Do you put pool shock directly in the pool?

Author: Miss Jennyfer Kutch MD  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

Liquid pool shock can be added directly to your pool water. Granulated shock must be mixed before application. Using a five-gallon bucket filled with about 3 gallons of water, add your shock.

Can you put shock directly in a pool?

Yes you can. Slowly pour the shock agent around the edge of the pool as you walk around it. It will disperse.

Where is the best place to add shock to a pool?

Turn your pool on and check that the multiport is set to filter or normal operation. Add the shock. Add shock in front of the return fitting and around the edge of the pool to ensure that it mixes properly and doesn't concentrate in one area and bleach your pool finish.

Can I add pool shock through the skimmer?

While some mistakes are small and recoverable, adding pool shock through your skimmer will literally blow up your pool's filter system! The gasses created from the mixture of dichlor and chlorine chemicals in such a small chamber create a deadly explosion.

When should I put shock in my pool?

It's also a good idea to shock your swimming pool:
  1. After pool parties or heavy use.
  2. After heavy rains, high-speed winds, thunderstorms, or other extreme weather.
  3. Every 1 to 2 weeks.
  4. If you notice visible algae or a strong chlorine smell.

How To Shock A Pool With Granular Shock

Is shock the same as chlorine?

1) What is the difference between chlorine and shock? Do I need to use both? 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.

Can you put too much shock in a pool?

Is it possible to shock your pool too much? Yes—excessive shocking of your pool will keep it at an elevated chlorine level. This will cause irritation of the skin and eyes as well as excessive wear and tear on your pool filter system, including excessive corrosion of all metal parts.

Should pool pump be on when adding shock?

Turn on the Pool Pump (& Keep It Running)

Once the pump is on, leave it running for several hours in order to allow the product to reach the entire pool. Tip: This step can be easy to forget, so we recommend turning the pump on before adding the shock to your pool!

Will shock clear up a pool?

Adding a recommended dose of pool shock to your pool can clear it right up.

Should you brush the pool before or after shocking?

If you're dealing with an algae infestation, brush the pool after shocking to remove lingering debris and run the filter. Rinse or backwash your filter to avoid recontamination. If you've still got traces of algae, shock your pool again.

Do I add chlorine or shock first?

Ideally, you should shock your pool at night, so the sun cannot interfere and destroy the active chemicals before they can do their job. Then, you can add your chlorine post-shock after the chlorine levels have fallen below 5 ppm.

How many bags of shock should I put in my pool?

If the water looks good and you simply want to boost the chlorine level a bit, add 1 bag per 20,000 gallons. If the water is hazy or cloudy, use a full bag per 10,000 gallons. Or, if there is algae, use 2–6 lbs per 10,000 gallons, depending on the extent of the algae bloom.

Where do you dump shock in pool?

How to Dispose of Pool Chemicals
  • Dispose at a household hazardous waste (HHW) facility. ...
  • Contact the local Solid Waste Authority. ...
  • Check with the pool supply store you purchased the chemicals from.

Should I vacuum my pool before adding shock?

Vacuuming removes debris and algal growth from the walls and floor of the pool and should be performed before shocking the pool water. Vacuuming before shocking allows the chlorine to be more effective in disinfecting and clearing up the water and breaking down skin and nose irritating chloramines.

Do you run a filter after shocking the pool?

Run your pool pump and filter for at least 8 hours after you shock your swimming pool. This provides adequate time for the filter to clean the water and for the pump to circulate the chemicals.

Can you swim in a pool that just got shocked?

It's usually recommended to wait at least 24 hours after shocking a pool before swimming. However, it's best to check the chlorine levels; they should be back to safe levels (around 1–3 ppm) before you get in. Always follow the instructions on the shock product you used.

How do I get my pool water crystal clear?

To treat cloudy water due to poor filtration:
  1. Check your filter for worn or broken parts. ...
  2. Run the pump for at least 8 hours a day. ...
  3. Backwash the filter until a clear stream of water flows.
  4. Chemically clean your filter media with a filter cleaner.
  5. Empty any debris in the skimmer basket that may clog water flow.

Why did my pool turn green after I shocked it?

Pools can immediately turn green after being shocked 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.

What happens if you put too much shock in a pool?

If you're having to shock the pool too often, it may be time to look at other potential problems rather than continuing to shock. Shocking too often can lead to elevated chlorine levels that make the pool unusable, and it takes time to get those levels back to normal.

Should I backwash my pool after shocking?

Yes you can backwash the morning after shocking. My rule of thumb is back wash until clean, rinse 10 seconds, backwash again, rinse 10 seconds, Obviously turning off the system between each step.

What time should I add shock to my pool?

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO SHOCK? The best time of day to shock your pool is in the evening. This is because the sun's rays can affect the effectiveness of the chlorine by dissolving it too quickly, before it has a chance to rid the pool of contaminants and clean the water.

Do you add algaecide or shock first?

Algaecides act as a backup to your normal sanitization program and prevent algae from starting and growing in the pool. Algaecide should be added after every shock treatment.

Which pool shock is best?

Best Pool Shocks: Our Top 6 Picks
  • Best Overall: HTH 52037 Swimming Pool Care Shock.
  • Best Fast-Acting: DryTec Chlorine Shock Treatment.
  • Best for Large Pools: In The Swim Pool Shock.
  • Best Liquid: Austin's Pool Tech Shock.
  • Best Water Clarifier: Robarb Super Blue Clarifier.
  • Best Granular: Clorox Pool & Spa Swimming Pool Shock.

Do I really need to shock my pool every week?

Hot & Rainy Months: Weekly

During the hotter months of the year, or when the forecast shows a chance of rain, shock your pool weekly. These conditions can significantly increase the chance of algae growth, and a weekly dose of shock will help keep the green away.

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