How to Shock a Swimming Pool

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pool Supplies
• Swimming Pool Shock

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

[sparklepoolman]

on 11/16/2009 Never add granular shock to your skimmers. The best way to shock your pool is to put it in a bucket then add water and mix. After that drain the liquid and repeat steps until shock is fully disolved. For more info visit www.sparklepoolcleaning.com

[passionpool]

on 3/2/2009 Passion Pool Cares proper website is www.scottsdalepoolrepairservice.com

[passionpool]

on 3/2/2009 Pool Repair Guy is right on. We are Passion Pool Care and can answer your pool questions. Contact us at www.scottsdalepoolrepair.com

[poolrepairguy]

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]

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.