No one can resist diving into a pool, especially during the hottest days of the summer. But before you dip your toes into the cold water, it’s important to wait and check whether or not the pool has been shocked.
This can usually take some time, and as annoying as that is, it’s the best option for your pool health. But the waiting time can vary, which is why most people wonder how long after shock can you swim in a pool.
What Does It Mean to Shock Your Pool?
If your first thought was of electrocution, you’re not alone. However, shocking a pool has nothing to do with bolts of electrical lightning. Instead, it’s just a pool maintenance method that helps to get rid of the bacteria.
By adding chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals into the pool, the free chlorine levels of the water tend to rise. Once this happens, it destroys all algae, bacteria, and germs floating around.
Can You Swim In a Pool After It Was Just Shocked?
No. Swimming in the water right after it was shocked is harmful. It’s best to leave the water alone for some time, letting the chemicals dissolve into the water and do their job.
Moreover, since shocking a pool requires an ample amount of chemicals – think more than regular chlorine — it can cause extreme reactions if you swim in it.
This is why you need to wait for the chlorine levels to go down until it’s safe for your skin to handle before you take a dive.
What Happens If You Try To Swim In A Pool That Was Recently Shocked?
It depends from person to person. However, one of the most common reactions is skin irritation. Due to this, you may experience a severe skin rash since too much chlorine can destroy the outermost layer of your skin.
The danger can also advance if the water seeps into your eyes. Chlorine is known to dry out your eyes, and too much of it can be a serious health hazard. Even the skin around your eyes can easily get damaged. It’s due to this that swimmers wear goggles during their laps.
How Long After Shock Can You Swim?
Now that you’re all caught up with the dangers of swimming in a pool that was just recently shocked, you probably want to know how long is the waiting time. Luckily for you, it’s not quite that long.
Typically, you need to wait for as long as 24 hours after the shock to swim. This allows the water to cleanse itself and return to safer levels. Although if you’re in a rush, and can’t wait for an entire day, give it at least 6 to 8 hours.
Once the harsh effects have mellowed out, you’ll be able to run laps in the newly-cleaned swimming pool with nothing to worry about.
Want to Maintain Your Swimming Pool?
Having a swimming pool is extremely fun, but when it comes to maintenance, it can be a bit of a drag. But by installing pool cleaners and filters inside the pool’s surface, you’ll have one less problem to worry about. Moreover, once you shock your pool, you’ll have to wait for an entire day before going for a swim.
For more information, contact Town & Country Pools at (281) 252-6337. For more information, you can also drop by our office at 32403 FM2978, Suite # 118, Magnolia, TX 77354, next to Texas Truck Works (TTW).