How To Shock A Saltwater Swimming Pool

The Ultimate Guide to Shocking Saltwater Pools

As a saltwater swimming pool owner, you have probably heard about the procedure of shocking a pool. And while it might sound like a dramatic process, shocking your saltwater pool is, in reality, a simple and highly effective method of keeping your aquatic sanctuary in top shape.

At Discount Salt Pool, we're firm believers in the many benefits of saltwater pools. Not only do they require less routine maintenance and provide a more comfortable swimming experience, but they also promote more sustainable and cost-effective pool care practices. But, like all good things, they still require some attention to shine - enter the occasional need to shock your pool. So, let's dive into the ins and outs of shocking your pool and explore how to keep your saltwater pool as sparkling clean as it should be.

What is Pool Shocking?

First things first: let's demystify what a pool shock is. Contrary to what the name might suggest, this process doesn't involve any actual electricity. Shocking the pool, also known as super chlorination, is a procedure that involves adding larger-than-usual amounts of chlorine to a pool. 

Understanding the Need To Shock A Saltwater Pool

By raising the free chlorine to above the typical needed level (1-3 ppm), the goal here is to aggressively eliminate any unwanted contaminants such as algae or bacteria that have built up to higher levels than normal due to insufficient chlorination, which can cause a green pool. Growing microorganisms increase chlorine demand (the amount of chlorination needed to completely sanitize the pool), so in this case you have to “get ahead” of the rate of microorganism growth by shocking the pool. In regular chlorine pools, this process is required quite frequently due to inconsistent chlorination levels that allow the buildup of partially oxidized contaminants and the growth of microorganisms. 

However, one of the biggest perks of having a saltwater pool is the consistent and sufficient chlorination produced by your saltwater chlorine generator. Because of that consistency, as well as the super-chlorination that is always occuring withing the salt chlorine generator cell, this means that you do not need to regularly shock the pool as a matter of course. Instead, shocking a saltwater pool is primarily a response to specific scenarios like after a heavy storm or periods of high usage when contaminants may have been introduced to the pool at the same time chlorine levels have likely been depleted.

The Process of Shocking Your Saltwater Pool

Now that we've covered “why” you might need to shock the pool, let's move on to the "how" you do it. Here are the steps to effectively shock your saltwater pool:

PRO TIP: Lower your pH before shocking the pool. Chlorine sanitation is very ineffective if the pool water has high pH, and the shock itself can raise the pH level. See more.

• Step 1: Safety first: Shocking a pool can be a hazardous process. Before handling any chemicals, make sure you're well-equipped. Wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, and a mask to shield yourself from potential chemical reactions.

• Step 2: Measure and prep: Measure the size of your pool to determine how much shock you'll need. Prepare the shock treatment by dissolving it in a bucket of water – never add water to the chemical. It's always the other way around.

• Step 3: Apply the shock: The ideal time to shock your pool is in the evening or at dusk. Why? This timing helps prevent the rapid dissipation of chlorine caused by sunlight, and allows for the maximum concentration of resulting chlorine levels in the pool. Turn your pool pump on to ensure even distribution, and slowly pour the mixture into your pool, focusing on areas where you've noticed algae growth.

• Step 4: Wait and test: After shocking the pool, it's important to wait until the chlorine levels drop back to a safe range before diving back in. This typically takes around 24 hours, but it's always smart to use a reliable pool testing kit to confirm.

Choosing Shock for the Pool

There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to pool chlorine shock. Depending on your pool's condition and specific needs, different types of pool shock may be more suitable. Two of the most common types are calcium hypochlorite and liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite). Calcium hypochlorite is a fast-acting, granular shock - but it's possible it can also cause cloudiness due to its calcium content. Liquid chlorine is easy to use, goes to work directly within the pool water as you add it. Tip: you'll want to also stay on top of your pool's pH balance when shocking the pool (high pH levels decreases chlorine's effectiveness).

