Can you add shock to a saltwater pool?
You shock a saltwater pool the same way you would shock a chlorine one: As described above, you use a liquid or crystal chlorine shock product and add it directly to the pool as required and as per instructions.
Do you still need to shock salt water swimming pool?
Most pool techs recommend that you shock any type of pool about once a week, and this includes saltwater systems. Not all residential pool owners shock their pool this frequently, and it isn’t required, only recommended.
How often should I shock the pool?
- Weekly e-mail notification and photographs
- Visual inspection of equipment and reporting of significant issues
- Monitor and maintain valve orientation for circulation adjustments
- Calibrate salt system as needed
- Clean salt cell as needed
- Backwash DE and sand filters as needed
- Monitor filter pressure
- Pool sweep operation checked
Do you backwash a salt water pool?
Make sure that when you backwash the filter, you can use the waste residue from the saltwater pool for fertilizing your garden. This depends however on whether the salt in your pool is Sodium Chloride or Magnesium Chloride, the latter being good for the garden. The former, not so much.
The Best Way to Shock a Salt Water Pool: Simple Steps and Best Tips
To maintain your pool and prevent cloudy water, you need to shock your pool. Shock is adding chlorine or other sanitizers to eliminate organic matter, leading to algae, bacteria, and stains on pool surfaces. Shock also removes the buildup of chloramines in the water, which can cause odors and eye irritation. So let’s say you’re …
It is Necessary to Shock a Salt Water Pool?
It’s absolutely ok to shock your pool; in fact, it is really important. However, even though your pool system is probably equipped with a chlorine generator to super chlorinate the water, it should not be replaced by a weekly shock treatment for both of these reasons:
When Is It Necessary to Shock a Saltwater Pool?
Shock is among the most common pool water treatments, and it is necessary for saltwater pools. Shock treatment can be used to remove stubborn bands of algae, unsightly stains and identify leaks before the problem expands.
Steps on How to Shock a Salt Water Pool
It’s a summer day, the sun is out, and you want to enjoy your backyard. So you head outside to take a dip in your saltwater pool. Your skin feels slimy, it feels like bugs are crawling over you, and something smells funny.
Tips for How to Shock a Saltwater Pool
Before beginning the pool shock treatment, it is necessary to clean the poo l to ensure good outcomes.
Conclusion
Never swim in a saltwater pool that has been shocked or super-chlorinated, continue to monitor the water chemistry levels, and do not allow anybody in until the chlorine level range to 1.0 and 3.0 ppm.
Do You Need To Shock A Saltwater Pool
Saltwater pools are truly amazing and instead of having to continually add chlorine or tablets, the saltwater system of your pool takes care of it all. It does so by utilizing salts that chemically convert into chlorine and clean your pool.
Why Do I Need to Shock a Saltwater Pool
There are various reasons why you need to shock your saltwater pool and important steps to ensure your pool is well taken care of.
How Often Should You Shock A Saltwater Pool
Many of those that work with pools day in and day out say that you should shock your pool at least once a week. You may be shocked when you hear that and wonder why in the world you need to shock it every single week.
What Do I Need to Shock a Saltwater Pool
Testing your saltwater pool’s PH before you shock it will help prevent any issues with a complete chemical imbalance. If you test the water of your pool and the chemicals are already out of whack, adding a huge dose of chlorine may cause more issues in the long run like yellowing or discoloration.
Conclusion
While having a saltwater pool is a great addition to any home, it is incredibly important to know how to maintain them throughout the year so you can enjoy them for years to come. There are a few steps you can take to ensure you keep your pool clean and inviting in every season.
How Long Should I Keep Dogs Off the Grass After Spraying Pesticide
Pesticides and your pets are a terrible combination and have been known to lead to severe problems, including cancer. Pesticides have been known to stay on grass for up to 48 hours, so keeping your dog off the grass for at least two days will help you keep you and your family safe.
How Long Does Pesticide Last on Grass
There are multiple factors that can affect the lifespan of a pesticide spray, and they should all be considered when spraying on your yard.
Why shock a saltwater pool?
There are 3 valid reasons for shocking a pool, to Remove Chloramines, Remove Algae and to Remove Contaminants. To Remove Chloramines . Test your pool water with a DPD test kit, like the Taylor Deluxe, or use Test Strips that test for both Free ...
Why use granular shock in a pool?
Granular pool shock can also be used in a saltwater pool to remove surface stains caused by organic materials (leaves, worms, dirt). It also is very useful to raise chlorine quickly, if the level has dropped dangerously low, or when pool equipment (pump, filter, salt system) is not working properly, and is unable to create chlorine.
What is salt water system?
Salt systems are also called salt chlorinators or chlorine generators. After the chlorine has fought the good fight, disinfecting the water, it returns again to salt, and the process can begin all over again. But what about shocking a saltwater pool?
What happens if your pH is too high?
If pH is high, chlorine is very slow to react, and less potent. If Calcium levels are also high, crystalline deposits could form. If Metals like copper and iron are high, shocking the pool can cause a temporary (sometimes permanent) staining. Be sure to test your level of cyanuric acid ( stabilizer ), and if over 20ppm, add 50% more shock.
