Most brands can be added directly to your pool, but a few must be dissolved first. Next up, we come to the Pool Essentials Shock Treatment, which is our Best Value option for this list. Use At The Right Time In general, you should be shocking your pool every two weeks, or even every week if you use the pool on a daily basis. These shocks do contain chlorine but it is stabilized so it fares better in the heat. This is the quintessential pool shock from the reputable HTH brand. We also looked at four additional high quality pool shocks you might like to try. As the system is creating chlorine from the salt, shock works the same as in any other pool.

Unlike cal-shock, it contains only 50% to 60% chlorine and is made with stabilized chlorine so it wont burn off in the sun. But non-chlorine shock is the most gentle and wont affect your other chemistry levels.

Cal-hypo is the best shock treatment for you. The downside is that it is a little more expensive and a little less potent, so its not the best value for money. If you need help balancing your pH levels, check out our guide to Basic Pool Chemistry 101. The amount of Calcium Hypochlorite in this product kills bacteria and algae quickly and with every use. Pool shock is clearly essential for any pool owner who wants to keep up with their maintenance and ensure that their pool stays clean and free of bacteria and algae, but you cant just buy the first pool shock you see and hope for the best. But they may require premixing to prevent damage to vinyl pool liners. Opting for this potassium mono sulfate shock gives you a gentler pool shock alternative without affecting your other chemistry levels. You likely need to add a pool conditioner (aka stabilizer or cyanuric acid) to your sun-soaked pool regularly to prevent the chlorine from evaporating too quickly in all that UV light. Overall though, this is a great, budget-friendly option that should do well in most pools. We would recommend using pool shock (like the one listed above) that is specifically designed for use as part your hot tub ideas, otherwise check with the manufacturer before using. The formula is designed to be fast dissolving so it gets to work quickly. Next, you need to think about the capacity of your chosen pool shock product. Shock After Storms Big storms or heavy rainfall can affect the chlorine levels in your pool, so its a good idea to shock it afterwards. If you use your pool a lot, you may find yourself having to use this shock more often as it has less available chlorine to clear contaminants. All rights reserved. Have more questions about picking out the right pool shock for your swimming pool? If youre lucky enough to have a super sunny pool, this trichlor (sodium trichloro-s-triazinetrione) pool shock by Pool Essentials is the one for you. In action, the DryTec Shock Treatment is highly effective, containing 68% calcium hypochlorite for fast and effective pool cleaning. Non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate) contains no chlorine but will reactivate any available chlorine molecules present in the water. Dont use calcium hypochlorite (cal hypo) shock in a hot tub. Which disadvantages must you keep in mind? By the morning you should have crystal clear water that's ready for swimming. (Summer 2022), How to Get Algae Out of a Pool Without a Vacuum: 4 Best Ways, 5 Best Pool Algaecides Easy Problem Solution (Summer 2022), 10 Best Pool Lights Make Your Pool Party Brighter! Using pool shock products like hth Pool Shock Super Shock Treatment can seem a little overwhelming, especially if you dont have much experience. This free printable cheat sheet helps keep your inground, above ground, or Intex pool clean and clear without messing with confusing water chemistry. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. However, it may require multiple doses, depending on your situation.

This Clorox 4-in-1 powder formula of pool shock can be poured right into your pool from the bottle on a weekly basis. That basically gives you about a years supply of pool shock, provided you use your pool on a regular basis and shock it every other week.

Like our second pick above, this shock contains a pool stabilizer so it is also great for use in sunny pools to prevent the UV from eating up the chlorine. The manufacturers of this stabilized pool shock guarantee that using this product will not lead to scale build-up in your pool. You can also find lower percentage dichlor products (15% to 20%) that work as shock-and-swim options. The app allows you to check daily water sample results and chemical needs for your pool, so you know exactly how much shock to add.

Dohenys is also a popular and trusted provider of pool chemicals and cleaning supplies. But using too much chlorine in a short period could also skew the other chemicals in your pool and create additional problems. More features: eliminates algae and bacteria, salt water systems compatible. When the pH falls too low, the water becomes too acidic which leads to skin irritation itching, burning, and rash. Our review team spent hours evaluating each pool shock based on a wide range of factors and features. These August gardening jobs are the best way to keep the garden looking great in late summer. This also applies to chlorine, so be sure to read my guide on unstabilized vs. stabilized chlorine. Various chemicals aside from pool shock also need to be added to the pool water on a daily basis like disinfectants and sanitizers to kill bacteria and stop the growth of algae in its tracks.

