It keeps a clean, sparkling pool ready for refreshing dips on demand. But what if it becomes an uninviting green? Shock the pool! Most green pools occur because of algae growth caused by poor filtration, improper chemical balance, and lack of circulation. Shocking the pool means providing treatment to maintain the clarity and hygiene of the water. It is done by adding a large amount of chlorine to kill bacteria, algae, and other contaminants within the water. Modern pools opt for an Automatic pH balancer to keep it clean and safe.
Aside from all this, proper pool care should include pool heating services, solar pool heating, and other advanced systems. Let’s prepare for those steps to help shock a green pool and keep it in prime condition.
Types Of Chlorine
Chlorine is one of the essential components in keeping your pool water clear and safe. The following are the different varieties you can choose from depending on the needs of your pool:
- Liquid Chlorine: Fast action, but has a short shelf life. It is effective for instant results.
- Calcium Hypochlorite: It is widely used for shocking; it’s very powerful and economical.
- Dichlor: A stabilised chlorine that works well in sunny conditions but dissolves slowly.
- Lithium Hypochlorite: Quick dissolution and non-corrosive but is more expensive.
Choose the most suitable option for your situation, then shock your pool.
How To Shock the Pool?
Shocking a pool is a part of pool maintenance service that involves introducing a concentrated quantity of chlorine into the water to remove algae, bacteria, and other contaminants. An in-depth look at each step is assured to bring the pool water back to that clear, healthy state:
1. Prep the pool
Before shocking, the pool should be clean and ready for treatment.
- Test the water: Reliable pool testing kits measure pH and chlorine levels. Testing ensures that the shock treatment will work profitably. If you find it difficult to make a good test, consider using an automatic pH balancer.
- Remove debris: Use a net to skim the surface of leaves, bugs, and dirt that cling to it. Vacuum the bottom clean so nothing will interfere with the chlorine.
- Brush the Walls and Floor: Use a pool brush to loosen algae and other buildup. The shock provided will kill the inside bacteria on all surfaces.
- Check Equipment: Ensure the efficiency of your swimming pool’s pump, filter, and circulation. Faulty equipment can make shocks less effective.
2. Balance the pH Levels
- An appropriate pH level ensures the effective working of the chlorine. Optimum shocking levels for pH range from 7.2 to 7.4. When pH levels rise above normal, chlorine does not work effectively; when pH becomes too low, it might damage the surfaces of your pool.
- An automatic pool pH adjuster would simplify this step. These devices maintain the pH balance with little effort, saving time and guesswork.
3. Injection of Shock Treatment into the Pool
- Administer shock treatment preferably in the evening or late afternoon, thus maximising its effectiveness against sunlight destruction, which speeds the deterioration of chlorine levels and hence its efficacy in killing algae.
- Get it done by walking around it and spilling the shock evenly into it. For more sickly-appearing algae patches, specialised treatment will prioritise direct focus.
4. Circulation of the Water
- Run your pool pump and filter for at least 8-12 hours for chlorination to reach areas of the pool wherein the treatment was unevenly distributed, leading to the regrowth of algae.
- In cases where patches remain stubbornly green, the pump can be run longer, or the areas brushed again while the pump is in operation.
5. Re-Test and Adjust the Water
- Check your pool water after 24 hours for its pool chlorine ranges again. They should typically fall between one and three parts per million (ppm) to make it within the safe limit.
- Still, do you need more chlorine? Allow the tide to fall naturally for a while longer, and wait to swim until it holds level.
- The process may have to be repeated if your pool remained green after the first administration.
How Often Should You Shock Your Green Pool?
Shocking is a very important part of maintenance. You can use an Automatic pool dosing system for this treatment. Here are the right times to shock your pool:
- Weekly Maintenance: Send a weekly shock during hot months to minimise algae and bacteria growth.
- After Heavy Usage: Has the pool been used heavily, or has someone visited for a long swim? If so, shocking would be required to prevent contamination from germs.
- After Storms or High Winds: The pool gets dirt and debris through storms. All this makes it necessary to shock the water.
When To Call A Professional For Pool Heating Services?
It is usually more than just to do the shocking; sometimes, you must call a professional. Here are situations where to think of getting in touch with a professional:
- Bad Algae Growth: If algae appear excessively, a pool expert can detect it, just as in regular shock applications.
- Filtration Problems: Some damaged pumps or filters require specialised repair or replacement.
- Cloudy Water: If the water remains cloudy after several trials, experts can solve the problem with advanced tools like the automatic pH balancer.
- Upgrading Equipment: Efficient solutions like the VX Salt Chlorinator will get professional advice and installation help.
Conclusion
An effective basic means of restoring clarity and health to your green pool is shocking. Select the appropriate chlorine coupled with the right pH levels using an automatic pool dosing system and adhere to that routine, and you will have a pristine pool throughout the year. For persistent problems, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for further solutions. Considering Solar pool heating will keep your swimming pool temperature maintained for enjoyment in every season.
Ready to improve the routine of taking care of your pool? Then, learn more about the VX Salt Chlorinator for the ultimate carefree experience and Call us today at (02) 88 50 40 30 for expert advice or a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my pool turned green?
Green water is commonly caused by algae linked to low sanitiser, poor circulation, filtration problems or unbalanced water chemistry.
Should I test the water before shocking a green pool?
Yes. Checking pH and sanitiser levels first helps you treat the underlying water-balance problem more effectively.
How long should I run the filter after shocking the pool?
Filtration usually needs to continue while dead algae and suspended material are removed. The time varies with the severity of the problem.
Why is my pool still cloudy after shocking it?
Dead algae and fine particles may remain suspended. Continued filtration, filter cleaning and correct water balance may be needed.
Can poor filtration cause a green pool to return?
Yes. Inadequate circulation or a dirty filter can allow algae problems to return even after treatment.
When should I get professional help with a green pool?
Get help if water does not improve after correct treatment or if the pump, filter or dosing equipment is not operating properly.
