Test Before You Shock
Before shocking your swimming pool, we highly recommend testing the water and finding the best pool vacuum to clean out any debris. A pool test strip will give you a read on your free chlorine, pH level, total alkalinity, cyanuric acid, borate, calcium hardness, and calcite saturation index. If you have a salt water pool, it can also tell you if your water is within the salinity goal range.
If you test your water and see that your free chlorine level is below 3 ppm, shocking the pool is a good idea. We also suggest shocking your pool in the evening, because natural sunlight can break down as much as 5 ppm of chlorine each day. In addition to testing your water before treating it, we also recommend retesting afterward to make sure your chemical ranges are where they should be.
Salt Water Pools: What Type Of Salt Should I Use And Why
What kind of salt should I put in my pool?
With salt water pools becoming so prevalent in the swimming pool industry today, a lot of questions ariseand not always a lot of answers.
A lot of pool companies don’t even know the answers to the questions, and very little has been written about this subject.
Such confusion is understandable. Salt water pools grew rapidly within the industry, and there are so few case studies to understand this important science.
This article will help you understand the different types of salt currently available for purchase and which of these is best for use in a swimming pool with a salt chlorine generator.
Aqua Chem Shock Plus Water Clarifier
When your pool is not looking its best anymore, this pool shock can return that sparkling water effect in as little as a few hours with the first signs of improvement being visible immediately. You dont have to pre-dissolve it, as you may pour it directly into the pool.
Compared to other pool shocks that do not let you use the pool for hours, this one lets you resume in as little as 15 minutes. It does contain a chlorine agent, but the effect is not harmful on the skin.
Made for every pool surface, this one can reduce the odor of chlorine and it prevents eye irritation. Moreover, it doesnt increase the pH, making your pool perfectly safe for swimming.
Pros
- Easily dissolves directly in the pool, with no need for pre-dissolving
- The result is a clear, sparkling pool
- Does not increase the pH level of your pool
Cons
You May Like: Pool Water Iron Removal
Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Plus
Easiest to Use
This Clorox 4-in-1 powder formula of pool shock can be poured right into your pool from the bottle on a weekly basis.
The powder not only works to clear up your pool water by killing bacteria, but it also can help improve filter performance. The product dissolves quickly in the water, making your pool safe to swim in within about 30 minutes of the application.
You can also use this product with the Clorox mobile app. The app allows you to check daily water sample results and chemical needs for your pool, so you know exactly how much shock to add.
- Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Plus: Easiest to Use
Clorox Pool& spa Salt Essence
Saltwater pools typically require less maintenance than standard chlorine pools, but they still need to be shocked regularly. If you have a saltwater pool, you may want to consider a shock that doesnt contain liquid chlorine or come in the form of chlorine tablets. When it comes to shocking a saltwater pool, our pick is the Salt Essence Chlorine-Free Shock Oxidizer from CLOROX Pool& Spa.
Its specially formulated to get rid of sweat, sunscreen, oils, bacteria, and other organic contaminants. Salt Essence can also correct cloudy water and eliminate odors. All in all, its an excellent swimming pool maintenance product that can be used as often as every week.
You May Like: Removing Iron From Pool
How Do Salt Test Strips Work
Test strips are the easiest way to test pools and they work the same for both chlorine and salt water pools.
They’re made with pads on the end of the strips that are specially treated with a chemical that reacts with pool chemicals.
You just hold the strip under water for a few seconds and then let it set out for a few minutes.
You’ll then read the color on the strip and compare it to the chart in your manufacturers instructions.
Easy peasy!
How Shocking Your Pool Works
Also Check: Unclogging Pool Skimmer Line
Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtrablue
Clorox Pool & Spa Shock XtraBlue is among the more powerful and potent pool shocks that can be found on the market. While most pool shocks are placed in a bag, this product comes in a simple and easy-to-use bottle that you can just open and pour into your pool. A notable feature of this shock solution is that the crystals that are placed in the water will eliminate all blue algae, green algae, mustard algae, and black algae.
Along with getting rid of any algae that can be found in your pool water, this product is designed to prevent future growth of the algae. If your pool is outfitted with a vinyl liner, this might be the right product for you since it wont damage the liner in any way. You can purchase Clorox Pool & Spa Shock XtraBlue at Amazon for around $40, which will give you six pounds of the product. Smaller packages are available as well.
Click here to buy Clorox Pool & Spa Shock XtraBlue now!
Keep Those Swamp Monsters At Bay
If you thought you wouldnt have any water problems with a salt water pool, youre not alone. Unfortunately, despite the many positive aspects of salt water pool ownership, theyre not naturally resistant to algae.
