Do I need to shock my Pool or spa?
The most common reason for shocking your pool or spa is to deal with combined chlorine. There are three measurements of chlorine in pool or spa water: free chlorine, combined chlorine, and total chlorine. Free chlorine is just that, free. Free to interact with other chemicals, algae, bacteria or the like.
What happens when you shock a pool?
When you shock your pool, you are essentially adding more chlorine (or non-chlorine chemicals) to raise the level of free chlorine in the pool. When your free chlorine levels are too low, bacteria, algae, and chloramines begin to overwhelm your pool and make it unsanitary.
Do I need to shock my Pool to remove chlorine?
In the first example, you would not need to shock the water, as it is all free to continue killing bacteria. In the second example, though, the majority of the chlorine in the pool are chloramines – useless. You should shock the water to force these out of the water.
What is the best time of day to shock a pool?
The ideal time to shock your pool is in the evening after all swimming is complete. In the evening because the sun will not be boiling the chlorine out of your pool, and after everyone is done swimming because shocking is going to bring the chlorine level up to a level that may be irritating to skin and eyes.
When should you shock a new pool?
To be on the safe side, you may also consider shocking your pool every 1-2 weeks as a preventative measure. If you're utilizing a saltwater system with your swimming pool, it's also a good idea to periodically shock your swimming pool if the chlorine levels are low.
What to do when you first fill a pool?
Tips for Adding Start-Up Pool Chemicals Run filter pump while adding chemicals to circulate. Re-test the pool water after 8 hours of filter run time. Add chlorine shock when the sun is not directly overhead. Add algaecides last, after chlorine level drops below 3 ppm.
What chemicals do you add first when opening a pool?
Once the pool is opened and the floor and walls have been brushed the first chemical you should add is chlorine to shock it. It's recommended you add a gallon of liquid chlorine or pound of granular chlorine for every 5,000 gallons of water in the pool. You can also add more chlorine at the end of the opening process.
How do you set up a pool for the first time?
3:416:38How to OPEN An ABOVE GROUND POOL in 11 Steps | Swim UniversityYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first you want to add back all the plugs to the drains. And the pressure gauges to your poolMoreSo first you want to add back all the plugs to the drains. And the pressure gauges to your pool filter system pump and other equipment. Now you'll need to attach your system's hoses to your equipment.
How much chlorine do I add to my pool for the first time?
If you're adding chlorine for the first time, add the amount of product required to achieve a free available chlorine level of 2 to 3 ppm. The instructions will let you know how much to use to raise levels by 1 ppm per 10,000 gallons (38,000 L) of water.
What order do I add chemicals to my pool?
1:504:03What's the RIGHT Order to Add POOL CHEMICALS? | Swim UniversityYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst can help bring your ph. Into range if you need to raise your alkalinity. You can use anMoreFirst can help bring your ph. Into range if you need to raise your alkalinity. You can use an alkalinity increaser or baking soda. If you need to lower your alkalinity.
How do you fill in a new pool?
How To Fill Your Swimming Pool With A Garden HoseConnect a heavy-duty garden hose to the water spigot closest to the pool. ... Drop the open end of the hose into your pool.Turn on the water.Leave the water running for at least 24 hours, then check the water level.More items...
How do you treat an above ground pool for the first time?
If you're ready to open your above-ground pool, we've got your back.Give your pool cover a spring cleaning. ... Pull the Cover Off the Pool. ... Prepare your Pool Cover for Storage. ... Fill the Pool with Water. ... Skim the Surface. ... Goodbye Winter Pool Plugs and Hello Skimmer Baskets. ... Re-Install Your Pump, Filter, and Equipment.More items...•
When to shock a pool?
The best time of day to shock a pool is in the evening after the sun is down. This allows the pool chlorine time to spread out in the water and clean it before day-time temperatures reduce the effectiveness of the shock. Ultraviolet light reduces the effectiveness of chlorine.
How to add shock to pool?
