Why Salt Pools Still Need Shock: What Every Pool Owner Should Know

A Salt Pool Owner Asks: Why Does a Salt Pool Need Shock at all When the Chlorine Level Never Dips Too Low in the First Place?

It's a great question, especially since a well-sized and properly maintained salt chlorinator system should typically keep your free chlorine levels within range and prevent the formation of chloramines. In most ideal cases, this would mean you wouldn’t need to shock your pool regularly.

But then comes real life—storms roll in, a big pool party happens, or you notice a cloudy tint starting to appear. These are situations where using a non-chlorine shock can give your pool an extra layer of defense. The Pure+Simple Non-Chlorine Shock is ozone-based and works fast to oxidize non-living organics, helping your salt chlorinator focus its efforts on bacteria and algae. Best of all, it can make the water swimmable again in as little as 15 minutes.

Then there’s the Pure+Simple Weekly—a multi-function product designed not just as a shock but also as a water enhancer. It combines ozone-based shock, algaecide, clarifier, and stain & scale control to help improve overall water quality. Many pool owners with frequent swimmer load or who are simply water quality enthusiasts have found that it helps reduce the workload on the salt system while keeping water crystal clear.

So no, it’s not something you have to use. But it’s a great option when your pool needs a little backup or if you just want to optimize your maintenance routine.

Let us know your questions and what your thoughts are about shocking your salt pool in the Q&A below.