Now that youre armed with the best methods for killing that algae, act swiftly to stop it in its tracks. Keep it from coming back with algaecide and good prevention practices, and you wont have to worry about those swamp monsters ruining your backyard fun.
Happy Swimming!
You May Like: How Long Should You Run A Pool Pump
When Pool Water Temperature Rises
Bacteria and other organisms such as algae thrive in warm water. In addition, the amount of free chlorine decreases with rising temperatures.
Most pools are kept at a comfortable level of 86-88 °F. The temperature should be lowered to a range of 78-84 °F if there are a lot of swimmers or if the pool is used for athletic activities. You can use a pool thermometer to measure water temperature.
If the temperature rises above the recommended levels, you should shock your pool.
Can You Use Regular Shock In A Saltwater Pool
Best answer
How to Shock a Saltwater Pool. Just like any other chlorine pool, shocking a saltwater pool is no different. … If using granular pool shock , use 3 lbs per 10000 gallons, for a complete shock that will kill anything in the pool. If using 6% liquid chlorine bleach, add 5 gallons per 10000 gallons.
user7294900
Similar Questions
Recommended Reading: Cyanuric Acid Neutralizer
Aqua Chem Shock Xtra Blue
If youre looking for a tried-and-true, all-purpose pool shock, we recommend Aqua Chem Shock Xtra Blue. This product is suitable for use in all types of pools, including salt water pools, above-ground pools and inground pools. The active ingredient is sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione , which contains chlorine. It effectively kills algae, bacteria, and chloramines while making pool water crystal-clear and sparkling clean.
Best of all, Shock Xtra Blue works extremely fast your pool will be swim-ready in as little as 15 minutes after treating it. Additionally, its formulated to reduce eye irritation and minimize the chlorine smell. This shock is also budget-friendly compared to similar products on the market.
How To Shock A Hot Tub
It’s time to go over how to shock a hot tub and if this is your first time, be sure to read through the instructions before starting. It’s a simple procedure and it’s most effective when done correctly. Keep safety in mind and always wear splash protection goggles and chemical resistant gloves when handling chemicals. Children and pets should be kept away any time you are handling chemicals.
- Test your hot tub water before adding the shock. A balanced hot tub will be way more receptive to a shock and exponentially more effective. Ensure that the pH is between 7.2 and 7.6 because oxidizers work more effectively in a low pH environment.
- The hot tub cover should be removed and kept off for at least 30 minutes after adding the shock. This allows aeration and while the chemical reactions take place in the water.
- You want the water to be calm and not agitated but you do want circulation happening. This can be achieved by keeping the jets and circulation system running with the air turned off.
You May Like: Can Vdara Use Aria Pool
Q: How Much Salt Do I Need For A Salt Water Pool
The amount of salt you need will vary for each salt generator and will also be dependent on your pool size in gallons.
But in general, adding 8 lbs of pool salt raises the level by 1,000 ppm per 10,000 gallons of water.
So, if you have a 20,000 gallon pool, you would probably need about 12 40 lb bags of salt to get it to the recommended 3,000 ppm level.
Of course, that assumes you are starting from zero, which most new pools will be at.
S On How To Shock A Salt Water Pool
Its a summer day, the sun is out, and you want to enjoy your backyard. So you head outside to take a dip in your saltwater pool. Your skin feels slimy, it feels like bugs are crawling over you, and something smells funny.
What happened? Your pool is an unhealthy mess from algae blooms! To learn how some easy steps on how to shock a saltwater pool, read on.
You May Like: When Does The Ymca Outdoor Pool Open
Will The Salt Rust Your Pool
There is, yes, some risk that the salt in the water will corrode your pool or pool elements. For above ground pools, you should not use a saltwater system with a steel or aluminum pool, as it will destroy the pool. A resin pool, however, should be fine. Vinyl pool liners are also good at resisting damage from salt. If you do use a saltwater system with an above ground pool, you should check and, if necessary, replace metal components regularly.
One vital way of reducing corrosion and rust damage is a sacrificial anode. This is a zinc part that hangs out next to the parts you need to protect and takes the damage for them. You replace the anode about every three years or so. Bear in mind that the anode has to be properly bonded and grounded, and thus you will need a licensed electrician to install it.
Simple Tips To Shock A Saltwater Pool
As with any various other chlorine share, shocking a saltwater share is no various.
See also:
Recommended Reading: Iron In Pool Water Green
How To Shock A Swimming Pool For Beginners
You might have just installed a swimming pool, moved into a rental property with a pool or purchased a new property with a swimming pool. Either way, now you need to know how to maintain it. One important pool maintenance requirement is to shock your pool. But how do you do that and what does shocking your pool even mean? In this article, well find out how to shock a pool for beginners.