The high potency of chlorine has visible effects, especially in a dirty or cloudy swimming pool. Check the pH level after you add the shock and check it again before getting into the pool to make sure your pH level has returned to normal. Visit our corporate site. Before you convert from chlorine to salt, here's everything you need to know. Its a very close second; it only misses out on the top spot as it is less potent, with only 56% calcium hypochlorite. We looked at 35 different pool shock solutions, finding the hth Pool Shock Super Shock Treatment to be the best option for most people due to its strong bacterial-killing potential, 4-in-1 formula, ease-of-use, and compatibility with salt water systems. Dont use liquid shock either, as it increases the chlorine level too rapidly. This product can be used approximately once a month, but actual usage amounts will vary according to your pools conditions. If youve ever visited a hotel pool or to the gym for a quick workout and smelled lots of chlorine, youve actually come across an improperly sanitized pool.

Some versions can be broadcasted directly into your water or you may be required to pre-dissolve it before adding it to your pool. The high dosage of chlorine works to shock your pool quickly by getting rid of any foreign matter in the water. In The Swim are a reputable brand in the pool world and this product is very highly rated. Or keep reading for a breakdown of how pool shock works, the different types of pool shock, and when to use each one. Not only that, but as time goes by, the chlorine level in your pool just isnt strong enough to deal with build-ups of bacteria and algae, making your pool water dirty and unattractive. This means it quickly eradicates contaminants like algae and bacteria. The next best pool shock is the Pool Essentials Shock Treatment. As this is a strong shock, a lot of backyard pool owners will only need to use one bag. You also need to consider the pH and chlorine level of each product, as this will affect the chemical composition of your swimming pool water and could have different effects on certain pool liners and other materials. Unfortunately, a non-chlorine shock isnt powerful enough to eliminate green water and algae growth. Just know that dichlor shock will raise your cyanuric acid levels. Also known as super chlorinating, pool shocking is a way to keep your water safe by adding high amounts of chlorine and chemical sanitizing solution to kill bacteria and keep the water healthy. If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. There are plenty of tips on how to shock a hot tub in our dedicated guide too. Its powerful enough to kill contaminants and stop algae growth (similar to an algaecide). Follow The Instructions Read through the instructions of your chosen pool shock product and follow them accordingly. Of course, always test the water before you get in to make sure its safe. "This 4-in-1 option is fast-acting, fast-dissolving solution with a pretty small overall dosage, making it great for larger pools or efficient owners. Perhaps try a trichlor or dichlor option (sodium tri/dichloro-s-triazinetrione) like our next pick below. There are many different options out there, and pool shock comes in various forms, with different ingredients, recommended dosages, capacities, and more. Generally speaking, higher chlorine percentages will be more effective than lower for shocking your pool. Because pool shock like Clorox Pool&Spa Shock XtraBlue provides such an effective and powerful form of cleaning, the best time to use a pool shock solution is when your pool is starting to smell strange or showing signs of algae build-up. It helps to control algae, destroy organic contaminants, and kill bacteria too, being available in individual packs, 12 packs, or 24 packs for your convenience. One of the big parts of being a responsible pool owner is cleaning your pool regularly to ensure that the water stays clean and healthy for yourself, your family, and anyone else who might be using the pool.

But that means it will add 0.9 ppm of cyanuric acid for every ppm of additional free chlorine. Even pool owners who take excellent care of their pool water deal with algae issues. This shock is also fantastic if you have problems with calcium hardness. As it takes longer to dissolve, you also have to wait longer until you can swim.

Pool shock with CYA stabilizes the chlorine to make it last longer in the pool and in the sunlight. The difference between a traditional pool and a saltwater pool is simple: youre adding salt to one and adding chlorine to the other. For regular use though, this shock works great. Check out our video below. If you do find granules settle on the bottom of your pool, to avoid damage you can pre-mix shock with water in a bucket and ensure it's completely dissolved before adding it to your pool. This is also a great option for smaller, above ground pools since traditional chlorine shock takes longer to dissipate. Dont forget that when you put pool shock in your pool, youll need to leave it to work its magic for a while before its safe to get in the water. This is why most pool shock products come with a Swim After notice that lets you know when the water will be safe to swim in again, and you should never get into a pool that has been shocked until the recommended time limit has passed. Shock has a much higher concentration of chlorine compared to chlorine sanitizers. The type of pool shock you should use depends on the type of pool you have and why youre shocking your pool. From the main ingredients it contains to whether it's in powder, liquid or tablet form, here's what you need to consider. The Visible Blue action included in this product allows it to appear blue while in use in the water.

