Swimming pool shocking (also known as super chlorinating) is a method of keeping pool water clean and safe to use by adding 3-5 times the normal amount of chlorine or other chemical sanitizing agents to pool water. Thus, the chlorine level of the pool water temporarily increases. This will remove the amount of ineffective chlorine, kill bacteria and other organic matter in the pond, and increase the availability of effective chlorine. Shocking the pool is one of the regular maintenance steps that all pool owners should know.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Determining the Surprise Timing
Step 1. Surprise the pool regularly
The frequency of pool shocks depends on the frequency of use, the number of users, and the temperature of the pool. You can monitor your home chlorine test results for the most accurate indicator. When the test results show that the levels of combined available chlorine and free available chlorine are below the recommended range, it means that the swimming pool needs to be shocked.
Experts recommend shocking the pool at least once a month. If the pool water is warm (for example for a spa) it is best to do a shock at least twice a month. However, some experts recommend shocking the pool once a week or more, if the pool is used frequently, after heavy rains, or during prolonged hot and sunny weather
Step 2. Surprise the pool when the sun goes down
This will prevent the ultraviolet rays from affecting the chlorine and other chemicals and will ensure that most of the chemicals are available to shock the pool.
Part 2 of 3: Preparations Before the Pool Shock
Step 1. Dissolve the pool shocker
This step should be done before mixing pool shocking chemicals with pool water. Pool shocks are granular and dissolve quickly.
- Fill a 19 liter bucket with pool water
- Slowly pour the pool shock granules into the bucket of pool water.
- Do not add water to the chemical. You should always add chemicals to the water.
Step 2. Stir the water slowly
Stir for a minute or so until the shock granules dissolve in the pool water.
Part 3 of 3: Adding Pond Shocking Chemicals
Step 1. Pour the shock solution in the bucket directly in front of the return fitting while the filtration system is running
The shock solution will be carried by the water jet from the return line.
- Slowly pour the solution out of the bucket so that the solution is carried to the pool instead of settling on the pool floor. In addition, the solution should be poured slowly so as not to splash the skin, clothing, and other surfaces to prevent injury or stains from forming.
- Pour as close to the surface of the water as possible.
Step 2. Fill the bucket again with water
After you've poured out most of the shock solution (about of the solution remaining in the bucket), refill the bucket with water.
- Stir the water in the bucket again for a minute or so to dissolve any remaining shock granules at the bottom of the bucket that were previously undissolved.
- Keep pouring the contents of the bucket until it runs out.
- If the insoluble shock granules reach the bottom of the pool, stir the water with a pool cleaner.
Step 3. Retest pool water before use
Swimming in water that contains too much chlorine is very dangerous. Wait until the pool water shows a result of 3ppm or less.
Tips
- If your swimming pool has a vinyl finish, you should not allow shingles to settle on the pool floor as it will bleach or stain your pool finish.
- Pool shocks can also be released using a chemical float dispenser or mechanical feeder instead of manually. If you are using a filling machine, the proportions must be very precise and you should only use chemicals approved by the manufacturer.
- The chlorine shock agent is actually unstabilized chlorine, which is exactly the same as the chlorine bleach sold in supermarkets. You can use it instead of setting the level for your swimming pool (approximately 4 liters of 5% hypochlorite chlorine bleach per 10,000 liters of pool water. Make sure you buy unscented chlorine bleach, and choose pure hypochlorite.
- Check the pH range before performing the shock. The pH level must be within the normal range before shock is performed. Otherwise, excess chlorine will oxidize the copper part of the pool. If this happens, black spots will appear on the surface of the pool.
- Don't forget that it's a good idea to do a little bit at a time spreading out over various pool locations instead of doing one big shock at one point of the pool.
Warning
- You can only adding a chemical shock to the water. Do not never added water to a chemical shock.
- Manufacturers of pool shock products recommend that you wear safety glasses and other safety equipment to prevent injury. Read the user manual on the product packaging carefully.
