Most pool owners are not sure how often they should shock their pools. Shocking a pool is definitely the most effective way to get rid of algae from your swimming pool as well as any other organic matter. This will help keep your swimming pool clean year-round.

Shocking a Pool

Shocking a pool is the procedure of adding chemicals (often chlorine) to your swimming pool to:

  • kill bacteria, algae or other hazardous organisms
  • quickly raise your level of chlorine
  • break apart chloramines, also called combined chlorine

What is the perfect time of day to shock a pool?

You can do shocking late in the evening or during the night when the sun sets. This helps to ensure the chlorine is effectively working. UV rays from direct sunlight minimize levels of free chlorine, so daytime shocking won’t be effective.

If you have to do it during the day, use a chlorine stabilizer, like cyanuric acid, to extend the chlorine’s life.

How often should you shock your pool?

This will be determined by how often you use the pool. The best Heart of Texas Service recommends that for general upkeep and maintenance, every fortnight or so is good enough. Some people just do it once per month, though this is not often recommended. If people are using your pool every day, you need to shock each week.

Shocking a Pool

How long should your pump run after shocking?

Our professionals recommend running your pool pump for at least a day after shocking a pool. After 1 to 2 days, if there are still algae or other pathogens in the swimming pool, begin the process once more. You should first run the pump, then clean the big pieces of debris and shock again.

How long after shocking a pool before you swim?

Check your pool’s levels of chlorine and pH, so you will know when it is safe to swim once more. When the reading of your pool water is 3ppm or less, you can begin enjoying your backyard oasis again.

Other times that might need an additional dose of shocking includes:

  • After or during a time of downpour– Rain often increases your pool’s pH level. When the pH isn’t in balance, the chlorine doesn’t function as well. As the rain is also falling, through the air, it accumulates pollutants like contaminants and pollen and dumps them in your swimming pool. Heavy downpour might cause ground runoff to empty into the swimming pool.
  • After or during a time of hot conditions– Not only do the sun rays boil the chlorine out of the pool water but as the water temperature rises, bacteria and algae develop at a quicker rate. Also, since algae are a kind of plant, the additional sunlight brings about faster growth of algae.
  • After a high swimmer load (e.g. a party) – This puts extra strain on chlorine in the swimming pool.

Shocking a Pool

To get help with  shocking a pool or more in-depth treatment, call on Heart of Texas Service. Our professional team is equipped to give quality maintenance and cleaning services for your backyard pool. If you have more pool maintenance questions, feel free to call us!

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