The process of eliminating non-sanitizing chlorine and reactivating sanitizing chlorine will help keep your pool free of algae and other dirty microbes that could create issues for you. No, in fact, there are three main types of pool shock calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, and potassium monopersulfate. Pool shock is available in several forms: granule, liquid, and tablet. It effectively removes bacteria and other hazardous contaminants to keep pool water clean and it does it at a very budget-friendly price. Its not recommended to use bleach in place of a shock. Here are some tips to make the most of these products: Shocking your pool is an essential part of good pool maintenance, but you need to remember that the chemicals contained in a typical pool shock product can be very dangerous if handled without the proper care. Overall, the best rated pool shock we can recommend is the hth Pool Shock Super Shock Treatment. It can have your pool swim-ready in as little as 15 minutes. Heres why you can trust us. The product dissolves quickly in the water, making your pool safe to swim in within about 30 minutes of the application. When using a liquid pool shock, you wont need to worry about dissolution time. If you add bleach, you risk damaging your pool and causing health issues, especially if youre using other pool chemicals to balance your pool water chemistry. This product is only available in pre-portioned, 1-pound bags. Here are a few pool maintenance scenarios when it works well and when it doesn't. Shocking your pool is essential for clean, clear water. Here are the main four criteria that went into my research and that you should consider when youre picking up some new pool shock. Adding too much shock can disrupt the chemical balance in your pool water. This effective shock treatment is ideal for the weekly cleaning of your swimming pool. Cal-hypo shock is an effective way to handle algae growth and destroy organic contaminants.

We promise! If youre unsure about how to use this type of shock, head over to my guide on non-chlorine shock. A drawback is that the granules can settle on the bottom of the pool which can bleach the liner or, if you have a vinyl liner, even cause it to become brittle and leak. And since its both fast-acting and gentle, you can safely swim again after about 20 minutes. This is by far one of top shocks on the market right now, with its strong ingredient blend offering a 4-in-1 solution that works to shock, sanitize, balance, and prevent algae from forming in your pool. It is a little more expensive than chlorine-based shocks, but it is gentler on your hot tub equipment, so its better value in the long run. The powder not only works to clear up your pool water by killing bacteria, but it also can help improve filter performance. Read on to learn how to shop for pool shock, how to use pool shock, and how to make the most of the top pool shock solutions out there. We also love that its odorless and doesnt irritate the eyes or skin. Clorox Dichlor Pool Shock XtraBlue (1 Pound Bags), 12 Pack, In The Swim Chlorine-Free Oxidizing Pool Shock 24 x 1 Pound Bags, Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. The blue coloring lets you track the spread of the product and see for yourself that the shock treatment is at work. More features: eliminates algae and bacteria, destroys organic contaminants, certified by NSF for drinking water applications. Also, we have heard reports that it can sometimes settle on the bottom of the pool and cause stains. We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. Your email address will not be published. You can pour the bag straight into the deepest part of the pool, leave it overnight with the pump running and youre good to go. Coming from arguably the best pool shock brand in the business, this easy-to-use product can simply be poured directly into the pool and is delivered in easy-open bottles with powerful bacteria and algae-fighting crystals inside. The stabilized chlorine can work for longer though which somewhat counteracts the difference in strengths. Published 29 July 22, Gardens Available in packs of six individual 1 lb bags, this shock treatment is designed to enhance the chlorine levels in your pool, kill bacteria, and prevent the build up of algae too. Cal Hypo Pool Shock for Regular Maintenance: Made of 68% calcium hypochlorite, with 65% available chlorine, regular doses of this chlorine shock Easy to Use: Each pound of chlorine shock comes in its own easy-to-use bag for quick, measure-free use. And after adding it to your pool water, youll need to wait 8 hours before swimming again. These chloramines build up when chlorine mixes with urine, sweat, the oils in our skin, and nitrogen. Gardeningetc is supported by its audience. More features: compatible with salt water systems, 4-in-1 treatment. If you have a rainstorm or lots of people using your pool, shocking more often may be necessary. If used correctly though, this is all you need to keep your spa water sparkling clean. On the downside, its only sold in 1lb bottles so you may have to order a few if you want to stock up for future shocks. Looking after your pool is essential if you want to keep it clean and fresh, and making use of pool shock is a key part of any pool maintenance routine. If youre dealing with algae or a build-up of organic contaminants, use cal-hypo shock. ", "This is the best option for newbies as it provides easy to follow, step by step instructions for use and everything is very clearly labeled on the bags.". Because cal-hypo contains calcium, it can cause scaling and calcium build-up. And cal-hypo shock is notorious for causing scale build-up in saltwater pools. Regularly shocking your pool can seem daunting, but its a great way to keep your pool looking clean and safe for your family to swim in. Overall, this pool shock is a great buy. Several products mention that it is safe to swim in the pool within a half-hour of the application, but I would personally give it at least a few hours. Having your own pool offers a lot of advantages, but it also comes along with some unique challenges too. Using calcium hypochlorite-based shock in a small pool can be especially problematic as the calcium is less diluted and can build up. The main ingredient in In The Swim Chlorine Pool Shock is calcium hypochlorite, which works quickly and actively to sanitize your pool and clear away bacteria. To understand pool shock, just look at public pools in places like parks and hotels. Plants The only downside is that it has quite large granules which can gather on pool floors or in filters. How to Use: Use one 1lb bag of Super Shock per 10,000 gallons of water. The In The Swim Chlorine Pool Shock, for example, is compatible with salt water systems, while the Pool Essentials Shock Treatment is great for clearing up cloudy water. These are powerful chemicals and wed prefer to keep our contact with them to a minimum. Pool shock impacts your pH levels. No nasty leftover chemicals to dispose of. When you shock your pool, youre adding enough chemicals (usually chlorine) to clean the water and remove the chloramine buildup. But non-chlorine shock wont. In general, we recommend the following pool shock: Want more help picking out the best pool shock for your pool? Taking the top spot, In the Swim Super Pool Shock Treatment is the strongest pool shock on our list with 73% available chlorine. Shocking your pool is part of regular pool maintenance. Emily Grant is a British ex-pat living in Squamish, Canada. It is strong enough to work even if your backyard pool sees heavy use and it is affordable too. In addition to Gardeningetc, her work has featured on Real Homes and Homes & Gardens. Since shocking needs to be on a regular basis, it makes sense to stock up and have a lot of shock treatment ready to use.

