Many pool owners mention “shocking their pools.” This can be a common phrase that you hear but aren’t completely sure what it consists of. Shocking a pool refers to the process of adding chlorine or other chemicals to a pool in order to get rid of contaminants such as bacteria or algae. However, it is not always necessary to shock a pool. We’re here to touch on the basics so you know when to utilize this method.
When to Shock My Pool
A pool doesn’t require shocking all summer long. In fact, there are only certain kinds of situations when you should consider this type of treatment.
- Pool opening/closing
- After heavy rain
- After heavy use
- After extended days of hot weather
- Strong chlorine smell
- Buildup of algae
The main reason for shocking a pool is to remove any algae, bacteria, waste, or chloramines. These are all things that can harm you or cause you discomfort. Shocking a pool before opening and at closing helps to disinfect the water and get it ready for the summer or ready for the long winter.
It is also more common for bacteria and contaminants to appear after extremely hot weather, excessive rain, or even a large party. Extreme weather is capable of bringing or breeding all sorts of bacteria and debris into your pool and the same goes for days when there are too many people in the pool bringing in different bacteria.
A chlorine smell is also an indication that something is wrong. This usually comes with red, irritated eyes and means that there is a buildup of chloramines in the water. Pools should not give off a strong chlorine smell and ones that do are due for treatment.
Tips for Shocking Your Pool
Shocking a pool isn’t as simple as dumping a bag of chemicals into your pool. There are suggested times to do it and how to handle the process. For one, professionals always recommend that you shock your pool after the sun has gone down. This is because the UV rays can dissolve the chlorine before it gets a chance to do its work and disinfect your water.
It’s also important to remember to add shock to the water and not the other way around and to properly distribute it around the pool rather than concentrating it in one area or around the skimmer. Make sure to use up the entire bag and do not keep any leftovers to store.
Once you’ve finished shocking your pool, be sure to wait the appropriate amount of time before using it again. There are instructions on every package to let you know when you can jump into your pool again. Finally, rinse out your bags in the pool and let them airdry before tossing them in the trash.
For more tips, or to set up an appointment with Georgia Pool Cleaning, visit our website or call us today at (404) 895-9120. We serve communities within a 100-mile radius of Atlanta, Georgia.