Add the shock: Depending on the type of shock (read the label) you can either add it directly into the pool, or mix it in a bucket filled with water first before adding it to the pool. I always walk around the side of the pool adding a little as I go to ensure it is distributed as thoroughly as possible.
Why does chlorine smell in pool water?
A strong chlorine smell in pool water and eye irritation results from the chloramines in the water, not the chlorine. Adding additional chlorine to the water in the form of shock helps to reduce the smell and effects of chloramines.
What to do if your chlorine levels are too high?
If your chlorine levels can never stand still, being too high one day and too low the next, a shock treatment may be needed. This shock will release most of the combined chlorine in your pool while re-balancing everything to easily allow the chemicals you have added to do their work.
Why do people shock after a pool?
Shocking after parties can help bring the pool’s pH levels back to baseline and help sanitize it after heavy use.
What is a shock kit?
A shock kit will be the start of your fight against an uncontrollable number of algae that you may have to face any time during the year . The boost in chlorine mixed in with the other chemicals that your pool will experience during this time will comfortably have the algae dying out.
Why do you shock your pool when you open it?
When you open your pool for the swimming season, spring algae has a chance to start propagating quickly with rising temperatures and exposure to sunlight. Shocking the pool with chemicals at this point can help prevent a lot of hassle and clean-up later .
What is pool shock?
The idea behind pool shocking is to quickly raise the free chlorine level in the pool, killing off bacteria, algae growth, chloramines, and other pathogens in the water. This can be done using either chlorinated or non-chlorine pool shock. Chlorinated pool shock is the most common. It gives the pool a massive dose of chlorine, ...
How long does chlorine shock last in a pool?
So, when using chlorinated shock, always shock at night. This will also allow the pool to circulate the shock for a good 8+ hours, giving it plenty of time to fully clean the pool.
Why is my pool so stinky?
Chloramines are an irritant and hazardous to humans – causing red eyes, itchy skin, nasal and lung irritation, and respiratory issues. So if your pool is really stinky, it’s also really dirty. Shock it ASAP! 2. There Was A Surge In Pool Use. People love a good pool party.
What is chlorine shock?
Chlorinated pool shock is the most common. It gives the pool a massive dose of chlorine, killing everything in its path.
Why is shocking important?
Unfortunately for pool owners, you can’t just fill up a pool with water and expect it to always be clean. Due to outside influences, the state of pool water is constantly changing, becoming increasingly grimy with each passing second. It’s for this reason why an array of chemicals are added to pool water.
What happens when it rains on a pool?
But heavy rain will load the pool with contaminants from the air (ie. mold spores, wind-blown debris, insects), and also dilute the pool water, upsetting its chemical makeup.
Why does chlorine deplete in pools?
With an uptick of swimmers in the pool, the chlorine has to work extra hard to keep it all clean, resulting in a more rapid depletion and consumption.
What happens when you shock a pool?
By shocking your pool, you replenish your chlorine level and oxidize chloramines (combined chlorine), which are a gaseous irritant that are hazardous for human consumption.
When to use shock treatment in pool?
You’ll also want to apply shock treatment when opening the pool, and closing it down for the season. On opening, after you’ve balanced it’s pH level, shocking will sanitize and oxidize the pool, restoring its clear water. On closing, pool shock is used as a disinfectant to prepare the pool for the winter months.
What is non chlorine shock?
Non-Chlorine Shock: Also known as Potassium Monopersulfate (MPS), this is a chlorine-free shock that oxidizes contaminants, but won’t rid the pool of bacteria. Compared to chlorinated shock, you can use MPS shock at any time of day and be swimming in the pool 15 minutes later.
What is pool shock?
Pool shock is a “super dose” of granular pool chlorine that oxidizes chloramines (combined chlorine) and kills bacteria in the water. Shocking depletes combined chlorine and increases free chlorine . If your chlorine levels are low, a chlorinated shock is required.
Why do you shock a pool at night?
Pool shocking is usually done at night, when the sun no longer shines on the water. This is because UV rays destroy chlorine at near warp speed. Twilight hours give the shock an extended amount of time to effectively kill everything in its path.
