SHOCKING or SUPERCHLORINATION

When you shock your pool you use the process of oxidation to chemically remove (burn up)

organic debris, such as body waste, particulate matter and perspiration, from the water. All

pools require a shock treatment on a regular basis to maintain optimum water quality.

Routinely shocking the water every 1 to 2 weeks (monthly with Revacil program) will greatly

increase the water quality of your pool.

In addition to oxidizing undesired wastes – shocking

will help rid the pool of algae and bacteria that might be hiding in filters and hard-to-sanitize

areas.

Contrary to what most people think, a strong chlorine smell is not an indication of too much

chlorine in the pool but actually a red flag that a super dose may be required to correct the

problem. In chlorine treated pools shocking can be achieved by superchlorination (adding a

much higher chlorine amount than normal). Hypochlorous acid is the form of chlorine that

provides sanitization.

Hypochlorous acid is very active and will react with ammonia and other

nitrogen-containing organic compounds (i.e., perspiration, urine, etc.) and form chloramines.

This “combined chlorine” is 40 to 60 times less effective than free available chlorine.

Combined chlorine, in addition to reduced effectiveness against bacteria can cause eye

irritation and so called “chlorine odor.” This may also result in a dull or flat look to your pool. A

properly balanced and chlorinated pool will have no discernible odor.

WHEN

TO SHOCK

Every 2 Weeks:

When the temperatures are 80

°

F or below

Weekly:

When the temperatures are above 80

°

F

Heavy bather load (after the pool party!)

As Needed:

At the first signs of visible algae (slippery walls or floor)

Cloudy water (check water balance as well)

Heavy rains or storms (increase organic debris in water)

Monthly:

Biguanides require

weekly to

monthly biguanide shock treatment using

the

specific shock in your brand program only, NOT chlorine or non-chlorine.

WHAT

TO USE

The sanitizer program you use to treat your pool will determine the type of shock you can use.

Not all shocks are compatible with all sanitizers, so be sure to follow the recommended shock

treatment for your treatment program, see

Sanitizing your pool

for your brand.

The chemicals used for shock treatments are powerful oxidizers.

CAREFULLY

read and follow the recommendations in the

Chemical Safety-oxidizers

section.

9

It is most effective to shock in the evening as chlorine shock dissipates very rapidly in

sunlight.

9

If you are using a chlorine shock treatment you will have a very high chlorine

reading (10 ppm or higher). You must allow the Free Chlorine level to drop back down

to the safe range of 3 ppm or lower before re-entering the pool. This can take up to 24

hours, so plan according when superchlorinating or use a non-chlorine shock (mono-

persulfate) if the pool will be in use sooner.

Non-chlorine shocks and biguanide shock

allow you to re-enter the pool within 15 to 30 minutes after treatment.