less free available chlorine to do its job.
- Total chlorine: This is simply the sum of free chlorine + combined chlorine.
Generally, the goal is to raise your free chlorine to about 10x the level of the combined chlorine .
Most pool test strips won’t be able to measure combined chlorine and total chlorine, so you’ll have to use a pool test kit to do this job.
When your free chlorine levels drops below 3 ppm, it’s time to shock your pool.
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Repeat Shocks Weekly Or Bi
Depending on use, shock treatments should be repeated weekly or bi-weekly for proper maintenance. Many pool owners dont realize that pools which are used frequently need to be treated this often, but it has a lot to do with the chemical bonds between the hydrogen in the water, chlorine, and chlorines waste product, nitrogen. The video at the end of this article explains the problems with combined chlorine versus free available chlorine in detail, and why shocking more often or taking the shock treatment to the next level may be necessary.
Do I Need To Use A Winter Pool Algaecide
Many good algaecides for summer use may not perform as well as our Winter Algaecide, which is formulated to hibernate until water temperatures rise again next spring. Copper algaecides should be avoided as overuse can lead to staining, and other summer algaecides are not long lasting. Algaecide 60 Plus is a lone exception, the polymer is a good alternate choice to our Winter Algaecide.
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Shocking Treatment For Algae
After cleaning the pool and adjusting the pH level, you have to proceed further to add the chlorine into the pool. Most of the shock treatment packages will direct you to add 1 lb. of shock per 10,000 gallons of the pool water. This can be fine for any normal conditions. But if your pool is severely attacked by algae, then you will need to take other steps.
The best technique for the pools that are severely attacked by algae is to provide shock treatment unless until the water of the pool starts to turn blue-ish. Here is the chart that you have to use for shock treatment based on the color of the pool.
For light green pools, use 1 lb. of shock treatment per 10,000 gallons of water. So, for 25,000 gallons of water in pool, use 2.5 lb. of shock treatment.
For medium green pools, use 2 lb. of shock treatment per 10,000 gallons of water. So, for 25,000 gallons of water, use 5 lb.
For dark green colored pools, it is better to use 3 lb. per 10,000 gallons of water. So, for 25,000 gallons of water, you have to use 7 lb.
So, if you had a question in your mind regarding how much liquid chlorine to shock a pool with algae, you probably have now gotten the answer. Youll have to calculate the amount of water you have in your pool and determine the color of the pool.
Why Shock Your Pool
Over time, as chlorine works to destroy contaminants, the combined chlorine level rises and this is far weaker as a pool water disinfectant.
By shocking your pool, you replenish your chlorine level and oxidize chloramines , which are a gaseous irritant that are hazardous for human consumption.
Your swimming pool may need to be shocked if any of the following scenarios have occurred:
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During Extended Periods Of Hot Weather
When the weather is hot, the water levels will rise above the optimal temperature range of 78ºF82ºF, making it easier for bacteria and algae to thrive. Additionally, UV rays from bright sunlight will decrease the amount of free chlorine in your pool.
Make it a routine to shock your pool more often in the summer, when the weather is hot. Use cyanuric acid to stabilize the free chlorine and prevent UV rays from consuming the chlorine at a higher rate.
When Standard Shock Treatments Dont Work
As mentioned above, occasionally the standard pool shock treatment fails to fix basic problems, including: cloudy water, smelly water, or algae growth. This has a lot to do with the standard dose not being enough to break up the molecules and sanitize the water. In other words, the chlorine youre adding isnt enough to be effective. In these cases, too little chlorine is much like no chlorine at all. In these cases, it is not a matter of how you shock the pool, but how much to use. This is how you can get your pool back in order:
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How Much Liquid Chlorine Needed For 10000
It is generally recommended for any pool owner of a 10000-gallon pool to use a single pound of calcium hypo for its shocking. Also, sodium hypo of 10 ounces alongside approximately 12.5% chlorine is required to sanitize your pool.
While observing and executing all these, ensure the pool water is at its standard temperate level. Also, ensure the pools pH falls between 7.2 and 7.6 while maintaining its alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm.
The maintenance level is not the same for a 10000-gallon pool, whether a chlorine-based pool or a saltwater pool. The chlorine-based pool requires more maintenance than the saltwater ones.
Generally, whether for a 10000-gallon pool or whatever category of the pool, the saltwater pool does not need much treatment. The exception to this is an influx of algae or the contamination of the saltwater pool by soil, oil, or other liquid contaminants.
The reason for this is not far-fetched. Saltwater pools use chlorine generators to produce a chlorine compound, which is almost like the chlorine present in shock treatments.
Meanwhile, the best usage option regarding the saltwater pool system is the Sodium Hypochlorite liquid chlorine, as it helps to enhance chlorine levels in the pool water. You can use it in treating your hot tubs and spas as well.
Once used in a hot tub or swimming pool, it is instantaneously ready to erase viruses, bacteria, algae, and any other microorganisms present within the water due to its quick and rapid action.
How To Use Pool Shock
It doesnt matter whether youre a new pool owner or an old hand, shocking your swimming pool might seem a little scary. Thats okayhandling such a high volume of chemicals can make anyone feel jittery. It gets easier with practice and knowledge.
Once you learn what pool shock is, understand why its one of the most important chemicals to use, and learn how to shock a pool, the whole process will start to feel pretty routine. Thats good, because shocking your pool on a regular basis is a simple way to prevent stray algae and bacteria from taking root in your water. It also helps keep your pool smelling well, hopefully like nothing at all.
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Do I Need To Add Other Chemicals
After using a shock treatment, its best to give your pool a break from other chemicals and use it for a couple of days. Shock will drastically change the chemistry of your pool and youll need to wait to test your water. Its important to adjust your pools water after a shock treatment because it will help to maintain your water and deter further algae growth. To make sure your pool doesnt grow algae anymore, try to keep your water pH around 7.3 and your chlorine levels at 1 to 3 parts per million. If you take these steps, youll likely never see algae growth again.
Where To Buy Liquid Chlorine For Swimming Pool
Across the United States, you can purchase the liquid chlorine on Walmart and SamsClub. Other locations to look out for this product within the US include Alabama, Alaska, and Arizona.
You can also check for a local HASA dealer into the general sales of bulk liquid chlorine, even at a reasonable price. Some other locations are Arkansas, California, and Connecticut.
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