Why does my pool smell like chlorine?
Chloramines irritate your eyes, nasal passage, lungs, and skin. If the pool has a very strong chlorine smell to it, you know it’s time to shock.
How many volts does a pool shock?
As a pool owner, you’re gonna need to learn how to shock a pool. Pool shocking doesn’t mean sending 5000 volts of electricity through the water (although that would be pretty cool to see). However, what it does refer to is the rebalancing of pool chlorine levels, keeping the pool water safe to swim in.
How long should you let a pool shock pass before swimming?
This chemical, also known as cal hypo, is one of the more affordable and practical strategies to shock your pool. You can usually find this at the store in a granular condition. When you are using this type of pool shock, it must get dissolved before adding to the pool. You should always be used after dusk to let at least eight hours pass before you can swim again.
Why do you shock a pool?
After you have balanced the other chemicals, you can shock the pool so that you can eliminate any bacteria, make the water clear, and oxidize any particles. Lastly, if you have many people use the pool at once for a party, the water can get contaminated quicker. It is also essential to shock it after these events too.
What Is a Pool Shock? What Types Are There?
When you shock your pool, you are essentially adding more chlorine (or non-chlorine chemicals) to raise the level of free chlorine in the pool. When your free chlorine levels are too low, bacteria, algae, and chloramines begin to overwhelm your pool and make it unsanitary. Shocking your pool consistently will ensure that you have the right amount of chlorine you need to keep your pool and family safe.
What is pool shock?
A pool shock is a project of inputting chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals to your swimming pool to raise your level of free chlorine. When your free chlorine levels are too low, bacteria, algae, and chloramines begin to crowd your swimming pool and make it unsanitary. By shocking your pool consistently, you can create the right amount ...
What is the chemical that attaches to a pool?
But it also attaches itself to ammonia in the pool, which creates terrible chemicals called chloramines. The ammonia is a product of the sweat, urine, fertilizers, sunscreen lotions, bird droppings, and other exterior radicals that find their way into the pool. If you want a clean pool, you must break the chlorine bond (chloramine) and shock it.
What happens when a pool is flooded?
While the storm is occurring, your swimming pool will get contaminated by rainwater, debris, and dust. Algae outbreaks are also a key signal for pool shocking. When the algae begin to pop up, you should utilize a shock type with extra chlorination or other cal hypo alternatives. You should also make sure to shock your pool when you are opening ...
What is the signal for pool shock?
Algae outbreaks are also a key signal for pool shocking. When algae begin to appear, you should utilize a shock type with more chlorination to kill and remove the algae.
Why is my pool shocking?
The most common reason for shocking your pool or spa is to deal with combined chlorine. There are three measurements of chlorine in pool or spa water: free chlorine, combined chlorine, and total chlorine.
What is shocking in pool?
Shocking is the process of adding chemicals (usually chlorine) to your pool to:
What happens when it rains in a pool?
Also, as the rain is falling through the air, it picks up contaminants such as pollen and pollutants and dumps them in your pool. Heavy rain may cause ground runoff to empty into your pool. Thou shalt shock if thy combined chlorine level is at .5 or higher.
How long do you have to brush and run a shock pump?
Thou shalt quickly disperse and distribute thine shock by brushing and running thine pump for at least 20 minutes after the broadcasting thereof.
Why do you have to shock someone in the evening?
In the evening because the sun will not be boiling the chlorine out of your pool , and after everyone is done swimming because shocking is going to bring the chlorine level up to a level that may be irritating to skin and eyes . Other times that may require an extra dose of shocking:
What to do if your chlorine level is high?
If your total chlorine level is high, you will use a non-chlorine shock; if it is low, you will use a chlorinated shock. As a rule, you will need to raise free chlorine to 10 times your combined chlorine to hit what is known as “break point.”. Therefore, it is good to deal with combined chlorine while it is still small.
Can you store partial shock bags?
Thou shalt never store partial bags of shock…you will only ever use a complete bag.
