Every avid pool owner needs to shock his pool at one point or the other. It is a vital part of pool maintenance. Shocking helps get rid of bacteria, green algae, and anything organic in your pool that may be a health hazard.
What is Pool Shock?
Shocking refers to the process of putting non-chlorine and chlorine chemicals into your swimming water to eradicate algae and get rid of bacteria. Shocking your pool may end up being costly and time-consuming if you do not partake the whole procedure correctly. Therefore, you are advised to research on the process before putting it into practice.
Pool shocking chemicals, commonly known super chlorinators, are available in many brands. It is essential for a pool owner to understand that above ground pools and in-ground pools can not be treated in same way.
Below is a guide that will help you learn all that you ought to know regarding how to shock your above ground pool and make it safer and cleaner for everyone.
You can use automatic or manual above ground pool cleaner to clean your pool.
How to Shock Your Swimming Pool(Options)
It is essential to know the right pool shocking option for your above ground pool.
For instance, if you use powder shock you cannot allow undissolved powder to settle at the bottom of the pool. If the powder does not fully dissolve, the shock hits the vinyl liner which ends up breaking or staining it.
Use a FAS-pool Test Kit DPD
The best way to get started is to use a pool test kit. This will determine the current chlorine levels in the water. Consequently, you can determine the amount of shock needed for your pool.
Shock Addition
Add enough chlorine which can be released by a floating chemical dispenser or a mechanical feeder instead of doing it manually. Automatic feeders are perfect for using shock chemicals which come in proportions from the manufacturer itself.
When using powder shock, you are advised to mix it in a different container first then float it in your pool using a chemical dispenser. This will prevent the undissolved particles from settling on the pool base.
When using liquid shock but are not sure about the measurements, use one gallon of pool shock to 10,000 gallons of water.
The test kit indicator should act as a guide to the amount of chlorine required. Shock and test repeatedly until breakpoint chlorination level is reached which ensures that bacteria, green algae, and other organic matters are destroyed.
If you shock your pool manually, bear in mind that it is better to dispense the chemicals in smaller proportions at different locations in the pool, other than one large amount at a specific position hoping for it to disperse on its own.
Once the chlorine level of your pool drops under 5ppm according to your test kit, it indicates that the chlorine level in the pool is okay and skin friendly. You can tell that the shocking process worked if the visible green algae disappear and the water becomes crystal clear.
You can also uses some bleach in the absence of shock. It is essential to note that bleach contains fewer chlorine amounts, consequently more substantial quantities are required.
How Often You Should Shock pool?
Shocking the pool is determined by the frequency with which the pool is used. In cases where the pool is used daily, do it at least twice a week. If the pool traffic is not high, you can do it once a week. Ensure you cover the pool after chlorination as this will protect the chlorine from UV rays from the sun that break and weaken the chlorine.
How Long After Shocking Pool Can You Swim?
After chlorination, you should use the test kit to check if the water is safe for swimming. The chlorine level should be 3ppm or less. Ensure that you check the swimming pool water frequently for safety reasons.
Conclusion
Treating your ground pool water helps you to get rid of bacteria and green algae that may lead to sicknesses. With that in mind, diligence is required when engaging yourself in this process.
Always wear protective gear to protect your eyes, since most swimming pool shocking chemicals are like bleaching agents. Be careful to protect your clothes and shoes to prevent them from staining. And as a rule of thumb, always add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.
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