How Often Should I Shock My Swimming Pool
Pool Shock is a type of chemical used to destroy bacteria and other organic contaminants in your swimming pool. Chlorine shock can be used to give your chlorine level a boost when it is very low. After using a chlorine-based shock, you should wait at least 8 hours before going back into the pool. Non-chlorine shock is a nice alternative and can be used as a supplement to your normal pool chemicals. With most non-chlorine shocks, you can swim again 15 minutes after shocking the water. Always make sure that the filter system is running while shocking the pool.
Some pool owners choose to shock their pools once every 1-2 weeks as normal maintenance. This is a great way to keep your chlorine level up and prevent algae growth.
In addition to your regular maintenance, common circumstances in which its a good idea to add shock to your pool water include:
Just remember At a minimum, be sure to shock your pool in any of the above situations. To be on the safe side, you may also consider shocking your pool every 1-2 weeks as a preventative measure. If youre utilizing a saltwater system with your swimming pool, its also a good idea to periodically shock your swimming pool if the chlorine levels are low.
Don’t Miss: Diy Fiberglass Pool
Black Green Pool Water
If you have black green pool water, you will be looking at doing the Light Green Pool Water dosage as outlined above x3. This may take some filtering, cleaning or backwashing of the filter, and more filtering to completely clean up over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.
Black green pool water will almost certainly leave stagnant debris sitting on the bottom of the pool which needs to be cleaned out before you dose it. Whether it be leaves or other debris, be sure that it is all scooped up using a leaf shovel, before being manually vacuumed out of the pool using a vacuum head, an appropriate length hose for your pool and a telepole.
Note: If you have a vinyl lined pool, diluting any chemicals that are being added to your pool in SEPARATE tubs of water is always a good idea to ensure no damage is done to the liner.
Minimize Your Chlorine Demand
You wouldn’t be ok with trying to have your home’s HVAC unit try to compensate for windows and doors that were left open all the time, right? It’s the same with your pool’s sanitation. It is crucial to eliminate issues that can multiply the amount of chlorine it takes to keep clean water . The most high-impact levels to monitor are phosphates , nitrates , and stabilizer . When any of these three are at issue, it’s possible for a pool to require many times higher amounts of chlorine in order to maintain the extra 1-3ppm residual level of unused free chlorine that you need.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Build An Inground Swimming Pool
Will Adding A Salt System Void The Warranty
Potentially, yes. Some manufacturers exclude the use of a salt system because if you mess up, you can seriously corrode your pool. Obviously, if your pool is out of warranty this is not a concern. It doesn’t mean that a salt system isn’t compatible with your pool, as long as it’s not primarily of metal construction.
Do I Need To Shock A Saltwater Pool
It’s absolutely okay to shock your salt water pool, and is actually pretty important! Running your pool’s super-chlorinate feature too often is hard on the motor and will cause it to wear out faster. The super-chlorinate feature will not always kill all the algae or clean up the pool water as effectively as pool shock.
Read Also: Head Lice In Swimming Pool
Remove Ladders Rails Etc From The Pool
Diving boards, ladders, handrails and slides should typically be removed for the winter. Some are set far enough back that they wont interfere with the winter cover or safety cover these can stay put and just be covered up for the winter. If the deck mounting brackets are too close to the pool edge, this equipment should be removed to prevent stress and damage to your winter cover or safety cover. Also remove any toys, floats or pool cleaners that have been left in the pool.
Benefits Of Pool Shock
It goes without saying that the biggest benefit of pool shock is its ability to clear your pool of all the bacteria and algae in one, clean move. If the regular treatment was seen as the oral pill, then the shock is practically the intravenous injection. You will not have to worry about catching anything while you are swimming.
Since it kills off the algae and bacteria in your pool, it wont only be healthier to swim in but also more pleasant. When your pool starts to look a little less clear than it used to, you dont really feel that comfortable stepping into the water. Its yucky, and not at all hygienic. However, by giving it a shock, the pool will be able to get that nice, clean color.
Last but not least, while it is not recommended to make this your pool-cleaning go-to, its a quick fix to an emergency. Lets say that you went on a holiday for quite a long time and now your pool looks all yucky and full of muck. Its not very convenient to empty the entire pool which is why pool shock is such a convenient quick fix.
However, if you got enough time to take care of your pool water daily, we recommend also looking at our reviews on chlorine tablets for pools. They will not shock the water but it will instead generate a steady low level of chlorine. Check our guide now!
You May Like: How To Polish Pool Tile
