The Easy Way to Shock Treat Your Swimming Pool Safely

Approximately 17 percent of people urinate while in a swimming pool. This is one of several reasons why it's important to shock treat your swimming pool. However, some pool owners neglect this part of the process and end up swimming in less than ideal conditions.

In this article, we discuss how to shock a pool with chlorine tablets, powder, or liquid. We also answer questions like, 'can you shock a pool without the pump running?' Continue reading to ensure your pool is sparkling clean.

What Does It Mean to Shock Treat Your Swimming Pool?

Before diving into how to shock treat your swimming pool, it's important to understand what exactly a 'pool shock treatment' is. The term refers to the addition of certain chemicals to your swimming pool's water.

The types of chemicals used vary depending on several factors such as personal preference, amount of time, and level of cleanliness desired. Whichever chemicals you choose, you'll need a pool shock calculator to determine the correct amount.

The end goal when it comes to a pool shock treatment is to prevent or remove harmful water contaminants. These include algae and bacteria that can harm both swimmers in the pool and pool appliances.

Pool Shock Treatment Options

The most common chemical options to shock treat your swimming pool are chlorine and bromine. Chlorine creates an oxidation reaction that alters the structure of common pool contaminants. This chemical process creates the chlorine smell we know.

Bromine creates an ionization reaction that alters the bonds of the pool contaminants. The bonds break apart, which destroys the contaminants altogether. 

Deciding Between Pool Shock Treatment Options

Each of these options comes in different forms. You can choose from powders, tablets, liquids, and sticks. This makes it easy to choose based on what is easiest for you to use and store. 

While bromine is a more stable option, it takes longer to work. However, it also lasts longer than its fast-acting counterpart. When it comes to price, chlorine is the more cost-effective option at almost half the price of bromine.

What Are the Benefits of a Pool Shock Treatment?

The main benefits of a pool shock treatment have to do with the overall cleanliness of your pool. When you shock treat your swimming pool, you're removing algae, bacteria, waste, and other contaminants.

It's important to shock your pool whenever you open or close it for the season, after storms with heavy rain, and as a regular part of pool maintenance. A good habit is to shock your pool every one to two weeks.

How to Use a Pool Shock Calculator

Whether you're learning how to shock a pool with chlorine tablets, powder, or other forms, it's important to know how much to use. Most shock products will come with a guide on the package.

It's important to follow the pool shock guide carefully. If you add to little pool shock, you won't be treating the pool effectively and too much will negatively affect the chemical balance of your swimming pool.

You'll also need to use a pool shock calculator to determine the volume of your pool. This is a necessity so you know how much shock you need. You can find easy-to-use calculators online. 

How Does the Process Work?

Before getting started to shock treat your swimming pool, gather your supplies. You'll need the shock itself as well as the necessary safety equipment. This includes protective eyewear, gloves, and a long shirt and pants.

You'll also need test strips or a testing kit to check your chemical balance. These will help you maintain the equilibrium of your pool chemicals.

Then, you'll prep your chemical shock according to the package instructions and add it directly to the swimming pool around the edges. After this, allow the shock to set with the pool pump running for about six hours. 

You may be wondering, 'can you shock a pool without the pump running.' However, the answer is no. It's important to keep the water circulating while you shock treat your swimming pool. 

What is the Cheapest Way to Shock a Pool?

The cheapest way to shock a pool depends on the size of your pool and your personal preference as far as chemicals are concerned. If your only concern is the final cost, you'll want to choose the most affordable products.

Since chlorine is significantly more affordable than bromine, that will be your first selection. Liquid chlorine tends to be the most affordable option and can be added directly to the pool water. 

You can also try to stretch out your pool shock treatments by waiting closer to two weeks for each treatment. Keep in mind that heavier use or exposure to contaminants should be treated promptly to minimize algae and bacteria growth.

How to Make the Process Easier

Knowing how to shock a pool with chlorine tablets, powder, or liquid is important, but you may want to make the process a little bit easier. The best way to do this is to stay on top of pool maintenance.

This may seem like a boring answer, but the better your pool maintenance, the less you'll have to do to get everything in order.

Make sure to regularly check your chemical levels and set a maintenance schedule that works with your day-to-day life. Plus, a regular maintenance schedule will help you identify problems, such as leaks, sooner so you can seek repair quickly.

Also, be sure to have your shock materials ready to go. Keeping everything easily accessible will make the process much smoother. 

Shock Treat Your Swimming Pool

Now that you're well prepared for the process, you're ready to shock treat your swimming pool. Start by selecting your shock chemicals. If you're looking for the cheapest way to shock a pool, gather your cost-friendly supplies before getting started. 

Find the best pool shock treatment for your swimming pool through our online store.