Can I shock my pool if it's green?

Author: Prof. Colten Fay  |  Last update: Sunday, July 3, 2022

Shock Your Pool with Chlorine to Kill Algae
This is the main event in clearing a green pool—killing the algae. Pool shock contains a high level of chlorine that will kill the algae and sanitize the pool. For the best results, use a shock that contains at least 70% available chlorine (calcium hypochlorite).

Can you shock a green pool?

Light Green or Teal Pool Water:

This means there's a low amount of algae in your water and you won't have to use a hefty amount of chlorine shock. In this case, you should double shock your swimming pool water. To double shock, you will need to add 2 pounds for every 10,000 gallons of water.

How do you fix a green pool fast?

Follow the below steps to clear up your green pool in 24 hours:
  1. Test the pool water.
  2. Balance your chemicals and PH accordingly.
  3. Remove any debris.
  4. Shock the pool.
  5. Brush the pool.
  6. Vacuum the pool.
  7. Run the pump for continually for 24 hours.

How long does it take to shock a green pool?

You need to raise the level of your chlorine – shock the pool – and maintain that high level until all the algae is dead. This may take 3 to 4 days.

How do I get my green pool clear again?

Follow these steps to treat and prevent green pool water.
  1. Test and Balance Water. Always begin by testing your pool water. ...
  2. Clean Pool Water and Surfaces. Skim water surface to remove visible debris, brush walls, vacuum and empty skimmer baskets. ...
  3. Apply a Shock Treatment. ...
  4. Apply an Algaecide. ...
  5. Clean Filter.

How Often Should You SHOCK Your POOL? | Swim University

Can you over shock a pool?

Can you put too much shock in a pool? SKIMMER NOTES: It's unlikely but it could happen. It would take a lot of shock to really make the water unsafe for swimming. The best way to make sure you're safe to swim is to test your pool water and make sure free chlorine levels are between 1-4ppm for healthy swimming.

Why is my pool still green after shock and algaecide?

Pools can immediately turn green after shocking when they have metals like copper in the water. These metals oxidise when exposed to high levels of chlorine which makes the pool water turn green. Adding a metal control product such as Zodiac Metal Remover will help to restore the pool water.

How long does pool shock take to work?

Give the shock a good 12 to 24 hours to work it's magic. If the algae hasn't cleared up after 24-48 hours, clean and brush the pool and add another shock treatment.

Will baking soda clear a green pool?

Baking Soda and Green, Blue, or Yellow Algae

You'll need to use an algaecide to kill the algae and superchlorinate your pool to clear the water. After this treatment, test your pH and alkalinity and add baking soda to raise alkalinity to at least 100 ppm and pH to between 7.2 and 7.8.

How many bags of shock do I need for my pool?

A good rule to remember is to use one bag of shock (1 gallon of liquid chlorine) per 10,000 gallons.

Can you shock a pool without the pump running?

Shock-chlorination is an essential and effective method of cleaning the pool. But you need to have the pump circulating the water for this to be effective.

Do you put algaecide in before shock?

Algaecide should be used after each shock treatment, so it has a better chance to support your chlorine as it works its magic. Be sure to shock your pool first, then when the chlorine levels of your pool return to normal, add the correct amount of algaecide to several places around your pool while your pump is running.

Can I use bleach instead of pool shock?

Therefore, a lot of people keep away from ever using a drop of bleach near their pools. Bleach is safe and the only chemical you should be using in your pool unless cleaning pool tile with baking soda. So yes, you can use bleach to keep your pool water chemistry balanced.

What can I use instead of pool shock?

Common unscented household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) works well to shock a pool.

Can I use Clorox bleach in my pool?

It is important to know what exactly bleach is before you put it in your pool. Household bleach, Clorox and liquid chlorine can all be used to sanitize a pool. They are all types of chlorine. Household bleaches such as Clorox usually contain about 5-6% available chlorine, about half that of pool liquid chlorine.

Can too much chlorine make your pool green?

The free chlorine levels might be low.

But be careful—adding too much chlorine in pool water can cause those metals to oxidize and turn the pool a different shade of green.

Why does my pool look green but the water is clear?

Pool water turns green because of algae in the water. Algae can grow rapidly, particularly when it's warm like Summer, which is why it can surprise you overnight. This generally comes down to an imbalance or lack of chlorine in the water.

What is the difference between shock and chlorine?

Chlorine is a sanitizer, and (unless you use Baquacil products) is necessary for maintaining a clear and healthy pool. Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly.

Will clarifier clear a green pool?

ADD POOL CLARIFIER

The change in your pool water colour means that you have successfully eliminated the algae and can now clean it out of your pool. If your water is still green, wait another 24 hours and redo the steps from Days 1 and 2.

How long should you run filter after shocking pool?

A pool filter should be run for a minimum of 6 hours after shocking a swimming pool. This is to allow the filter to clean the water and give the shock enough time to fully mix with the pool water. Running the filter after shocking for 24 hours to 7 days is necessary if the pool has a large amount of algae.

Can I add shock and chlorine at the same time?

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. Only then should you introduce algaecide to get the best results.

How much liquid chlorine do I add to my shock pool?

12.5% Liquid Chlorine Pool Shock – Normal Dosage: 1 gallon of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Shock Dosage: 2 gallons of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Source: Champion Liquid Pool Shock instructions.

How much shock do I need for a 15000 gallon pool?

Typically for granular shock, you'll need one pound for every 10,000 to 13,500 gallons of pool water.

Can you put bleach in a vinyl pool?

High concentrations of chlorine (above 1.5 ppm) will attack the liner and bleach it, thus damaging it. Any level below this range will weaken its ability to kill off bacteria.

What order do you put chemicals in a pool?

What Chemicals to Add When & Why
  1. Start by Testing Your Water. The first thing that you should do before you start adding chemicals is test the water. ...
  2. Alkalinity Levels. ...
  3. Manage pH Levels: Add Muriatic Acid of Soda Ash. ...
  4. Adjust the Calcium Hardness. ...
  5. Add Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid) ...
  6. Add Chlorine.

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