How to properly SHOCK TREAT a swimming pool

TRICKS OF THE TRADE FROM A FORMER POOL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE
• LIQUID MURIATIC ACID
• DIATOMACIOUS EARTH POWDER FOR DE FILTERS ONLY

1. You don't just throw chlorine in the pool and consider it shocked. There is a method and procedure to this process for this treatment to be effective.

2. Test your water. Adjust Total alkalinity level to 100-130 ppm if needed...usually not very often

3. Measure the PH level. Calcium hypochlorite is alkaline and will raise your ph...often rendering the chlorine shock treatement ineffective.
   You NEED TO LOWER THE PH LEVEL to between 7.0 -7.2 before adding chlorine.
   To add the correct amount of muriatic acid refer to the chart in your test kit. Circulate the water for 20 minutes to totally mix in the acid.
   If your chlorine level is 1.0 ppm free chlorine ADD 3oz of chlorine per 1000 gallons of water...sprinkle around the perimeter. If the chlorine reading is 2.0 ppm add 2oz of chlorine per 1000 gallons. If the chlorine reading is 3.0 ppm or higher add only 1 oz per 1000 gallons.

4. Remove your automatic chlorine tablets until CL2 levels drop back into range. Why waste chemicals? Let the water circulate overnight

5. The next day backwash your filter if required by the pressure reading and recharge it if it's a DE filter

Tips & Warnings

• Remove your automatic chlorine tablets until CL2 levels drop back into range. Why waste chemicals? Let the water circulate overnight
• No swimming during this process. It's best to shock treat the pool at the end of the day when there will be no temptation to jump in. The pool will be ready for swimming the next day.