
When used properly, pool shock combats all of these problems, working to kill bacteria, reduce chloramines, and inhibit the growth of unsightly algae.
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Chloramines can also cause skin or eye irritation, which is the last thing you want to experience when you’re looking for a relaxing swim.
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Not only are chloramines the culprit behind “pool smell,” which many swimmers find unpleasant - more significantly, they make it harder for free chlorine to do its job effectively, resulting in poor sanitization. Chloramines (Combined Chlorine): Chloramines develop when chlorine molecules bind with contaminants like nitrogen and ammonia.They may occur if chlorine levels dip too low, especially in combination with warm temperatures and poor water circulation. Algae Blooms: Algae blooms can be green, yellow, or even black - not exactly an inviting appearance.Not only can these substances make your pool cloudy by producing “combined chlorine,” which we’ll explain in just a moment - they also provide sustenance that helps bacteria thrive.Īlong with harmful bacteria, your pool can also become contaminated by: So what’s the science behind this process? Every day, skin cells, sweat, sunscreen, hair, leaves, insects, grime, and other organic materials contaminate your swimming pool. But if you’ve ever woken up to a cloudy, discolored, or smelly swimming pool, you’ve already witnessed the reasons to shock a pool! After all, most people have never used chemicals like di-chlor or cal hypo, so the benefits of these products might not seem obvious right away. Unless you’re a chemist, shocking your pool might feel like a pointless science experiment. For optimum results, we recommend discussing your needs with a pool expert before making a decision about the best type of pool shock to purchase. There are also chlorine-free alternatives like the oxidizer potassium monopersulfate, which are less powerful than chlorine-based shocks, but may be effective under the right conditions.Ĭhlorine-based and chlorine-free shock treatments each have unique advantages and drawbacks depending on your budget, needs, and pool setup.


By increasing your swimming pool’s free chlorine, pool shock helps sanitize the water, making it safer (and far more pleasant) to swim.ĭepending on the specific brand and formula, chlorine-based shock products typically contain active ingredients, like calcium hypochlorite (commonly known as “cal hypo”) or sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione (commonly known as “di-chlor”). Pool owners frequently ask us, What does pool shock do, and what is it made of? “Pool shock” is an umbrella term for various chemical products that are designed to raise the levels of “free” chlorine in your swimming pool, meaning the chlorine that is available to kill algae, bacteria, and other contaminants.
