It can be tricky to know when to shock a swimming pool. Some people think it's done depending on how dirty it is, whereas others only do it when a severe weather event affects the place.
The truth is that most people must shock their pool more frequently than they think. Otherwise, not only will they have to deal with a green pool, but they may also expose themselves and their loved ones to severe health problems.
People wondering when to shock an above-ground pool or a buried one can read this page for more information. It covers the best maintenance schedules for shocking, ensuring better and long-lasting results. Our team can also advise on questions like How long after shocking the pool can I swim in Arizona?
How Does Pool Shock Work?
There are plenty of items that work toward keeping the pool in shape. They include the regular/sand filter, vacuum, leaf net, etc.
A crucial item to use in most pools is shock. It's one of the pool chemicals responsible for killing germs and preventing algae growth. People can choose between chlorine and non-chlorine shock.
Shock comes in a granular form. The main benefit of pool shock is that it helps elevate free chlorine levels. It also ensures the water has enough chemical balance.
Pools have two types of chlorine. First, there's free chlorine, which is a chemical that hasn't reacted with bacteria. The other one is combined chlorine (or chloramines). It builds up as free chlorine starts reacting with bacteria, creating a strange smell.
In most cases, a high quantity of combined chlorine can result in unhealthy water.
What pool shock does is add a high concentration of chlorine, breaking the bonds in chloramines. Those who get non-chlorine shock will also do the same task, although it uses oxygen instead of the other chemical. Our experts can also answer the question of Can you put too much shock in a pool?
Why Should People Shock Their Pool?
There's no doubt that pools are the perfect place for bacteria to grow and spread. While some people think that scooping up debris from the pool is more than enough to keep it clean, that's not usually the case.
Usually, there are bacteria that people can't see right away, and they can easily damage the water if they don't take care of it. When people don't service their pool correctly, the bacteria can lead to algae growth, which will cause a health hazard for everyone.
Although some people argue that people only need liquid chlorine, muriatic acid, baking soda, and other elements to keep a pool in good shape, it's hard to beat the effects of shock.
How Regularly Should People Shock Their Pool?
It depends on several factors, particularly how often the person uses the pool. Usually, once per week is the right frequency to shock any size pool. Those who don't use their pool regularly may wait a bit longer to do it.
Something to note is that a person's shocking schedule may change depending on certain events. Those who host pool parties, for example, will need to shock the place as soon as the events end. For more information, an experienced Tucson pool cleaning service may be able to help.
On the other hand, big storms can bring germs and bacteria to the pool. Even if there seems to be nothing wrong with the place, it's always recommended to shock the pool after considerable weather events.
Finally, owners should shock their pool as soon as they notice algae growth in any area. This will prevent future health hazards for everyone who swims there.
How to Ensure the Pool Is Safe After Shocking It
Pool shock uses chemicals that could cause irritation in a person. Some of the affected areas include the eyes, mouth, and skin. It's important to use enough protective gear while doing this task.
The key to safety after shocking is to wait for a while before using the pool again. Generally speaking, people must wait until the filter has cycled the water completely. Although this process may take a few hours, it's always better to wait at least a day to swim.
Before swimming, it's recommended to test the pool's chlorine level. The ideal level is between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). This ensures the pool is clean and safe for everyone.
There are many factors to consider when having a pool in Arizona, including the temperature, which affects calcium hardness and alkalinity. By having a solid maintenance schedule, people will avoid most of the problems that come from owning a pool in this place.
What's a Good Maintenance Routine Like?
Besides shocking a pool, there are plenty of things to do to ensure it's in great shape.
Owning a pool in Arizona isn't easy, especially due to intense heat and sun exposure, among other factors.
Some of the tasks that people can do to protect their pool include:
Removing debris
Brushing the walls and floor
Testing/balancing the water chemistry
Vacuuming dirt
Cleaning filters
Removing hard water deposits and mineral buildup
Those who use several pieces of equipment to clean their pool should also check them regularly to ensure they're in good shape.
Besides getting pool chemicals, some of the things that can't be missing from a person's supply list include water testing kits, pool brushes/vacuums, skimmers, and filter cleaners. With all of those items, most Arizona pool owners will have an easier time cleaning their place.
Conclusion
There's no need to cancel pool parties because of a dirty place. To prevent algae growth and other related problems, it's crucial to get the right pool equipment to keep it in its best shape.
Owners don't need to go to a "pool school" to learn more about maintenance or anything of the sort. With the right partners, any pool owner can become an expert when taking care of their place.
At E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies, people can find all sorts of equipment to maintain their pools for as long as necessary. Also, the company's expert team is more than willing to help people service their pool regularly.
By getting help from the right pool store, there's nothing that could go wrong!
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