What is the best level of chloramine to shock a pool?
When the chloramine level is 0.3 ppm or higher (just a bit darker on the Total Chlorine test), it’s time to shock the pool – to remove the buildup of combined chlorine. To Remove Algae.
How much chlorine should I add to a 10000 gallon pool?
If using 6% liquid chlorine bleach, add 5 gallons per 10000 gallons. Add the Shock: With the filter system running, and the pH on the low side, 7.2-7.4, add the chlorine (granular or liquid) slowly to the pool, dispersing it around the pool edge, or broadcasting the pool shock over the surface.
How to remove chlorine from pool water?
To Remove Chloramines. Test your pool water with a DPD test kit, like the Taylor Deluxe, or use Test Strips that test for both Free and Total Chlorine . If the Total Chlorine test is noticeably darker than the Free Chlorine test, shock the pool heavily, to remove the combined chlorine molecules ...
What kind of shock should I use for a saltwater pool?
When it comes to choosing the right type of pool shock for a saltwater pool, pretty much any commonly available pool shock will do the trick. Many people use granular pool shock and feel that it works better with a saltwater pool than liquid shock does. It is a personal preference though.
How often should I shock my pool?
Most pool techs recommend that you shock any type of pool about once a week, and this includes saltwater systems. Not all residential pool owners shock their pool this frequently, and it isn’t required, ...
How does chlorine work in a pool?
With a traditional system, you have to manually add liquid or powdered chlorine to a feeder system , where it will then be pumped into the pool as needed. With a saltwater pool, however, the water is sanitized through the use of chlorine salt.
How long should I leave my pool closed?
The pool will need to be left closed for at least 12-24 hours. Most pool techs recommend shocking in the evening and then testing the water again in the morning. Once the chlorine levels have returned to normal, it is safe to swim in and the salt cell should be turned back up to its previous level.
Why do pools smell?
Chloramines are what give off that excessively bleachy smell that pools sometimes have. These are compounds that build up in the water over time and are a result of the chlorination process. When the levels get high, there will be a noticeable smell.
Why is my pool water cloudy?
This is the result of the chlorine breaking down calcium and other substances, which can then be filtered out of the pool. Keep your filter on until the water clears up.
What is the pH of a pool?
You want to achieve the same chemical levels as you would a traditional pool (this means a pH between 7.4-7.6, total alkalinity of between 80-120/ppm, and a calcium hardness of between 200-400). Once you have your chemical levels balanced, it is time to shock your pool. You will want to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to ...
Test Before You Shock
Can I Shock My Salt Water Swimming Pool With A Chlorine Generator/Salt Cell?
Aqua Chem Shock Plus Water Clarifier
When your pool is not looking its best anymore, this pool shock can return that sparkling water effect in as little as a few hours with the first signs of improvement being visible immediately. You dont have to pre-dissolve it, as you may pour it directly into the pool.
Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Plus
This Clorox 4-in-1 powder formula of pool shock can be poured right into your pool from the bottle on a weekly basis.
Clorox Pool& spa Salt Essence
Saltwater pools typically require less maintenance than standard chlorine pools, but they still need to be shocked regularly. If you have a saltwater pool, you may want to consider a shock that doesnt contain liquid chlorine or come in the form of chlorine tablets.
How Do Salt Test Strips Work
Test strips are the easiest way to test pools and they work the same for both chlorine and salt water pools.
How Shocking Your Pool Works
Contaminants can get into pools and combine with chlorine. If the free chlorine level is not concentrated enough, it can cause the contaminant to become inert without fully removing it.
Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtrablue
Clorox Pool & Spa Shock XtraBlue is among the more powerful and potent pool shocks that can be found on the market. While most pool shocks are placed in a bag, this product comes in a simple and easy-to-use bottle that you can just open and pour into your pool.
Why is it important to shock salt water pools?
The main reason why shocking of salt water pools is necessary is in order to get rid of bacteria and algae that ordinary salt concentrations are unable to take care of. This is important and it works because over time, bacteria and other living organisms become resistant to the ordinary chlorine levels.
How to make a pool shock effective?
Below are five tips on how to make the pool shocking practice a lot more effective. 1. Clean the pool before the process of shocking. In order for the pool shock treatment to be the most successful, you should clean the pool first.
Why do you need to do salt water pool treatment?
UV rays from the sun break down chlorine making the saltwater pool shocking process much less effective. It is therefore advisable to do the treatment when the sun has set to give the chemicals enough time to work before the sun rises again . If you are working with an indoor pool or spa facilities, the timing doesn’t matter much especially if there is a way to block out sun rays.
What is pool shock?
Pool shocking is done using specially concentrated chemicals known as pool shock chemicals. When you are working with salt water pool chlorinators, it is important to have their unique mode of action in mind while making the decision of shock chemicals to use.
Can you use a spa after shock?
Avoid using the pool or spa facilities for a while after the shock treatment process. This is an important tip to consider for two reasons. The first is that use of the pool just after shocking renders the process null and void as it introduces contaminants to the water.
