The Easy Way to Shock Treat Your Swimming Pool Safely
Keeping your swimming pool clean, clear and hygienic is essential for every pool owner. Even with regular filtration and daily sanitiser, organic debris, sunscreen, sweat and environmental contaminants gradually build up in the water. A routine shock treatment is one of the most important parts of modern pool maintenance.
What Is a Pool Shock Treatment?
Shock treating a swimming pool means adding a high dose of oxidising chemicals to the water to break down contaminants that standard sanitiser levels cannot manage. This process:
- Eliminates combined chlorine, which causes cloudy water and unpleasant smells
- Removes organic contaminants such as body oils, sweat, leaves and debris
- Helps prevent or control algae growth
- Restores clean, sparkling, safe water
Most shock treatments use chlorine-based oxidisers or non-chlorine oxidisers, depending on the system you run and your personal preference.
Pool Shock Treatment Options
1. Chlorine Shock
Chlorine shock is the most common option and is available in granules or liquid form. It works quickly by oxidising contaminants and increasing free chlorine levels to restore clean, clear water.
Benefits:
- Fast-acting
- Cost-effective
- Suitable for most domestic pools
2. Non-Chlorine (Oxygen) Shock
Non-chlorine shock, often based on potassium monopersulphate (MPS), oxidises contaminants without raising chlorine levels.
Benefits:
- No strong chlorine smell
- Can be used with bromine systems
- Allows quicker swimming re-entry times
Note: Non-chlorine shock does not sanitise on its own. You must still maintain chlorine or bromine levels in the pool.
Do You Need a Pool Shock Calculator?
Yes. To shock your pool effectively, you need to know:
- The volume of water in your pool
- The type and strength of shock product you're using
- The condition of the pool (e.g. routing maintenance vs algae treatment)
Most products provide dosage instructions, and online pool volume calculators can help you determine the correct amount. Adding too little shock will be ineffective, while too much can temporarily upset your water chemistry.
When Should You Shock Your Pool?
Deep End Pools recommends shock treating:
- Every 1–2 weeks as part of routine maintenance
- After heavy pool use
- Following hot weather, storms or heavy rainfall
- When opening or closing the pool for the season
- If water appears cloudy, dull or has an odour
- After correcting poor chlorine or bromine levels
Regular shocking helps keep your water healthy and extends the life of your filtration equipment.
How to Shock Treat Your Swimming Pool
Follow these steps for a safe and effective shock treatment:
1. Gather Your Equipment
- Shock product (chlorine or non-chlorine)
- Test strips or digital test kit
- Safety gear: gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves
- A clean plastic bucket (for dissolving granules if required)
Regular shocking helps keep your water healthy and extends the life of your filtration equipment.
2. Test Your Pool Water
Check pH and alkalinity before shocking. A pH between 7.2 and 7.6 allows shock to work effectively.
3. Prepare the Shock Treatment
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Chlorine granules often need pre-dissolving in a bucket of water; liquid shock can be added directly.
4. Add Shock to the Pool
Distribute the solution around the pool edges with the pump running. Avoid adding shock through the skimmer unless the product instructions specify otherwise.
5. Run the Pump
Allow the pump to run for at least 6 hours (or as directed). Avoid swimming until chlorine levels return to the safe range recommended on the shock product.
Tips for Making Pool Care Easier
- Stick to a regular maintenance schedule
- Store chemicals safely and keep shock supplies on hand
- Check chemical levels frequently, especially during warm weather
- Address early signs of algae or cloudiness immediately
Styling consistent prevents most water quality issues and makes pool ownership far simpler.
Shock Treat Your Pool with Deep End Pools
Deep End Pools supplies a full range of high-quality chlorine shock, non-chlorine shock, and regular pool maintenance chemicals. Whether you need routine treatment or help restoring a cloudy pool, our experts can recommend the right products for your pool system.
Explore our online store or speak to our specialists for personalised guidance.
