Shocking a pool might sound like you need some electricity and water contact, but it is actually nothing like that. It is a method to maintain your pool and keep it clean. Below, we have discussed what it is and the reasons to do it. You will also find some tips for a pool shock treatment.
What is a Pool Shock?
Shocking your pool involves adding chlorine or another chemical to your pool. The purpose of this process is to sanitize and clean your pool water. By adding chemicals to your pool water, you oxidize the chloramines in it. Hence, it is also called superchlorination.
Why is Shocking a Pool Important?
Shocking a pool is a necessary process. Some reasons you might want to do it are:
1. Dealing with Combined Chlorine or Chloramines
When chlorine combines with the nitrogen present in urine, sweat, oils, and urine, chloramines form. In other words, the combined chlorine becomes an ineffective sanitizer. This is because free chlorine interacts with contaminants like bacteria, eliminating them. However, when it combines with nitrogen or ammonia, it is unable to do its job. Thus, shock treatment will free the chlorine and off-gases the unhygienic, harmful agents. The combined and free chlorine together are known as total chlorine.
The kind of shock you use depends on the amount of chlorine in your pool. For a high chlorine level, going with non-chlorine shock works. Similarly, your pool will need a chlorinated shock when the chlorine levels are low. Moreover, the free chlorine should be 10 times the combined chlorine; therefore, it is better to tackle this problem early. Talking to a pool professional might help determine the sufficient amount to reach the breakpoint.
2. Raising the Sanitizer Levels
Another reason you will need a pool shock is to raise the sanitizer levels as soon as possible. The chlorine levels can occasionally decrease, like after a get-together or a pool party. Therefore, you must get the chlorine levels back up to 3-5ppm to prevent bacteria or algae in your pool. A quick chlorinated shock might help adjust the chlorine levels quickly.
3. Algae & Other Factors
Pool water is susceptible to algae growth. In addition, bather load and frequency, weather conditions, and environmental factors like pollen or dust also call for shocking a pool. You should shock the pool at least one time a week. If you use your pool or face other factors frequently, your pool might need shock treatment more often.
When to Shock the Pool?
Evening or nighttime is ideal for shocking a pool, as usually everyone is done swimming and the sunlight does not affect the process. You will also need to go for pool shock in these situations:
- After a party
- During hot or sunny weather
- Following rain, especially heavy or excessive rainfall.
Some Things to Remember About Pool Shock Treatment
There are some dos and don’ts for shocking a pool, like:
- Shock when combined chlorine level is 0.5 or above
- Wear protective gear before shock treatment
- Only add shock upwind to protect your face and eyes
- Steer clear of inhaling too close to the container
- Do not swim after shocking
- Shocking pH levels should be between 7.2 to 7.4
- Avoid adding shock through your pool skimmer
- Do not mix the types of pool shock; always add each chemical to the pool separately
- Always go through what is written on the package, and avoid adding shock directly unless the instructions say so
- Use one container at a time. Also, empty each container prior to discarding it and moving to the next one.
Conclusion
Shocking a pool is important to avoid problems like algae growth. It is an essential part of pool maintenance. Moreover, it will also remove the stinky, chlorine odor from the pool. Before proceeding with the procedure yourself, always ask a professional for advice.
Do you wish to build your dream pool in your home? Town & Country Pools has got your back! Dial (281) 252-6337 to get started now.