What is the difference between chlorine and shock?
What IS the difference between chlorine and shock? Granular chlorine, liquid chlorine, chlorine tablets and granular shock all have similar active chemicals that sanitize your pool. What’s different about shock is the strength of the chemical and how you’re supposed to use it.
What chemicals are in pool shock?
Which type of pool shock is right for you?
- Calcium hypochlorite - or “cal hypo,” as the pros say, is a super-concentrated form of chlorine that’s sold in granular form. It’s super-effective at killing algae and harmful bacteria. ...
- Dichloroisocyanuric acid, also known as “dichlor,” is a formulation of chlorine and cyanuric acid. ...
- Non chlorine shock. ...
What is a non chlorine shock?
Non-chlorine shock typically comes in a powder form, and it is a more effective oxidation agent than most forms of chlorine. However, it is not a sanitizer, but it will work with most types well and not replace them. This shock will typically come in 1 or 2-pound packs and is the best choice for use in chlorine-free pools.
What is non chlorine oxidizing shock?
Non-chlorine shock is potassium monopersulfate (MPS), a powerful and odorless oxidizing agent used as a chlorine alternative for shocking pool water. This oxidizing agent makes pool sanitizers more effective at killing algae, removing bacteria, and it helps break down the chloramines that accumulate in the pool water over time.
What is the difference between Chlor Brite and shock?
Weekly use of Chlor Brite supports the sanitizing efforts of both traditional chlorine tablets and saltwater chlorine generator systems. Chlorine-free pool shock is great for quickly oxidizing contaminants, but it will not kill germs or algae.
Is Leslie's Chlor Brite the same as shock?
With 99% Sodium Dichlor active ingredient and 55% available chlorine, it's a concentrated pool water sanitizer for maintenance use or super chlorination. Leslie's Chlor Brite is known as a maintenance shock, ideal for daily or weekly use for a quick chlorine boost.
Is chlor the same as shock?
SKIMMER NOTES: No. Chlorine and shock are not the same thing. Shock has a more intense chemical strength than the traditional chlorine sanitizers, and it also differs in how you should apply it to your swimming pool.
Can I use Chlor Brite to shock pool?
Fast dissolving and safe for use in all types of pools and spas, Leslie's Chlor Brite Dichlor Granular Chlorine Pool Shock is a great way to keep your pool or spa clean and sanitized.
What is the difference between granular chlorine and shock?
Liquid chlorine and granular shock have the same active chemical that sanitizes your pool, what changes is the strength and the way you use it. Liquid chlorine is less costly, unstabilized and comes in liquid form. Granular shock is stabilized and comes in a solid form that dissolves in your pool.
What is Chlor Brite used for?
Product Description. Chlor Brite Granular Chlorine is a high-quality and affordable way to keep your pool sanitized. This fast-dissolving sanitizer can be used for regular chlorination and super-chlorination. With 99% active ingredients this chlorine works with power to kill bacteria in your water.
Can you use shock instead of chlorine tablets?
You do need to use both tabs and shock. Without tabs, the chlorine shock will dissipate quickly out of the water; without shock, the chlorine level will not get high enough to fully sanitize the water. You should aim to keep the chlorine level at between 1 and 3 ppm.
Can I use shock and chlorine at the same time?
While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.
What can I use instead of shock for pool?
Common unscented household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) works well to shock a pool.
Can I swim after Chlor Brite?
Do not reenter the swimming pool until the Free Available Chlorine level (FAC) is between 1-4 ppm. If algae are visible, brush pool surfaces and vacuum. Repeat treatment the following day, if necessary.
How long do you have to wait after adding Chlor Brite?
About 24-48 hours beforehand, it would be a good idea to shock your pool with Chlor Brite Granular Shock or Power Powder Plus.
Does Leslie Chlor Brite have cyanuric acid?
Chlor Brite Dichlor contains Cyanuric Acid (CyA), so it's perfect if your pool has low CyA.
What is chlorine good for in the pool?