Do you need to shock a saltwater pool?
The shock treatment of saltwater pools is without a doubt a very necessary pool maintenance practice . The tips above should help make things a lot easier for you for an effectively sanitized pool and give you a little knowledge on how to shock a saltwater pool. Just make sure that the shock treatment is done on a regular basis for the sake of your pool system and for those who are going to use the pool.
What is pool shock?
The idea behind pool shocking is to quickly raise the free chlorine level in the pool, killing off bacteria, algae growth, chloramines, and other pathogens in the water. This can be done using either chlorinated or non-chlorine pool shock. Chlorinated pool shock is the most common. It gives the pool a massive dose of chlorine, ...
How long does chlorine shock last in a pool?
So, when using chlorinated shock, always shock at night. This will also allow the pool to circulate the shock for a good 8+ hours, giving it plenty of time to fully clean the pool.
What is non chlorine shock?
It gives the pool a massive dose of chlorine, killing everything in its path. Non-chlorine pool shock is an oxidizer that attacks organic contaminants in the water. By focusing strictly on those, it “frees up” the free chlorine in the pool so it can be more effective in sanitizing the water.
Why is my pool so stinky?
Chloramines are an irritant and hazardous to humans – causing red eyes, itchy skin, nasal and lung irritation, and respiratory issues. So if your pool is really stinky, it’s also really dirty. Shock it ASAP! 2. There Was A Surge In Pool Use. People love a good pool party.
Why is shocking important?
Unfortunately for pool owners, you can’t just fill up a pool with water and expect it to always be clean. Due to outside influences, the state of pool water is constantly changing, becoming increasingly grimy with each passing second. It’s for this reason why an array of chemicals are added to pool water.
What temperature should a pool be?
A comfortable temperature is between 86 and 88°F. If under heavy usage, the pool temperature should be lowered to 78 to 84°F. Water temperature can also soar if your pool is in the sun all day, and you have a pool finish like stone, which naturally draws in heat. 5. You Just Opened or Closed Your Pool.
Is chlorine safe to use in a pool?
With the addition of a sanitizer such as chlorine, the water stays clean and safe for people to swim in. Even though pools have a constant sanitizing agent in the water, over time it breaks down and slowly becomes less effective. At this point you need to add more of it if you want the pool to remain clean.
When to use shock treatment in pool?
You’ll also want to apply shock treatment when opening the pool, and closing it down for the season. On opening, after you’ve balanced it’s pH level, shocking will sanitize and oxidize the pool, restoring its clear water. On closing, pool shock is used as a disinfectant to prepare the pool for the winter months.
How to know if your pool is in shock?
Chloramines irritate your eyes, nasal passage, lungs, and skin. If the pool has a very strong chlorine smell to it, you know it’s time to shock. Clearing up cloudy water: Pools can get cloudy from insufficient chlorine, or an abundance of chlorine. The sweet spot for chlorine levels is between 1 and 3 ppm.
What is non chlorine shock?
Non-Chlorine Shock: Also known as Potassium Monopersulfate (MPS), this is a chlorine-free shock that oxidizes contaminants, but won’t rid the pool of bacteria. Compared to chlorinated shock, you can use MPS shock at any time of day and be swimming in the pool 15 minutes later.
What is pool shock?
Pool shock is a “super dose” of granular pool chlorine that oxidizes chloramines (combined chlorine) and kills bacteria in the water. Shocking depletes combined chlorine and increases free chlorine . If your chlorine levels are low, a chlorinated shock is required.
How many volts does a pool shock?
As a pool owner, you’re gonna need to learn how to shock a pool. Pool shocking doesn’t mean sending 5000 volts of electricity through the water (although that would be pretty cool to see). However, what it does refer to is the rebalancing of pool chlorine levels, keeping the pool water safe to swim in.
How many gallons of shock to superchlorinate pool?
As discussed earlier, the bigger the pool, the more bags of shock that will be required to superchlorinate the water. If this sounds like your pool (anything 30,000 gallons and up), repeat this process as necessary.
How to test pool water for shock?
Step 1. Test & Balance Your Water. Before you add shock treatment, you need to test your pool water and balance its levels. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6, with total alkalinity being between 80 and 120 ppm. Pool water testing is easy to do using test strips or liquid test kits.
When to add pool shock?
For regular maintenance, pools should often be shocked once every one to two weeks but this does depend on the water’s clarity and how much use the pool gets.
The best time to shock a pool
The best time of day to shock your pool is in the evening after the sun is down. This allows the pool chlorine time to spread out in the water and clean it before day-time temperatures reduce the effectiveness of the shock.
How to Shock a Pool
Now that you know under what circumstances you should shock your pool, this is a quick guide to how to shock your pool.
Pool Maintenance Course
When I first bought my house with a swimming pool I knew nothing about how to clean and maintain it. I was recommended Swim University’s Pool Care Handbook and video course so I bought it and have never regretted it.
Conclusion
Shocking your pool is a normal part of maintaining it and keeping it clean throughout the year. Make sure you always have a shock ready to use as you may need to do it any time to keep the pool sparkling.
