BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Shock a Swimming Pool

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Think of all the dead skin cells, body oils, sweat and cosmetics - not to mention urine - that may be lurking in your pool. Shocked? You should be! "Shocking" a pool refers to using a chemical process called oxidization to break down water-soluble bather waste.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pool Supplies
Swimming Pool Shock

Step1

Purchase pool-shock products from your local swimming pool dealership. Choose products according to the type of filter system you have. ("Shocker" is known by several names: oxidizer and burner are a couple of the more common ones.) Use the shocker that is suited to your pool system - non-chlorinated for non-chlorinated pools and chlorinated for chlorinated pools.

Step2

Use the proper amount of the shocker by reading the manufacturer's specifications. How much you use depends on the size of your pool. Most brands come in a quick-dissolving powder that is broadcast in the deep end of the pool.

Step3

Use your pool skimmer to help mix and distribute the shocker treatment and speed the oxidization process.

Tips & Warnings

Bather waste, combined with chlorine, can cause a strong chlorine-type odor and cloudy water that irritates eyes and skin. Breaking these inevitable and natural waste products down makes it easier for them to be removed from the pool and puts less stress on equipment like filters and pumps.

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Comments

poolrepairguy said

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on 1/28/2008 Adding granular shock to your skimmer can cause an explosion!!!!! Granular shock and 3" chlorine tablets can NOT come in contact with each other !!! They can explode releasing chlorine gas. I have had replace skimmers before due to a homeowner pouring granular chlorine in on top of 3" tabs.When using graular to shock your pool always add it to a bucket of water stir it with a piece of 3/4" pvc pipe or something simalar not made of metal and pour it in around the pool and then brush the pool.Do not broadcast it straight into a pool with a vinyl liner or you will bleach the liner.Always be carefull in storing granular chlorine (cal hypo) as it can start a fire simply by coming in contact with -motor oil, soda, brake fluid and many other products you may have in your home or garage. For more info feel free to contact me thur www.poolrepairguy.com

Iliketobruf said

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on 12/21/2007 pouring granular shock into your skimmer can cause your equipment to be ruined. Broad cast onto the surface of the pool at night. Run the pump all night. Use di-chlor.