Chlorine in the form of calcium hypochlorite is produced specifically for water disinfection, especially in swimming pools. This pool chemical disinfects well and effectively fights various kinds of microorganisms.
What is bleach good for in the pool?
Bleaches break down chromophores, which are groups of atoms that absorb certain waves of light and reflect others. These reflected wavelengths are the colors we see in pigments.
Is Chlorine The Same As Bleach?
Bleach refers to many products in a variety of fields, from bleaching laundry to killing germs and making paper.
Chlorine vs. bleach: Which one is better for pool care?
In the end, choosing the type of chlorine, you will use in your pool depends on what matters most to you.
FAQ about chlorine and bleach for pool maintenance
Here you will find more questions and answers to clear up any confusion.
Conclusion on chlorine and bleach for pool care
Chlorine and bleach have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to water treatment.
What is the difference between shock and chorine?
Another key difference is that chorine is more of a residual cleaner, meaning that it will be added to the pool water slowly for continuous maintenance. Shock, on the other hand, is quick-releasing as it is intended to offer rapid sanitization.
What is the difference between shocks and regular sanitizer?
The main difference between the two is the dosage, as shocks will have a much higher concentration of chlorine than regular chlorine sanitizers since they need to raise the levels in the pool water fast.
How much free chlorine is needed for a pool shock?
Pools shocks aim to get the free chlorine levels up to over 5 ppm for a few hours. Doing this ensures up to 10 times more free chlorine in the pool than combined chlorine, which destroys contaminants like chloramines, bacteria, and algae.
What are the two chemicals that every pool owner needs?
Pool chlorine and shock are two chemicals that every pool owner will need at some point. Although they have the same active ingredients, they serve different purposes in swimming pools.
What is the purpose of pool shock?
The primary purpose of pool shock is to raise the levels of free chlorine in the swimming pool. It does this by introducing higher chlorine levels to the pool than what you get with regular chlorine sanitizer.
Does chlorine clean pool water?
Chlorine cleans and sanitizes the pool water continuously, provided there is enough of it in there. Also, it has oxidation properties that will help keep the pool water clear.
Is pool shock better than chlorine sanitizer?
That said, the difference between these two is in their strength, as pool shock is a more potent pool treatment than regular chlorine sanitizers.
What chemicals are used to sanitize a pool?
Granular chlorine, liquid chlorine, chlorine tablets and granular shock all have similar active chemicals that sanitize your pool.
Can you shock a pool with chlorine?
Unfortunately, you can’t shock your pool using your regular 3-inch chlorine tablets. Common chlorine sanitizing products are great for maintaining chlorine levels, but not necessarily eliminating new waste, bacteria and algae. A good shock product should raise the free chlorine above 5 parts per million for several hours to destroy bacteria ...
Is chlorine the same as shock?
Are chlorine and shock the same thing? SKIMMER NOTES: No. Chlorine and shock are not the same thing. Shock has a more intense chemical strength than the traditional chlorine sanitizers, and it also differs in how you should apply it to your swimming pool.
What is the best chlorine shock for a pool?
Power Powder Plus (Calcium Hypochlorite ) is our most popular chlorine pool shock, and for for good reason: it effectively gets the job done so you can return to the water faster. Leslie’s Cal-Hypo shock is 73% calcium hypochlorite, which means that it can handle the toughest algae and bacteria problems. Rescuing your pool from an algae bloom or major contamination is a snap with Power Powder Plus; it gives you the highest dose of chlorine available. If you plan to use Cal-Hypo Shock all season long, we recommend purchasing Leslie’s Power Powder Plus in the 25 lb bucket, which will save you time and money.
What are the different types of shocks in a pool?
Whether you’re a new pool owner or an experienced pool professional, it's important to understand the difference between the three main types of Pool Shock: Dichlor, Cal-Hypo and Chlorine-Free. Each of these types of shock has a different purpose.
Why do you shock a pool?