On a surface level, you should be using a pool pole and other accessories to skim away leaves and debris, as well as brushing sediment and scrubbing stains from the walls and floor of your pool. Pool shocks with calcium hypochlorite (cal hypo) as the active ingredient are the most readily available, but these should not be used in hot tubs. The active ingredient in Pool Essentials Shock Treatment is trichloro-s-triazinetrione, which works a little more slowly than something like calcium hypochlorite, but doesnt need to be applied quite so often, making it a good option for those who want their pool to stay clean and fresh for longer periods between shocks. The reported shelf life of this product is approximately three years. Overall, this is the best pick for a swimming pool that gets a lot of sunshine. Its strong enough to combat bacteria and algae and not too strong for regular use. Its highly effective at bringing the chlorine levels back up to a satisfying standard and getting rid of any harmful oils and microbes too, and its one of the best shock for salt water pool you can buy. Always follow the manufacturers instructions and pay attention to the guide on the package. The larger amounts do not include pre-portioned 1-pound amounts, but it is an extremely cost-effective option to take care of your pools maintenance for multiple seasons. Also known as sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione or sodium sichlor, dichlor shock can be used for both shock treatments and regular chlorine doses. Feel free to drop me a line, always happy to help. The type of shock you choose is also an important decision! This 4-in-1 solution is designed to restore the right balance of chlorine in your pool, prevent algae from forming, sanitize the whole pool, and kill bacteria too. Pool shock kills bacteria and algae forming in the pool, which keeps the water clean and safe. We love that theyve made it so easy by pre-portioning into small 1lb bags so theres no need to do any measuring at all. Summer is coming, and it will be pool season before you know it. And each year, he continues to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. Gardeningetc is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. This is especially important if you have a vinyl liner, as granules could damage it and cause leaks. Spring openings and pools that have extensive algae blooms may require 2-3 Made in the USA: Doheny's Super Shock is manufactured and packaged in the USA, Main active ingredient is 68% Calcium Hypochlorite, High chlorine amount is extra effective for killing bacteria and pathogens, Shock is not pre-measured if purchased in large amounts, Clears cloudy water and removes swimmer contaminants, Treat and Swim in 15 minutes if free chlorine is between 1 to 4 ppm, Main ingredient is 58% Sodium Dichloro-s-triazinetrione, with 37% available chlorine, Lower percentage of available chlorine may make the product less effective. Which one is better: a salt water pool vs. a chlorine pool? Your email address will not be published. Stabilized shock means the chlorine is protected from the sun and will not burn from the UV rays. It could be several days before you see real results in the clarity of your water. You may notice cloudy water and you wont be able to use your pool before it clears up. Unstabilized shock should only be used at night. Never swim while the tablet is dissolving and follow all of the manufacturers directions about swim time. For a regular weekly pool shock, you might not need a high concentration of chlorine. Subscribe to keep up to date with top products to buy online. And if you have a saltwater pool, the best shock treatment is with either a dichlor shock or a non-chlorine shock. Last but not least, you may also want to consider any possible extra features listed by the manufacturer of your chosen pool shock treatment. Any pool shock that includes Sodium Dichlor will be considered a stabilized pool shock. The frequency of shock treatments will vary according to the conditions of your pool but should be around once a week. In The Swim Chlorine Pool Shock - 12 X 1 Pound Bags, Nava Chemicals StarPlus 1-1301-12 Chlorinating Shock Treatment for Swimming Pools, 1-Pound, 12-Pack, In The Swim Chlorine-Free Oxidizing Pool Shock 24 x 1 Pound Bags, HTH 52028 Ultimate Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Chlorine Cleaner, 1 lb (Pack of 6), Doheny's Chlorine Super Shock - 24 x 1 lb. The most common pool shock treatments are chlorine-based to kill bacteria, but others are chlorine-free and oxidize the water to burn contaminants and many contain algaecide too. Whether