Chlorine is a necessary chemical for swimming pools, but it can be dangerous if not handled correctly. We will discuss what shocking your pool means and how to do it safely. We will also provide tips on keeping your swimming pool clean and water chemistry balanced.

What Does “Shocking” the Pool Mean?

The first thing we need to know is what the term “shocking the pool” means.  In the pool industry, shocking refers to the process of adding concentrated chlorine or a large amount of chlorine to the water all at once. This process is also sometimes called super chlorination.

Shocking the pool involved adding chlorine to remove chloramine buildup in the swimming pool and sanitizing it. Chloramines result from the mixture of chlorine with nitrogen that comes from oils, urine, and sweat.

Why Shock the Pool?

The most common reason for shocking a pool is because the chlorine levels have dropped too low and are no longer effective at bacteria and algae. Shocking the pool will raise the chlorine levels quickly and kill any contaminants in the water.

Removing contaminants from a swimming pool is essential to keeping it clean and safe for swimming. When contaminants are left untreated, they can cause bacteria and algae growth, making people ill. Therefore, it is essential to shock the pool regularly to remove any contaminants built up.

Risks Involved When Shocking the Pool

Shocking a pool can be a dangerous process if not done correctly. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when shocking a pool.

When chlorine is added to pool water in high concentrations, it can be hazardous. The water may emit chlorine gas that can cause breathing problems and lung damage. It is therefore crucial to ventilate the area well when shocking a pool.

Another risk of shocking a pool is that the high chlorine concentration can damage the pool liner. Therefore, adding the chlorine slowly and evenly around the pool’s edge is essential.

How to Shock the Pool?

There are a few different ways to shock your pool, but we will discuss a common method. The first thing that you should do is to test the alkalinity and pH levels of the pool. You should also ensure that the calcium hardness level is balanced with the alkalinity and pH levels of the pool.

After testing, you should pre-dissolve the pool shock if the manufacturer’s instruction requires it. Then, you should add the containers of shock until your reach the breakpoint chlorination. Breakpoint chlorination is the point where free chlorine levels break chloramine molecular bonds.

You should keep the pool filter and pump running to ensure the proper mixture of the pool shock. The system should continue running for 12 hours after you add the pool shock.

Tips for Shocking the Pool Correctly

Here are some tips to ensure you shock the pool correctly:

• Always wear protective equipment when shocking the pool.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the pool shock. You should only add the pool shock directly into the pool if the instructions say so.
•  Do not mix different types of pool shock since mixing them can cause a volatile reaction.

Shocking your pool is important when cleaning the swimming pool. If you are looking for a way to keep your pool clean and safe, you should contact Citywide Pool Services. We offer a range of pool cleaning and pool water chemistry services.