The first thing you need to do while adding pool chemicals in order is to balance the water's alkalinity. This is achievable by balancing the alkalinity to 80-120 ppm (parts per million). Use the right products to balance the pool water's alkalinity, depending on its level.
Equally important is to balance the water first, before shocking a pool.
If the pool is clear, but has no chlorine, then it is best to shock the pool first, wait at least an hour, and then add the stabilizer. It is recommended that you add stabilizer when there is a measurable amount of chlorine in the pool.
Begin the pool start-up process by adding some scale or stain preventative before any other chemical. If your pool consists of new plaster, this step should always go first. Make sure that the water is properly tested to determine how much chemicals you should add.
It's tough to add too much shock to your swimming pool. When you're measuring the amount of shock to put in your pool, it's okay to round up. In fact – it's recommended. You'd have to put an excessive amount of shock in your pool to truly cause dangerous swimming conditions.
The order you balance your chemicals in is just as important as the quantities you use. For safe and accurate results, you should always test in the following order: Start by testing alkalinity and making adjustments as needed. Next, test and adjust pH levels as needed.
It is a good idea to give your pool a thorough brushing and vacuuming before shocking the pool. This will prevent any algae or bacteria from clinging to the pool walls, as well as help your filtration system remove the extra debris. With the extra contaminants out of the way, your chlorine can work most efficiently.
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.
After letting the algaecide settle for a few minutes, shock your pool with cal-hypo shock. We recommend using our Super Pool Shock, which contains 73% chlorine. Use a pound of shock for every 15,000 gallons of pool water.
Start with pH. Inexperienced pool owners often think that all you have to do is shock your swimming pool with chlorine, but the truth is that pH is the key. If your pH is not balanced, any other chemicals that you add will be ineffective. The ideal pH is between 7.4 and 7.6.
The simplest strategy is to follow them, remembering the two golden rules of adding chemicals: only add chemicals to a pool that is running, and only add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.
Shock and balance
Give it a go before using a pool clarifier or flocculant and you could be pleasantly surprised.
You can add some granular pool shock to your swimming pool directly, but most varieties need to be mixed with water before use. Mix the granular pool shock with water ahead of time, if necessary. This will save you time and help prevent calculation mistakes. Pre-mix the pool shock in a five-gallon bucket.
Test The Pool Water
Also, check the pH and alkalinity levels. Make sure your pH level is between 7.4 – 7.6 and your alkalinity level is between 100 and 150 parts per million (ppm). This will balance the pool water chemistry so the shock treatment is more effective.
The first thing you need to do while adding pool chemicals in order is to balance the water's alkalinity. This is achievable by balancing the alkalinity to 80-120 ppm (parts per million). Use the right products to balance the pool water's alkalinity, depending on its level.
Vacuuming After Shocking
As mentioned, you should vacuum your swimming pool as much as possible to keep the job manageable. However, after shocking the pool, you shouldn't vacuum for at least 24 hours. Running the water pump during this period will allow the shock to do its job.
Never add chemicals at the same time, whether you're balancing the water, shocking the pool, or adding a specialty chemical. For most water balance changes, the pump needs to run on the high setting for at least four hours before you can add another chemical or retest the water.
A general rule is 1 pound of pool shock for every 10,000 gallons of pool water. Using that reference, you should use 1.6 ounces of pool shock in a pool that has 1,000 gallons of water.
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.
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.
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.