Is there a difference in Pool Shock?

Asked by: Tara Villarreal

The difference between standard chlorine treatments and a pool shock product is just the dosage of chlorine. Pool shock products are intended to rapidly raise the chlorine level in the water to kill any microorganisms, while standard chlorine treatments have lower doses meant to maintain current chlorine levels.

Does it matter what kind of pool shock you use?

The type of shock you should use will depend on your water chemistry and the reason you’re shocking. If the water is green, you should use a cal-hypo shock. However, if you’re shocking as part of weekly maintenance and your pool looks clean, you can use sodium dichlor, potassium monopersulfate or sodium hypochlorite.

Is there a difference in pool shock brands?

In a nutshell, there are significant differences in the quality of chlorine tablets and pool shock. This results in tablets that dissolve too rapidly and leave a gummy residue, and granular products that separate too slowly, and leave behind a cloudy residue.

Can you mix different types of pool shock?

Conclusion. Mixing different types of chlorine is never a good idea. The chemical reaction that occurs could lead to fires, explosions, and noxious fumes that are not safe to breathe in for prolonged periods.

What are the different types of pool shock?

Whether you’re a new pool owner or an experienced pool professional, it’s important to understand the difference between the three main types of Pool Shock: Dichlor, Cal-Hypo and Chlorine-Free. Each of these types of shock has a different purpose.

Can you put too much shock in a pool?

Can you put too much shock in a pool? SKIMMER NOTES: It’s unlikely but it could happen. It would take a lot of shock to really make the water unsafe for swimming. The best way to make sure you’re safe to swim is to test your pool water and make sure free chlorine levels are between 1-4ppm for healthy swimming.

Which is better liquid or powder shock?

Both liquid and powder shocks contain the same active chemical used for pool sanitation, but their usage and strength are different. Other than coming in a different form, liquid chlorine is also more budget-friendly and unstabilized. On the other hand, powder shock is easy to stabilize, and its solid form dissolves.

Is it OK to use different brands of pool chemicals?

Most common swimming pool chemicals are incompatible with each other and should never be mixed. Mixing of organic chlorinating agents (such as trichloroisocyanuric acid) and inorganic chlorinating agents (such as sodium hypochlorite) can lead to fires, explosions and chlorine gas release.

Does the brand of pool chemicals matter?

With quality chemicals that really work, you can count on crystal clear, algae-free, clean water. So, to answer the question, “Does it matter where you buy your pool chemicals,” we can say without hesitating, “Absolutely.” Having the right amount and the right kind of chemicals on hand is vital to your pool enjoyment.

Are all pool chemical brands the same?

Most people think all pool chemicals are the same and it does not matter where you buy them. This is one hundred percent NOT TRUE! Not all chemicals are the same. There is good quality and there is bad quality.

What is the difference between shock and chlorine?

Chlorine is a sanitizer, and (unless you use Baquacil products) is necessary for maintaining a clear and healthy pool. Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly.

Does Shocking a pool affect pH?

When you shock a pool, you test and adjust the pH level for a reason. With that said, if you shock a pool outside of the 7.2 to 7.4 pH range, not only will you waste a significant amount of the chlorine used, you will also end up with cloudy water.

Is chlorine stabilizer the same as shock?

Pool stabilizer is also known as pool conditioner, chlorine pool stabilizer, chlorine stabilizer, or Cyanuric Acid. And you can buy this chemical additive as either liquid or granular (powder). It’s also included in chlorine tablets or sticks (called trichlor) or shock (called dichlor).

Is baking soda a pool stabilizer?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity. Many commercial pool products for raising alkalinity utilize baking soda as their main active ingredient.

What can I use instead of pool shock?

Common unscented household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) works well to shock a pool.

How many hours should you wait to swim after shocking a pool?

24 hours

After Shocking Your Pool



It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours. It is always best to test first!

What happens if you go in a pool that was just shocked?

BUT, if you have to shock your pool during the day in broad daylight, you can still swim after adding shock. It’s recommended that you wait one hour after adding shock with the filter running, and then test the water to confirm the pH and chlorine are in the proper range before letting anyone enter the pool.

How long should you run filter after shocking pool?

Run the filtration system



While shocking your pool will help kill any germs any algae, it won’t actually get rid of them; for that, you need your filter. So be sure to run your pool filter for at least 24 hours.

Can I add shock and chlorine at the same time?

While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.

Why is my pool still cloudy after shocking it?

Cloudy or milky water after shocking is normal, and the water should clear up within an hour or so. Just make sure your pump and filter are running properly. If you add algaecide, keep in mind that some algaecide contains copper, which can actually make a pool cloudy.

Can you swim in pool after you shock it?

After you shock the pool — As soon as your chlorine levels reach 5 ppm or lower, it’s officially safe to swim. Depending on the type of shock used, as well as the amount used, it can take anywhere from 24 hours or even up to a couple of days.

What order do I add chemicals to my pool?

First 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 long does pool shock take to work?

Follow package instructions, which will guide you in how long to wait after shocking before swimming. Heavy shocking with granular chlorine will generally require 24-48 hours before the chlorine level has dropped to safe swimming levels (below 5 ppm).

What chemicals should I balance first in my pool?

Total Alkalinity (TA)

Total Alkalinity (TA) is the first thing you should balance in your pool water. TA refers to the amount of alkaline material in the water. And since alkaline is a pH stabilizer, the number of alkaline substances in water will affect the pH balance.

Can I add all pool chemicals at the same time?

You should not add all pool chemicals at the same time. You should also avoid mixing pool chemicals together. Adding chemicals at one time can cause dangerous chemical reactions and serious injuries. In addition, it will make it difficult to balance the pool.

Does shock raise alkalinity?

Causes of Rising Alkalinity



It’s also not uncommon for pool owners to go a bit overboard when shocking their pool, and since chlorine-based pool shock is a high-alkaline substance, it will also naturally raise your pool alkalinity.

Can you add clarifier and shock at the same time?

It’s not a good idea to use pool shock at the same time as clarifier. Some clarifiers are polymer based and the shock can act to break up the polymer causing the clarifier to be ineffective. It’s best to shock your pool before and wait a day or two before adding clarifier.