Is there a difference in Pool Shock?

Q: Is pool shock the same as chlorine? A: There is little difference between chlorine and shock. They all do the same work and contain the same active chemicals. They can be in stabilized or unstabilized form.

Also question is, what can I use instead of pool shock?

Bleach. Also known as sodium hypochlorite, simple household bleach. (which contains 5.25 percent of sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in bleach) can get stains out of grout that the baking soda couldn't. Bonus Tip: Bleach can also be used to shock a pool.

One may also ask, what is the difference between shock and super shock? In The Swim Pool Shock is made up of 68% calcium hypochlorite, also called Cal-Hypo, and is a non-stabilized pool shock. In The Swim Super Pool Shock is a more concentrated version of our Cal-Hypo pool shock. The dosage of Super Pool Shock is 1lb per 10,000 gallons.

Also to know is, is chlorine the same as shock?

Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly. Chlorine tabs (placed in a chlorinator, floater, or skimmer basket) maintain a chlorine residual in the water. You do need to use both tabs and shock.

What does Shocking a pool mean?

Pool Shocking 101. The term, "Shocking” refers to the process of adding chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals to your pool in order to raise the "free chlorine” level to a point where contaminates such as algae, combined chlorine (also known as chloramines) and bacteria are destroyed.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Can you shock a pool too much?

If you put too much shock in the pool, simply wait it out. If you have a cover on your pool, take it off. The more sun that hits your water, the faster it will dissipate. Technically, if your free chlorine levels are holding up swimming UP TO your shock level, depending on your CYA, is safe.

Can you over shock a pool?

Start off by adding 3 or 4 gallons, and if you see no results overnight, add 3 or 4 more gallons the next day. Continue this process until you notice the water changing color to either cloudy white, light green or clear. YOU CANNOT OVER SHOCK A POOL ! The more you add, the quicker it will clear !

How can I clear my green pool fast?

How to Get Rid of Green Algae in a Pool

Remove Debris and Brush the Pool.
Test the Water.
Balance the Pool Chemistry.
Treat the Water with Shock.
Vacuum and Run the Filter After.
Deep Clean Your Filter.
Overnight Chlorine Loss Test (OCLT)
Why is My Pool Water Still Green After Shocking?

Why did my pool turn green after shocking it?

Cause. Shocking a pool should help clear up a green pool if the water is green because of algae or other issues. However, the pool may turn green after shocking, which is caused by an increased amount of dissolved copper in the water.

How long does it take for a pool to clear up after you shock it?

Chlorine- free shock oxidizes bacteria and organics in your pool without any additional chemicals. With this type of shock, you can swim in the pool just one hour after. Chlorine- based shock contains high levels of pH and will alter both your pH and chlorine levels in the pool.

Does baking soda kill algae in pools?

You often find this menacing algae setting down roots in your pool walls, leaving unseemly black dots that can ruin anyone's pool day. Bicarbonate, the active ingredient in the baking soda, is an effective spot treatment to help to kill the algae and loosen it from the wall. Then, it's time to start scrubbing!

When should you shock a pool?

KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME TO SHOCK:

START UP: Shock your pool when you open it for the season to kill algae that has developed in the Spring.
AFTER A PARTY OR HEAVY USE:
AFTER EXTENDED PERIODS OF HOT, SUNNY WEATHER.
AFTER HEAVY RAIN:
SMELL OF CHLORINE OR IRRITATED EYES:
POOL CLOSING:

Can I use bleach in my pool instead of shock?

Using Bleach as a Shock

You need to use less of such products per volume than you do if you simply add chlorine, and if you opt for chlorine alone, you need more bleach than you do pool chlorine. Bleach contains the same chemical -- sodium hypochlorite -- as pool chlorine, but the concentrations are different.

Do you run filter when shocking pool?

It's best to run the pool filter for 6-8 hour before shock treatment, and to schedule the shock when the sun has set. Performing pool shock treatment will lower the potency of chlorine, making you use either twice as much chemical, or render your shock treatment ineffective.

How often should you backwash a pool?

How Often to Backwash a Pool Sand Filter. As a rule of thumb, you should backwash and rinse your filter about once a week. The optimal time is right after you vacuum the pool. However, if your pool has had a lot more use than normal, it may be necessary to backwash twice a week.

What do you do after you shock your pool?

Additional tips

After the pool shock is added, pool toys and accessories can also be thrown in for decontamination.
Never add pool shock directly to the skimmers.
Keep the pool uncovered until chlorine levels return to normal.
NEVER swim before checking to make sure the chlorine levels are at 3 ppm or less.

Can you add shock and chlorine at the same time?

Chlorine shock + Sequester Agent: Chlorine shock will also disrupt stain & scale chemicals, aka chelators or sequestering agents, if added at the same time. Add Stain & Scale chemicals a day before or several days after, shocking a pool.

What happens if you swim in a shocked pool?

When a pool is shocked, normally with calcium hypochlorite, a chemical reaction takes place. All forms of chlorine turn in hypochlorus acid when mixed with water. The chemical reaction can cause irritated skin or eyes. Normally it take 2-4 hours for everything to balance out and be safe to swim in.

How much shock does it take to kill algae?

Step 8. Shock your pool- Add a chlorine-based shock as needed. You will usually need 1 pound per 10,000 gallons of pool water (no algae problem). Since an algae problem is present, you will need 2 pounds per 10,000 gallons.

Do you need to shock a new pool?

Every pool is different, and pools don't need to be shocked, unless they need to be shocked – to remove bacteria, algae, chloramines or other contaminants, or to help clear cloudy pool water or some other water problem. You can test for chloramines and you can see algae, but bacteria and other pathogens are invisible.

How long after adding chlorine Can you swim?

It is recommended to wait at least 20 minutes to an hour after adding water balancing chemicals. You should wait 2-4 hours (or one full cycle through the filter) to swim from the moment you use calcium chloride in your pool. It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours.

How much bleach do you use to shock a well?

Mix 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of water; pour into well. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and wash down the inside of the well. Open each faucet and let the water run until a strong chlorine odor is detected, then turn it off and go to the next one. Don't forget outdoor faucets and hydrants.