When To Shock Your Swimming Pool

It is recommended that you shock your swimming pool 1-2 times per month. However, this really depends on the amount of time your swimming pool is being used and how many swimmers have used your swimming pool.

For example, if you only use your swimming pool 1-2 times per week, your normal chlorine should keep enough bacteria fighting agents in the water. However, if you just had your child’s soccer team over for a pool party, you might want to dump some shock in the pool shortly after they leave. Shock will help keep your swimming pool clean and clear.

There are two easy signs to look for before shocking your swimming pool.

Algae Begins to Form On The Side Of Your Pool

If you pool is starting to turn green, you need to shock it. It is also recommended that any time you see any green algae on your swimming pool walls you should give your pool a good brush and then add some shock. Before is becomes too late add shock and brush your pool to contain the algae and get your swimming pool back into swimming shape.

Your Chlorine Levels Are Too Low

You should be checking your chemical levels every week. I know that this can be a daunting task, so bring us a sample of your swimming pool water and we will do it for you. If your chlorine levels get below the recommended levels, add shock to get your chemicals in check before is is too late.

Suggested Chemical

• pH: 7.2 – 7.8
• Chlorine: 1.0 – 2.0 ppm
• Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 180 – 220 ppm, though some say 200 – 400.
• Cyanuric Acid: 40 – 80 ppm
• Total Dissolved Solids: below 5000 ppm

Best Time to Add Shock To Your Pool

Okay, the soccer team is gone and you know you are going to shock the swimming pool. Wait until the sun goes down and turn your pool pump on to circulate the water. We want to eliminate the amount of evaporation the sun causes and most of us run our pool pumps at night. So before you hit your bed, dump your shock into the pool and let your pump do the hard work. When you wake up in the morning your swimming pool will be nice and clean.