Before we explain the different types of pool shock, let’s go over the main reasons shocking is needed. Shock is used when the chlorine levels are low , chloramine levels are high , algae blooms are present, or there has been an accidental fecal contamination in the water. Shocking is also beneficial after heavy pool use or a major weather event, ...
Can you use chlor-brite in a pool?
Dichlor contains Cyanuric Acid (CyA), so it’s perfect if your pool has low CyA. Chlor-Brite can also be used for hand-feeding your pool.
Does chlorine free shock kill germs?
Chlorine-Free Shock will not kill germs or algae.
Can chlorine shock be used in a hot tub?
Since chlorine-free shock doesn't contain chlorine, it must be used in conjunction with a water sanitizer like chlorine, bromine, or a saltwater chlorine generator. We encourage hot tub owners to add a small dose of Fresh ‘N Clear after every use. Indoor pools can also benefit from chlorine-free shock!
Chlorine Products in the Pool
When it comes to whether shock and chlorine are the same thing, nuance matters. Chlorine treatments are used to keep the normal daily levels of pool chemicals at a point where dangerous impurities are neutralized.
More Shock vs. Chlorine Differences
Chlorine bars, tabs or tablets are often used in continuously active systems, which feed a pool automatically, says Splash Pool Supply. They provide what should be an average level of chlorine-related chemicals to sanitize and clean the water in the pool.
How Do I Shock My Pool?
If you’re noticing buildup of algae in the corners of your pool (or if one of your kids has had an unfortunate accident), it may be time to shock your pool. This can be done with chlorine, but there are also nonchlorinated products that will do the job.
What is the best chlorine shock?
Chlorine shock treatments come in three flavors – Cal Hypo, Lithium Hypo and Dichlor. Calcium Hypochlorite is the most common type of chlorine pool shock and the cheapest, available in two strengths, regular and Super. Lithium hypochlorite contains no calcium and dissolves instantly, but is less powerful (and more costly) than Cal Hypo. Dichlor is a stabilized granular pool shock, made with cyanuric acid to protect it from the sun and keep it active longer. Chlorine shock is sold in packs of 6, 12 or 24 1 lb. bags, and we have Cal Hypo and Dichlor shock in 25 lb. and 50 lb. buckets.
What is chlorine free shock?
Best Uses: Chloramine removal: Chlorine-Free shock can be used effectively to break apart combined chlorine molecules, and restore a foul smelling, red-eye pool back to normal, without super-dosing on chlorine.
Can you use chlorine shock and non chlorine shock?
So if you can believe it, the pool retailer is suggesting that you use both! Use non-chlorine shock for general oxidation, and use chlorine shock for those less frequent occasions listed above, where the power of chlorine is really needed.
Does chlorine shock kill algae?
Algae removal: Chlorine shock stands tall in the face of severe algae blooms. Non-chlorine shock will have some effect on small localized blooms, but for a green pool, add enough chlorine pool shock to reach 30 ppm (with a suitably low pH level and balanced alkalinity and calcium levels), and the algae will suddenly succumb. Granular pool shock is the best treatment for pool algae, as I like to say ‘Chlorine is the best Algaecide’.
Is cal hypo or dichlor more hazardous?
Cal Hypo adds calcium, and Dichlor adds cyanuric acid (a ‘Pro’ in some cases) Higher pH levels, except for Dichlor (a ‘Pro’ in some cases) Generally more hazardous to store and use, and with strong odor. Residue of ‘shock dust’ is often left, or water becomes cloudy.
Is pool shock a disinfectant?
Both types of pool shock are oxidizers that will destroy organic matter in minutes, but only one is a true disinfectant, bactericide and herbicide.
Does non chlorine shock work?
Contaminant removal: Non-Chlorine shock does a great job of attacking the daily onslaught of natural and organic contaminants that end up in your pool. Dust, dirt, leaves, bird droppings, insects, grass clippings – and body oils and swimmer waste too. Helps your chlorine and your pool filter by removing most of the solids and particles (seen and unseen) from the water, to make sanitation and filtration more efficient.