Finding the right shock treatment product for your pool depends on a number of different personal preferences. You’ll want to consider cost, ease of use, how effective the shock is, and how long you need to stay out of the water after treatment. In our last article (see Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4), we considered the pros and cons of Calcium Hypo Shock and Sodium Dichlor. Now we’ll consider a couple more shock choices.
Potassium Peroxymonosulfate Provides a Shock Without Chlorine
Owners of pools with vinyl liners often choose potassium peroxymonosulfate. Instead of the typical chlorine base, this pool shock product is oxygen-based. It works by raising chlorine levels as it oxidizes the pool water.
Another advantage of this treatment is that it allows you to use your pool sooner after treatment than some of the stronger chlorine-based shock treatment options.
Lithium Hypochlorite Provides a Convenient, Calcium-Free Shock
Since this product is calcium-free, pool owners who have pool water with high calcium levels often choose Lithium Hypochlorite as their shock treatment. Another advantage is that Lithium Hypochlorite doesn’t have to be dissolved in advance before you put it in the water.
Pool Shocking FAQs
If you’re a new pool owner or you haven’t had much experience with pool shocking, you may feel a bit nervous about performing this maintenance routine. Here are some helpful answers to questions that frequently arise for beginners.
How Long Does Pool Shocking Take?
Shocking your pool will take approximately an hour from start to finish.
How Long After Shocking is the Pool Safe for Swimming?
Non-chlorinated shock treatments allow the pool to be safe to swim in only fifteen minutes after use. With chlorine-based shock treatments, it’s safest to wait for at least eight hours. Many people wait overnight just to be on the safe side. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out the recommended wait time for the shock treatment product you purchased.
Is There a Certain Time of Day That’s Best for Shocking Your Pool?
Shocking the pool at night is ideal for a couple of logical reasons. First, you can let the shock product do its work overnight while you sleep. It’s the perfect time for the pool to remain undisturbed without interrupting your normal swimming time. Additionally, some pool shocking products aren’t as potent when the sunlight hits them.
What Else Should Pool Owners Know About Pool Shocking?
There are a number of common-sense tips to keep in mind that have to do with shocking your pool. Brushing your pool after shocking it is a good idea as it helps spread the chlorine around in the water. You can disinfect your pool accessories if you leave them in the water during the shocking process. Always follow the manufacturer instructions for the amount of pool shock to use based on the size of your pool. The pool should stay uncovered until the shocking process is complete and a pool test shows chlorine at safe levels. Always stay out of the water until chlorine levels are 3ppm or lower. Don’t add pool shock products to your pool’s skimmers. Wait until the wind dies down and the air is still before adding shock products to the pool.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your pool water safe and clean is an important part of being a responsible pool owner. So pick out a time during the week to shock your pool and stick to this schedule. In the long run, you’ll be thankful you took the time to prevent your pool from getting filled with difficult to clean germs and algae. When you shock your pool regularly, you’ll be able to enjoy more time swimming and spend less time cleaning.
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