Is it OK to shock a saltwater pool?

Author: Turner Stiedemann  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 18, 2022

So, not only is shocking a saltwater pool okay, but it's actually important to your pool's health. Shocking is the process in which you overload your pool with chlorine (3-5 times the normal amount) to improve your pool's cleanliness and kill off organic matter.

When should I shock my saltwater 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.

Can I add shock and salt at the same time?

As shocking has a tendency to push metals out of solution and salt (even when labeled as pure) can contain trace amounts of metals, it is recommended that you add salt at a different time from shocking.

Can you over shock a pool?

You cannot overshock a swimming pool or add too much. Adding too much shock or overshocking your pool will kill off algae. The negative of adding too much shock is it will upset the chemical balance of your pool.

How do you keep a saltwater pool from turning green?

Here are some of the common types of algae that infest salt water pools:
  1. Green Algae. ...
  2. Mustard Algae. ...
  3. Black Algae. ...
  4. Pink Algae. ...
  5. First Step: Remove the Algae. ...
  6. Second Step: Ensure the Right pH Level. ...
  7. Third Step: Shock the Water. ...
  8. Fourth Step: Vacuum the Pool.

Shocking with Salt Chlorine Generators

How do you clear a cloudy saltwater pool fast?

7 Ways to Clear Cloudy Pool Water
  1. Balance free chlorine (FC) levels.
  2. Eliminate ammonia.
  3. Get rid of young algae.
  4. Monitor and balance pH and TA levels.
  5. Correct calcium hardness (CH) levels.
  6. Backwash filter or replace filtering agent.
  7. Remove foreign particles and mineral deposits, scrub, and vacuum up the pool.

What do I do if my saltwater pool is cloudy?

Clogged saltwater cells can cause cloudy pool water. To fix this, you need to clear the calcium on the salt cell. The salt cell can be cleaned by soaking it in muriatic acid, vinegar, or a salt cell cleaner.

What are the disadvantages of salt water pools?

Cons
  • You will need to store and handle high amounts of salt.
  • Muriatic acid will need to be added to the pool water on a regular basis.
  • The pH levels will need to be continuously monitored.
  • Any issues with the generator or pool system may require help from a professional.

Do you have to drain a saltwater pool every year?

You definitely need to drain some water from the pool when salinity reaches a 6,000 ppm level. Most salt water pools should be maintained with a salinity level of 2,500-4,000 ppm. The amount you drain depends on how elevated salinity levels are.

Are saltwater pools easier to maintain?

Is a salt water pool easier to maintain? Yes, a salt water pool is easier to maintain! There's no need to purchase, store and add chlorine to your pool. Simply add salt and your pool's salt chlorinator will do all the work of making chlorine.

Can salt water pools raise your blood pressure?

Saltwater Pools Come With Health and Environmental Concerns

Providers have also linked higher heart mortality risks to sodium absorption through the skin, particularly among people with: High blood pressure.

Which is better salt water or chlorinated pool?

Chlorine pools

Chlorine kills mould and bacteria faster than a salt pool will; this makes the pool water clear, clean and safe to swim in. Your swimming pool will have to be tested with a pH kit and chlorine tablets added as required to balance out the pH levels.

What are the pros and cons of a saltwater pool?

The Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools
  • PRO: Saltwater pool is softer on your eyes and skin.
  • CON: A saltwater pool is more expensive than a chlorine pool.
  • PRO: They usually require less maintenance than chlorine pools.
  • CON: Saltwater pools require expert technicians for repairs.

How often do you change the water in a saltwater pool?

You should be able to go at least 6-8 years in between complete drain and refills.

How often should you change the water in a salt water pool?

Your pool contractor in Salt Lake City can tell you how often the water should be replaced in your pool, based on the manufacturer's recommendations and how often you plan to use the pool. Generally, pool water needs to be replaced once every five to seven years.

Do you have to winterize a saltwater pool?

Winterizing is an important step whether you own a salt water pool or a regular chlorine pool and will help make spring start up a whole lot easier as well as reduce the time and chemicals needed to get your pool ready.

How long does an inground saltwater pool last?

A well-maintained salt chlorine generator will last 3–7 years.

Is it worth getting a salt water pool?

For most people, the big selling point for saltwater pools is, well, the salt! The lower-chlorine saltwater is better for swimmers' hair, skin and eyes. Additionally, it also tends to be less harsh on pool toys and swimsuits. So saltwater offers better longevity for your accessories.

Can salt water pools be heated?

Saltwater pools can definitely be heated just like freshwater pools. The saltwater chlorinator does not affect heating units, so you will not have to worry about this when installing a heater in your swimming pool. The heating units will also be set up and installed in the same way as in chlorine pools.

How do you Superchlorinate a saltwater pool?

How do I Super Chlorinate my Pool?
  1. Empty all baskets and leaf catchers.
  2. Adjust the pH of your pool with Acid or Sodium Bisulphate. ...
  3. Add a shock treatment of chlorine to your pool (best to use a pH neutral chlorine so that it does not affect the already altered pH of your pool water. ...
  4. Broom the entirety of the pool.

How long after shocking pool will it clear up?

Keep your pump and filter running. 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.

Do you need to run the pool pump after shocking?

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.

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