A pool shock treatment is designed to rapidly increase the water’s chlorine levels to break down contaminants and rebalance the pool chemicals to the recommended levels. However, a pool shock isn’t always necessary, so it’s important to understand which situations warrant this cleaning process.
In this article, we’ll go over some common scenarios where we may recommend a pool shock to restore your water to the proper balance. A pool shock might be a good idea after:
- Several people have used your pool. If you’ve recently hosted a pool party and had several guests enjoy the pool, it’s wise to shock the pool to get rid of any excess bacteria and organic contaminants.
- A severe storm impacts the area. Thunderstorms can cause debris and other contaminants to get into your pool, and simply skimming the water’s surface may not be enough to restore its cleanliness. A pool shock can give you extra peace of mind if you forgot to cover your pool before a storm.
- You notice that the water looks or smells unusual. If your pool water smells foul or appears cloudy or murky, there may be bacteria or algae present. A pool shock is the fastest way to eliminate bacterial or algae growth and restore your water to its clean, well-balanced state.
- You have opened or closed your pool for the season. When you first open your pool again in the springtime, you may want to shock it to ensure a great start to the swimming season. Similarly, before you close your pool for winter, shocking the water can help protect the system during the off season.