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There is however a very popular shock option for salt water pools. When you need a fast-acting sanitation boost and you don’t want to add large amounts of additional chlorine to the pool (and you don’t want people to wait days until they can swim again), many salt pool owners choose Oxone-based non-chlorine shock. Oxone is “activated oxygen”, which is extremely effective at oxidizing non-living organics and freeing up the salt chlorinator to deal with bacteria and algae that might have started to get a foothold after heavy pool use or storms. It dissolves quickly, off-gasses as oxygen, and lets the pool be swimmable in as little as 15 minutes. Plus, it’s an excellent option to keep on the shelf if you find yourself only needing to shock the pool occasionally during the year – oxone is very stable and only loses 2% effectiveness per year, and doesn't cake up. (In contrast, chlorine can lose up to 90% effectiveness over a year!)

Shocking Your Saltwater Hot Tub

Yes, you read it right! Shocking is not just for the pool, but for hot tubs as well. Saltwater hot tubs, with their warm, inviting waters, have gained popularity for their soothing, skin-friendly, and low-maintenance features. Let's delve into why and how you might need to shock your saltwater hot tub.

Why Shock a Saltwater Hot Tub?

Just like pools, hot tubs can become havens for bacteria and other unwanted contaminants. And given their smaller volume and higher temperatures, hot tubs can sometimes need a bit more care to stay in pristine condition. Shocking a saltwater hot tub will aid in keeping the water crystal clear, eliminating unpleasant odors, and ensuring that the water is safe for your relaxing soak.

How to Shock a Saltwater Hot Tub

The process for shocking a hot tub doesn't deviate much from the procedure for pools. Here are the steps:

• Step 1: Test and balance: Prior to adding any shock, make sure the water is properly balanced. This includes checking the pH levels, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.

• Step 2: Safety measures: As with the pool, don protective gear before handling the shock treatment to avoid any unnecessary chemical exposure.

• Step 3: Prepare the shock: Measure the shock treatment based on the size of your hot tub. Remember, the rule is to always add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.

• Step 4: Distribute the shock: In the evening (when the sun isn’t likely to interfere with the process, if its an uncovered outdoor spa), and when no one will be using the hot tub, slowly add the prepared shock treatment to your hot tub.

• Step 5: Wait and re-test: Give the hot tub time (usually 24 hours, or until chlorine levels go down to normal) for the shock treatment to work its magic. Once the allotted time has passed, test the water again to ensure that the sanitizer levels are safe before getting back in.

The Proactive Approach to Shocking Your Saltwater Pool (Prevention)

As you've probably noticed, the necessity of shocking a saltwater pool is sporadic; for many people, it can be a rare event. That's one of the many advantages of owning a saltwater pool: the consistent chlorination helps to prevent the buildup of partially oxidized contaminants, allowing for clear, clean, and refreshing pool water.

However, being proactive about your pool's health, knowing when to shock the pool and all the other necessary maintenance, can save you time and potential headaches down the line. Routinely test your pool water for its pH levels, alkalinity, and chlorine content. By maintaining these components in balance, you can prevent most problems that would necessitate a shock treatment.

Being proactive can actually prevent the need to shock the pool: if you know there has been a heavy rainstorm or there has been heavy pool usage (such as a pool party), don’t wait to see the effects in the water. Measure your free chlorine level as soon as possible after the event - if it is low but not out of range, or if it is low but hardly any time has passed since the event, simply raise your chlorine generator’s output or use its “boost mode”. In this scenario it's not likely microorganisms have been able to multiply, so you may just need temporarily increased chlorination to compensate. However, if you measure very low or no free chlorine, or if it's been a day or two since the event, you should consider shocking the pool. In this scenario, your “shields” have been down and microorganisms may have started to multiply.

In summary, while shocking your saltwater pool is an important part of pool maintenance, it's not a process you'll need to undergo frequently. The beauty of a saltwater chlorine generator system lies in its consistent and efficient chlorination process, which reduces the need for regular shocking. Plus, a properly-sized chlorine generator should have enough excess capacity to create additional chlorine on demand to compensate for temporary issues. However, when the time does come to shock your pool, being armed with the right knowledge and approach will make the process a breeze.

At Discount Salt Pool, we're here to support you in all things related to your saltwater pool system. From offering expert advice to providing quality saltwater pool products, we're committed to helping you enjoy the full benefits of your saltwater pool, including rebates and promotions. If you have any questions or need further assistance, we're just a click away.