Types of Pool Shock & What you need to know!
Discover the types of pool shock, unique features, chlorine content, and application guidelines to maintain your pool's cleanliness and safety.
One Minute Read Summary
Calcium Hypochlorite:
•Should be used after sunset
•Some versions can be added directly to the water, read the package instructions, otherwise dissolved in a bucket
•You should wait 8 hours or more before jumping in the pool
•This pool shock affects the calcium level in your pool. Make sure you stay within limits if your source already has higher levels of calcium (For every ppm of Free chlorine it adds about 0.8 ppm of Calcium)
•It can increase pH levels in the water
•It contains about 65-80% chlorine
Dichlor:
•It also takes about 8 hours before you can jump on your oasis
•There is usually no need to dissolve it before adding it to the pool
•For every ppm of Free chlorine, adds 0.9 ppm of cyanuric acid
•Can be used during the day, as sunlight doesn’t affect its effectiveness due to its cyanuric acid content
•It contains about 50-60% chlorine
Potassium peroxymonosulfate:
•Popular on Salt water pools
•Is added directly to the water
•You can use it during the day
•You should only wait 30 minutes to jump in your pool
•It doesn’t kill algae (because is chlorine-free)
Lithium Hypochlorite:
•Can be added directly to your pool
•Dissolves faster than other pool shocks
•Be sure to wait until its dark, sunlight affects its effectiveness
•You have to let 8 hours pass before diving in
•Is toxic to aquatic life
•It contains 35% chlorine
If your pool's a fright just call Sapphire Pool Service, they'll make your pool bright!
Calcium Hypochlorite
Commonly known as Cal hypo, One of the most convenient ways to shock a pool. Easy to use, it comes in granule form and can be poured directly into your water or pre-dissolved before adding.
With chlorine content ranging from 65% - 80%, this magical powder will work wonders on getting rid of pesky algae without leaving you bankrupt.
Just keep an eye out for calcium build-up as the package may contain some extras, and could potentially raise pH levels out of balance.
Apply the product at dusk; that way its unstabilized chlorine won’t be zapped by the sun’s UV rays! Keep cycling it overnight and you should have crystal clear pool waters when morning rolls around…
Don't use this powerhouse on saltwater pools, hot tubs, or miniature lagoons. Follow directions carefully – after all, there's nothing worse than adding too much of a good thing!
Dichlor
Sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione or dichloroisocyanuric acid, I know is easier to say Dichlor. This is the safest pool shock and easiest to use.
Can be used in regular chlorine doses or weekly treatment shocks, and contains 50-60% chlorine. this special kind is actually stabilized. That means its effectiveness will not be affected too much by sun exposure, you don’t have to use it at night.
Have in mind that a bonus of 0.9 ppm of cyanuric acid (stabilizer) will be added for each ppm of free chlorine, However, if your current levels of cyanuric acid are already high then best steer clear of these products as they won't help alleviate anything.
Most brands don't require pre-mixing before adding directly into the pool although some might necessitate that step so check first just in case – bear in mind though there's an 8 hour waiting period afterward until swimming resumes again.
Potassium peroxymonosulfate:
This is a non-chlorine shock popular on saltwater pools that works very fast and is affordable. With this pool shock, you can enjoy a gentler alternative that won't disrupt the chemistry of your water.
Best part? you don’t need to dissolve it in a bucket and you only need to wait 30 minutes before taking the plunge and swimming again - perfect for those aboveground pools where traditional chlorine shocks take longer to dissipate.
Just remember: it's not strong enough when trying to tackle algae growth or green waters in saltwater pools; they'll require an extra helping hand from system chlorination.
Lithium Hypochlorite
If you're looking for a quicker way to shock your pool and reduce calcium content, lithium hypochlorite is the solution but has a higher price. Unlike conventional options, this one doesn't require any pre-dissolving – just pour it straight into the mix!
•Can be added directly to your pool
•Dissolves faster than other pool shocks
•Be sure to wait until its dark, sunlight affects its effectiveness
•You have to let 8 hours pass before diving in
•Is toxic to aquatic life
•It contains 35% chlorine
Here is a guide on How to shock a pool & What you need to know
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