Swimming pool shock (which is sold at pool supply stores in granular form) should be added to your swimming pool at least once each week. Shocking is important because it kills any bacteria that has been introduced to your pool, usually when it’s being heavily used. You should also shock your pool after heavy rains or if the weather has consistenty been very hot.
Shocking is also called “super chlorinating”, because the granular pool shock you add raises the chlorine level to the point that it kills any bacteria and organic matter lurking in the pool. Shocking your pool is a snap if you follow the easy steps below:
1. Buy pool shock. This is sold at pool supply stores under various names but it’s all basically the same thing: granular chemicals that raise the chlorine level of your pool.
2. Mix the pool shock with water in a bucket. Before you add the pool shock to your pool, you need to dissolve it first. Fill a gallon with water and slowly add the shock to it, stirring it gently until it is all dissolved.
3. Add the shock to your pool. With your pool filtration system running, slowly pour the dissolved shock in the bucket into your pool. Add it directly in front of a return line fitting and try to pour it slowly enough so that the shock is washed out into the pool and not allowed to settle to the bottom, as it would if you dumped it all in quickly.
Pool Shocking Tips:
1. When dissolving the shock, always add the shock to the water. When dealing with dissolving chemicals, always add the chemical to the water; never add water to chemicals.
2. Don’t swim in the pool until the chlorine level is 3 ppm or below.
3. Always wear googles or other protective eyewear when dealing with pool chemicals.