you need a remodel, a new pool, or just some maintenance help, HomeAdvisor will find the best professional for the job. Required fields are marked *. Sodium-dichlor has the advantage of lasting longer, but usually has a slower application process. We also recommend you to purchase a special pool test kit that will let you know the exact contaminants in the water. At these high temperatures, they would lose their effectiveness very quickly. One of the first things to think about when it comes to pool shock solutions is whether you want to use a powdered version, like Pool Essentials Shock Treatment, or a liquid variant. Overall, this is a great option if you have a shallower above-ground pool or any pool with a vinyl liner, as you can apply this fast-dissolving powder directly, without having to worry about granules settling and damaging or bleaching your pool. Spas are much hotter than pools which can affect the way chemicals in regular pool shocks work. This ultimate shock treatment promises to do more than just clear up the algae settling in the bottom of your pool. There are many different forms of pool shock out there, and this guide will introduce you to some of the best pool shock products on the market. Simply add the pool shock to your water at dusk, circulate your water and check your pool the next day. Copyright 2022 HouseAndBeyond.org. That basically gives you about a years supply of pool shock. The HTH Spa Non-Chlorinating Shock Oxidizer is specifically designed for use in the best hot tubs. Calcium hypochlorite shock, or cal-hypo shock, is the most powerful shock treatment for both regular pool maintenance and problematic pool water. It is also very quick; you only have to wait about an hour before entering the tub. A super shock treatment is more concentrated than the standard version. It even improves your filter performance and reduces eye irritation. Our top pick for the most powerful pool shock is cal-hypo shock. Thats it for pool shocks! In The Swim Cal-Hypo Non-Stabilized Pool Chlorine Granules - 25 lbs. When shes not writing, she loves finding DIY ways to beautify her rented space. If you have issues with calcium scale buildup due to hard water, this may not be the best choice for you. And after you shock your pool, check the pH balance to make sure the water is safe before diving in. More features: algae-fighting crystals (green, black and mustard algae), reduces chlorine odor and eye irritation, improves filter performance. This is the most expensive entry on our list, but you get a lot of bang for your buck, as this top quality pool shock treatment comes in packages of 24 1lb bags. More features: reduces chlorine odor, clears cloudy water, suitable for all pool types. Here are some common questions and answers. And which chemicals should you choose? ", "Not only is Clorox Pool&Spa Shock XtraBlue super affordable and easy to use, its also very effective at fighting algae and killing bacteria. Shocking helps to solve all of these problems in an instant by placing high amounts of chlorine into the pool all at once. And this type will only work if theres a chlorination system present within the pool. However higher chlorine levels are necessary for treating green water, problematic pools, or sanitizing after lots of swimmers have been present. Most experts recommend doing it weekly. Our guide will help you decide on the best pool shock to keep your pool crystal clear all summer long. Since then, his mission is to make pool and hot tub care easy for everyone. In The Swim is a trustworthy and famous brand for all pool chemicals and cleaning products, so this should be a good option for most pool owners. If the sun comes out and you suddenly feel the urge to soak in the pool, the Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtra Blue is the shock for you. Another key thing to think about in regard to pool shock treatments is dosage. All rights reserved. Its not quite a liquid shock, so cant be classed as the best liquid pool shock around, but it does function quite similarly in that you can just pour it right into the pool, rather than having to dilute or dissolve it first. Be sure to consider this factor when looking for the best pool shock for vinyl liners. Follow Proper Safety Procedure Wear goggles and gloves to protect yourself when shocking the pool and even consider a chemical mask to avoid inhaling harmful chlorine gas. It is gentler than chlorine-based shock so it wont bleach the tub or lid.

But getting the right kind of pool shock is critical for keeping your water clean and clear.

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