How Often Should I Shock My Pool?

To maintain pool water clarity and keep your pool safely sanitized, it's important to shock the water weekly. Shocking allows you to quickly raise chlorine levels, which will rid the pool of organic contaminants. Shock the pool more often if you're having cloudy water issues, experiencing higher-than-normal levels of contamination (such as after a pool party or storm), or chlorine demand is elevated.

BEST TIME OF DAY TO SHOCK?

After cleaning the pool to remove all debris, it's best to shock in the evening. This prevents the sun's UV rays from degrading the chlorine too quickly, before it has a chance to oxidize the water.

KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO SHOCK:

START UP:

Shock your pool when you open it in the spring to kill bacteria and algae that developed while it was closed.

AFTER A PARTY OR HEAVY USE:

People carry bacteria, sweat, cosmetics, and other organic contaminants, and chlorine levels can drop drastically when there are many active swimmers using a pool.

AFTER EXTENDED PERIODS OF HOT, SUNNY WEATHER

Hot, sunny weather can cause pool temperatures to rise, allowing bacteria to grow and use up chlorine faster.

AFTER HEAVY RAIN:

Heavy rains can flush contaminants into the pool, as well as increase pH levels.

SMELL OF CHLORINE OR IRRITATED EYES:

We've all been in a pool and noticed the smell of chlorine, or had our eyes turn red and irritated from the water. Contrary to popular belief, this does NOT mean there's too much chlorine in the pool. Rather, there's a buildup of chloramines (Combined Chlorine) in the water. It's a great indicator that it's time to shock your pool.

POOL CLOSING:

A clean pool at the end of the season always makes pool opening easier in the spring.

HELPFUL POOL SHOCK TIPS TO REMEMBER:

Shock if the Free Chlorine level of your pool measures zero, or the Combined Chlorine level rises above 0.3 ppm.
Always add shock to water, NOT water to shock.
Use the entire 1-pound bag, and never store half-full bags of shock.
Distribute chlorine shock around the perimeter of the pool — NEVER add shock directly to the skimmer.
Keep solar blankets, winter covers, and auto covers off until chlorine levels drop back down to 4.0 ppm or less.
After shocking, follow package instructions on required wait times before swimming.
For best results, shock when pH levels are between 7.2-7.4, which is on the lower end of the ideal range.
Leave the pump running and brush your pool after shocking to help quickly distribute the chlorine.
Some types of shock require you to rinse out your shock bags in the pool and allow them to dry before you throw them away. Always follow product label recommendations for proper handling and disposal instructions.
Always add shock upwind, so the powder doesn't blow back in your face. Pour the shock close to the water surface.