How Often Should I Shock My Pool?

How Often Should I Shock My Pool?

Chlorine has a low pH level, and in order to maintain your pool water's clarity and balance, shocking weekly will allow you to quickly raise the chlorine level, which will rid the pool of contaminants, without lowering the water’s pH levels.

BEST TIME OF DAY TO SHOCK?

After you have cleaned the pool of all debris it is best to shock in the evening because the sun’s UV rays will dissolve the chlorine too quickly before it has a chance to attach and oxidize.

KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO SHOCK:

START UP:

Shock your pool when you open it for the season to kill algae that has developed in the Spring.

AFTER A PARTY OR HEAVY USE:

People carry bacteria 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 temperatures to rise too high which can allow bacteria to grow while decreasing the strength of your chlorine.

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. Most of us think that is because there is too much chlorine in the pool, but that isn’t accurate: It means there is a buildup of chloramines (combined chlorine) in the water. It’s a great indicator that is it 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 ALWAYS REMEMBER:

  1. Shock if free chlorine level of your pool measures zero or combined chlorine level rises above 0.5
  2. Always add shock to water NOT water to shock
  3. Always use the entire bag, never store half-full bags of shock
  4. Always distribute the chlorine shock around the pool – NEVER add shock directly to the skimmer
  5. Always keep solar blankets, winter covers and auto covers off until chlorine level is 3.0ppm or less
  6. Always follow the waiting to swim instructions on the package
  7. Always shock with pH levels between 7.2-7.4
  8. Always brush your pool after shocking, with the pump running, to help quickly distribute the chlorine.
  9. Always rinse out your shock bags in the pool and allow to dry before throwing away
  10. Always add shock up wind - so that the wind does not blow the powder back in your face