The Shocking Facts You Need to Know About Your Pool

 

Nothing beats jumping into a refreshing pool on a hot summer’s day, but if you’re not careful, your pool could become a hazard. And we’re not talking about the normal concerns of slip-and-fall accidents or swimming-related injuries. Rather, we mean the danger that could be lurking beneath the surface- bacteria, viruses, and harmful contaminants that could make you and your loved ones sick. This is where shocking your pool comes in. 

Shocking your pool is a crucial aspect of pool maintenance that many homeowners tend to overlook. It’s essential to understand what it is, when and how often to do it, and why it’s so important for the health and safety of your pool. In this blog post, we’ll explore all the critical information you need to know about shocking your pool. 

 

What is Pool Shocking? 

Shocking your pool is another way of saying pool oxidation. This process refers to the addition of a large dose of chlorine or other oxidizing agent to the pool water to destroy any organic matter and bacteria. When coupled with filtration, shocking can help eradicate what regular pool cleaning can’t – such as body oils, sunscreens, hair products, and cosmetics, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. 

When Should You Shock Your Pool? 

You should shock your pool routinely every one to two weeks as a standard maintenance procedure. However, this frequency may change depending on factors such as pool usage, weather, and surrounding vegetation. If there has been a pool party, heavy rain, or an extreme upsurge in pool usage, you should shock it immediately. 

How to Shock your Pool? 

It’s essential to follow the proper pool shocking protocol to avoid burning your skin, damaging the pool’s surfaces, or clouding the water. Here’s how to do it: 

• Start by testing the pool water’s pH and chlorine level. These levels should be balanced before you begin shocking the pool. 
• Purchase the recommended amount of chlorine or oxidizing agent for your pool size. 
• Add the shock directly to the pool’s water and avoid pre-dissolving the shock. 
• Run your pool equipment for 24 hours and avoid using the pool (no swimming) during this time. 
• Check your pool’s water chemistry again after the 24 hours. If the levels are still unbalanced, add additional chlorine shock. 

Why is Pool Shocking Important? 

Beyond the aesthetic benefits of clear and smooth pool water, shocking has several crucial benefits for your health and safety: 

• Removes Chloramines
  Regularly shocking your pool destroys the chloramines –the compound responsible for irritating your eyes, causing itchy skin, and producing a pungent chlorine odor. 
   
• Prevents Algae and Growing Bacteria
  Shocking your pool helps arrest the growth of algae and bacteria. When you pool your pool, it not only prevents harmful bacteria and other pathogens from forming, but also kills off any algae that may have formed as well.
   
• Water Chemistry Control
  Pool shock helps maintain proper water chemistry, including pH, total alkalinity, and hardness. 
   

Conclusion

Shocking your pool should be a regular aspect of your pool maintenance. It’s a simple process with significant benefits for your health and safety, and ensures the longevity of your swimming pool. If you want crystal-clear, sanitary, and safe pool water, remember to shock your pool regularly. Contact Pure and Simple Poolcare if you need any assistance in shocking your pool or pool serive in Orlando, FL. We provide professional pool services that guarantee a refreshed and healthy swimming pool.