Pool shock treatment is a vital procedure that includes introducing either chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals into the water to maintain balance and elevate free chlorine levels. It helps remove harmful bacteria, combined chlorine, and lingering algae present in the pool, ensuring a safe and clean swimming environment.
Shocking your pool is a great way to keep your pool clean for you and your family, but don’t plan any pool parties right away. You should educate yourself on how long to wait to swim after shocking your pool.
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Pool shock is a chemical substance, and if you jump in too soon, the experience may be unpleasant. So how long should you wait to swim after shocking your pool? The experts at Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas explain.
What is Pool Shock?
Most pool shock treatments are made of chlorine. Chlorine is the 17th element on the periodic table, famous for being a toxic, irritant, pale green gas. Now, you’re probably thinking, “Why would I put something like this in my pool?”
Well, when you mix it with other substances, you create compounds that use chlorine as one of the base elements. These compounds are then mixed with other compounds into solutions to create pool shock. These are not gasses, nor are they as toxic as long as they are stored and used properly.
Though many of them are still irritants, they dissolve and dissipate quickly in water after they clean your pool water. After the appropriate amount of time, swimming after you’ve shocked your pool won’t irritate your skin.
How Does a Pool Shock Treatment Work?
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Pool shock, when added to water, raises the “free chlorine” level of your pool to the point that germs, viruses, and other contaminants like algae, chloramines, and bacteria are destroyed.
Free Chlorine (FC) is crucial for actively disinfecting your pool water. An ideal level would be between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). The amount of shock required depends on your pool’s size and the reason for shocking it. Typically, you want to use one or two pounds of shock per 10,000 gallons of water for effective results.
After a certain amount of time, the water will dissolve the pool shock and be filtered out so you and your family can swim in your pool again.
When Should You Use Pool Shock?
The best time to use pool shock treatment is at least once a week, especially if you and multiple members of your household are swimming in your pool regularly. If you’re not, you can go a bit longer. In this instance, a week and a half in between treatments should suffice.
If there are long periods of direct, intense sunlight or rain, you should be shocking your pool more often than twice a week. Direct sunlight contributes to germ and bacteria growth, so you’ll need to shock your pool if there hasn’t been a cloud in the sky recently. If it’s rained, the issue is even worse because rain brings in all kinds of germs and bacteria. You should shock your pool after each time it rains.
How Long Should You Wait to Swim After Shocking Your Pool?
The general rule for swimming in a pool after shocking it is to wait at least 24 hours. That’s how long it takes for chlorine to work its magic and dissipate in your pool. You should always double-check the pH level and use your chemical test kit to make sure everything is balanced.
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These tests will make sure your chemicals won’t irritate your skin but also make sure that the pool shock did its job. If the pH level is balanced, you don’t have contaminants like algae or bacteria. If the chemical test is balanced, that means the chlorine is gone. When they’re both good, it’s time to go swimming.
What Happens If You Swim Too Early?
It’s crucial to know how long you need to wait to swim after shocking your pool because swimming in a pool before the chemicals are finished doing their job can lead to several issues. If you jump in just before the cut-off, you’re likely to experience irritation around your eyes, mouth, and your skin. You may also experience discomfort in your throat if you ingest the water.
The closer it is to when you last shocked it, the worse your symptoms will get. Swimming in a pool right after shock can lead to long-term lung problems. Pool shock is made with serious chemicals. It isn’t something you should be taking chances with, just like how you shouldn’t take chances with any of the contaminants that can make you sick.
Contact Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas for Chemicals and Help Shocking Your Pool
Pool shock is a useful tool for keeping your pool clean. You want to be able to enjoy swimming with your family and friends in a safe environment as much as possible, and pool shock is great for that. You just have to make sure that you use it correctly and use it early enough in preparation.
If your pool remains cloudy or green despite regular maintenance, consulting a professional is advisable. Certain stubborn algae strains may resist chlorine treatment, necessitating advanced algaecides. Additionally, a malfunctioning pool filter could contribute to water quality issues. A local pool technician or pool supply store such as Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas should be able to help with accurate diagnosis and solutions.
If you’re unsure how to shock your pool or confused about how long to wait to add chlorine after shock or any other related topic, contact us right away. We’re always happy to help.
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