How to Shock a Swimming Pool

Hey there, and welcome back to the Pool Nerd. I’m Justin, your resident pool aficionado, and today I’m going to walk you through one of the essential pieces of pool maintenance: shocking your pool. You shock, or superchlorinate, your pool to kill off any bacteria, pathogens, algae, and even chloramines that are in your pool to prevent them from causing any damage to your pool or your family’s health.

You should shock your pool at least once a week, and maybe more if there was a big storm or if something spilled or blew into your pool. Since you have to do it so frequently, you ought to know how to do it properly to prevent any risks and keep your pool healthy. Stay tuned to the end to learn about an alternative to shocking your pool that keeps you and your family healthier, all while saving you money.

Properly Shocking Your Pool

So how exactly do you properly shock your pool? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• Five-Gallon Bucket: To dilute the chlorine.

• Gloves: To protect your skin from the chemicals.

• Hose: To fill the bucket with water.

• Chlorine: Granular chlorine is recommended for shocking.

  

Step 2: Prepare the Chlorine Solution

1. Fill the Bucket: Start by filling your bucket ½ to 2/3 of the way with water.
2. Calculate Chlorine Amount: Determine how much chlorine your pool needs. This depends on your pool’s volume and the current chlorine levels. Aim to raise your chlorine levels to around 30 ppm. You can calculate your pool's water volume using PoolPad's Swimming Pool Volume Calculator
3. Mix the Solution: Add the calculated amount of chlorine to the water in the bucket. Stir it with a clean stick or rod until fully dissolved.

Step 3: Apply the Chlorine Solution

1. Run the Pool Pump: Ensure your pool pump is running to help distribute the chlorine evenly.

   

2. Distribute the Solution: Slowly pour the chlorine solution around the perimeter of your pool. This helps ensure that every part of your pool is sanitized.

Step 4: Final Steps

1. Rinse the Bucket: After pouring the solution, rinse out the bucket thoroughly.
2. Store the Chemicals: Safely store any remaining chlorine.
3. Wait Before Swimming: Allow the chlorine to work overnight, and wait at least 24 hours before using the pool again.

Alternative to Chlorine

Now, I know I’m not the only person who dislikes the smell of chlorine and worries about the health risks and environmental impact of pool chemicals. That’s why I want to share an alternative: the Spectralight Ultraviolet Light Sanitation system.

Benefits of UV Sanitation

• Chemical Reduction: Use up to 90% fewer chemicals in your pool.
• No Chlorine Smell: Enjoy swimming without the strong odor of chlorine.
• Eye Comfort: Open your eyes underwater without irritation.
• Cost Savings: Save hundreds of dollars on pool chemicals.
• Crystal Clear Water: Experience the clearest pool water you’ve ever seen.

Does UV reduce chlroine consumption?

Yes, by killing pathogens in the water column, such as chlorine byproducts, algae, and more, it not only reduces chlorine but gets rid of the smell.

I’ve personally installed the Spectralight UV system and have been thrilled with the results. If you’re looking for a more natural, eco-friendly way to maintain your pool, I highly recommend considering UV sanitation.

Conclusion

So there you have the basics of shocking your pool and an alternative method to reduce chlroine with the Spectralight UV system if you want to reduce chemical usage and save money.

If you want to keep nerding out over your pool, be sure to hit that subscribe button to keep learning how to make pool maintenance way easier. Head on over to thepoolnerd.com to view my comparison page and see all the differences between the many robotic pool cleaners out there. Until then, enjoy that pool and check back soon for more pool maintenance tips and insight.

Your resident pool aficionado.

For over 4+ years, The Pool Nerd has been a leading source in the swimming pool industry. With years of experince owning a swimming pool, our hope here is to guide and help making owning a swimming pool easier.