Pool chlorine and household bleach both contain hypochlorite ion, which is the chemical agent responsible for their “bleaching” action. Pool chlorine, however, is substantially stronger than household bleach.
Another form of sodium hypochlorite, in a slightly higher concentration, is the chemical used to shock pools. Instead of the strength used to make laundry bleach, pool chlorine usually has a 10% to 12.5% concentration. That means that if diluted properly, pool chlorine can be used just as safely as household bleach.
The main difference between pool shock and Clorox bleach is their purpose and strength. Pool shock is specifically designed for use in pools and is much stronger than Clorox bleach. It is also available in different strengths and forms to meet the specific needs of your pool.
Both liquid and powder shocks contain the same active chemical used for pool sanitation, but their usage and strength are different. Other than coming in a different form, liquid chlorine is also more budget-friendly and unstabilized. On the other hand, powder shock is easy to stabilize, and its solid form dissolves.
Cal-Hypo Chlorine Shock
Calcium hypochlorite shock, or cal-hypo shock, is the most powerful shock treatment for both regular pool maintenance and problematic pool water. Found usually in granule form, cal-hypo shock is readily available, affordably priced, and straightforward to use.
Calcium Hypochlorite: Also referred to as cal hypo, this chemical is one of the least costly and most convenient ways to shock your pool. It's usually sold in granular form. Needs to be dissolved before you add it to the pool. Must be used after dusk.
Generally you will want to wait at least 4 hours, but ideal is waiting for one complete turnover of the water (the time it takes all the water to go through the filter).
Product Description. The 1 Gal HASA 4×1 Liquid Chlorine is the purest, strongest, and fastest working liquid chlorine available. Up to 25% stronger than other leading brands. HASA liquid chlorine is a sodium hypochlorite solution, marketed for use in the treatment of water in swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.
ALL chlorine types, when added to water, convert into two forms of Free Chlorine (FC): The strong, killing form of chlorine, Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl). The weaker, slower form of chlorine, Hypochlorite Ion (OCl-).
bleach to shock your pool.
If you need to calculate how much bleach or Clorox you need to shock your pool, you will have to use 1/2 gallon of bleach per 10,000 gallons of water to raise the chlorine levels by 5 ppm.
Not removing chlorine can make your skin (and hair) dry out, stripping the natural, protective oils from your skin and leaving you itchy and dry, particularly if you're already prone to sensitive skin.
Leaving chlorine and other pool chemicals on your skin after you swim is a bad idea. They can dry out your skin, removing its natural protective oils., especially if you sleep with chlorine on your body. This can irritate it and leave it vulnerable to infections. If you're itchy after you swim, this may be why.
Maintain 0.5–1 ppm of available chlorine
Re-test the chlorine level in the water each day you use the pool, and when necessary add 1 teaspoon Clorox® Bleach per 100 gallons of water; retest to ensure the correct level of available chlorine is achieved. Empty small pools daily.
What Does Baking Soda Do For a Pool? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity.
Having too much chlorine in your pool water can be dangerous. Exposure to high levels of chlorine can cause lung irritation, skin and eye damage, and provoke asthma. Not only is it bad for your health, but it can be bad for your pool due to the increase in chlorine.
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.
You should aim to shock your pool about once a week, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.
Swimming pool shock contains 12.5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) vs. 6-8.5% for Clorox (bleach). Some Clorox products go as high as 8.5%. At a 12.5% concentrate, liquid pool shock is approximately 2x's stronger than Clorox bleach.
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.
Therefore, your safest bet is to stick with the ratio of 2 gallons of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of water. Your water's pH will level as the bacteria and algae die off, thus providing a safe swimming environment.
It's often recommended to shock your pool once a week. If you don't do it every week, you should at least do it every other week. This is necessary to maintain your pool's water chemistry. If you have a lot of people over in your pool or have a party, you may want to shock your pool more frequently.