Water chemistry
Shock
Shock is a large one-time dose of chlorine or another oxidizer used to clear chloramines, bacteria, or algae.
Shocking is a reset button for pool water. A big dose of chlorine or a non-chlorine oxidizer burns off waste, kills germs, and starts to clear algae.
Shock after heavy use, after a big storm, or when the water turns cloudy or smells. Add it at dusk, with the pump running, and follow the label for dose and wait time. Different products add different things. For example, cal-hypo adds calcium and dichlor adds stabilizer. If the pool is already green, you may need a full cleanup plan, not just one shock.
Related terms
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