Pool Shock

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 at 6:00 am  
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1295330430 68 Pool Shock

“Shocking” a pool involves adding extra chlorine to break down organic compounds and ensure that the pool is properly disinfected and  safe for swimming.  That’s the short version, we’ll get more technical in a moment.  Pool shock or pool shock treatment is also referred to as super-chlorination or super-oxidization.

When chlorine is added to water as part of the normal pool sanitation regime, it reacts with the water to form hypochlorous acid.  it is this that acts as the primary disinfecting agent in the pool.  When it combines with contaminants in the pool such as bacteria, algae, other pathogens, debris, sweat, skin cells, leaves or bird droppings, it forms a combined chlorine compound that is also known as chloramines.  the term combined chlorine and chloramines are often used interchangeably.

It is the build up of chloramines that swimmers will most often notice in a pool, complaining of a “chlorine smell” overhanging the pool surface as well as eye and nose irritation.  the smell is a sign that you need to shock treat the pool in order to increase the free chlorine levels (i.e. chlorine that is not combined).  most experts recommend shocking or super-chlorinating the pool to 10ppm on a regular basis (weekly or every two weeks) during the summer months or when the pool is being used.

A number of different shock treatments are available with the best pool shock products showcased on the website carousel at the top of this page.   We have also split pool shock treatment into two broad categories:  Chlorine pool shock and Non-chlorine pool shock.

When it comes to chlorine swimming pool shock, the key criteria to look out for are available chlorine levels (the higher the better) and whether the product is quick dissolving.  Note lithium pools shocks contain chlorine in the form of Lithium Hypochlorite and as such are categorized as a chlorine pool shock.  Chlorine free shock is made from Potassium Monopersulfate, an oxidizing agent that destroys organic contamination.  it can be used on chlorine, ozone and bromine pools as well as for spas and hot tubs.

Tags: best pool shock, cheap pool shock, pool shock treatment, swimming pool shock

Pool Shock


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    Discount Pool Chemicals

    Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 9:18 am  
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    Discount Pool Chemicals

    Discount Pool Chemicals – The biggest downside to owning a swimming pool is maintenance. Pumps, filters, chemicals, water balance and on and on. Admit to owning a pool and the first comment is “isn’t it a lot of work?” It doesn’t have to be. You can set up a routine that takes just a few minutes several times a week and keep your pool clean, clear and inviting any time you want to use it. Discount Pool Chemicals For A Beautiful Clean PoolHere’s how:

    Discount Pool Chemicals – Step 1, Water Balance

    This is the most important step. When you open the pool in the spring make the effort to make sure your pool water is in the proper range for pH and total alkalinity. These parameters work together to maintain a stable water balance that will make pool care much easier. The correct pH range is 7.2 to 7.6. Total alkalinity is ideal at about 180 ppm. Below 100ppm and above 400ppm can be trouble.

    Discount Pool Chemicals – Step 2, Sanitize

    The pool water is properly balanced so it’s time to add sanitizer. The idea is to maintain a minimum of 1.5 to 3ppm of chlorine at all times. This level is high enough to suppress the growth of bacteria and algae, the primary villains in ugly pool water. The most popular form for chlorine is tablets or sticks. Add them to the skimmer basket or automatic feeder. Since water flow is necessary to dissolve tablets or sticks a floating feeder is not all that effective.

    Discount Pool Chemicals – Step 3, Shock

    In addition to regular chlorination, weekly shocking or raising the chlorine level to 5ppm is a great way to make sure contaminants don’t build up and cause problems. Discount Pool Chemicals Above Ground PoolsIt’s also a good idea to shock after the pool has had heavy use as this helps replenish chlorine so problems don’t get started.

    Discount Pool Chemicals – Step 4, Algae Control

    A properly balanced and sanitized pool should never have an algae problem. To make sure, add algaecide weekly according the maker’s instructions just in case.



    Here’s the schedule

    1. Every other day test the pool water. Use test strips or a DPD kit and measure free chlorine, pH and total alkalinity. Add chemicals if necessary.

    2. Once a week add algaecide and shock.

    REMEMBER-FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE CHEMICALS USED EXACTLY. NEVER ADD WATER TO CHEMICALS, ADD CHEMICALS TO WATER.

    That’s all there is to it. Both Step 1 and Step 2 should take no more than 5-10 minutes for a grand total of about 40-50 minutes a week maintaining your pool! Better still, if the program is followed correctly the pool will always be ready to use- Discount Pool Chemicals -.

    By: Rob Coxworth

    About the Author:

    Rob “Dr. Duck” Coxworth is the driving force behind Webfoot Leisure.com, an on-line retailer of swimming pools, supplies,equipment and accessories. Rob has spent many years in the pool industry in a variety of roles; CEO, manufacturers rep, consultant, National Sales Manager and part time pool float. Dr. Duck likes to write about pool issues and share the information he’s gained from working with pool industry firms over the years.




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