by When your pool water becomes cloudy due to excess use or weather conditions, you may need to shock your pool. Shocking the water will increase the level of chlorine and help sanitize your pool.
The amount of pool shock treatment needed depends on your pool’s size and combined chlorine levels. To calculate the correct amount of shock for your pool, refer to the product packaging or check our pool volume calculator.
1. You Smell Chlorine
If you’re a regular swimmer or have ever used a public swimming pool, then you’ll know how strong that chlorine smell can be. You may even associate the strong chemical scent with your fondest swimming memories, such as a family trip to the local pool or a gala day out.
But it’s not all it seems, as a strong chlorine odor can also indicate that the pool has a few nasties hiding in the water. This is especially true if you’re in an indoor pool with poor air circulation.
Chlorine is a natural disinfectant that’s added to water to kill germs and bacteria. However, it can become a health risk when combined with urine or other contaminants in the water.
This is because the reaction between chlorine and nitrogen-based substances, such as sweat, oils,and urine, forms a chemical called chloramines. These toxic byproducts of sanitizing can cause red eyes, respiratory symptoms, and coughing.
Fortunately, you can prevent the formation of chloramines in your pool by encouraging frequent bathroom breaks and by showering before getting in the water. You can also add a secondary sanitizer to lower the amount of chlorine your pool needs to maintain water chemistry.
In addition to being bad for your body, a strong chlorine odor can lead to respiratory issues in swimmers, as well as a host of other illnesses. In fact, one study suggests that long-term exposure to chlorine-based chemicals can increase your chances of developing bladder cancer.
You can reduce the number of chloramines in your pool by adding a phosphate remover to help break down chlorine-based contaminants like soap and shampoo. And if you have a particularly strong odor in your swimming pool, consider shocking it with extra chlorine to get rid of any ammonia and other toxins that are building up.
Once you have these contaminants removed, the chlorine levels in your pool should be back to normal. This is why it’s so important to test and adjust the chlorine level in your pool regularly.
When your pool doesn’t have enough chlorine, it can leave you feeling ill and even cause you to lose patronage. Besides, it’s never a good idea to let kids swim in a dirty pool.
The good news is that you can get rid of that lingering chlorine odor by taking a hot shower and washing your hair with a non-chlorine-based shampoo. Additionally, you can use a leave-inconditioner to keep the chlorine from getting absorbed into your hair.
If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, there are plenty of professional options for removing the chlorine smell from your pool. For example, a professional swimming pool company can shock your pool and super-chlorinate it to return the chlorine levels to their normal levels.
2. You See Algae
Algae can be a very annoying thing to see in your swimming pool. Not only does algae make your pool look dirty and unsanitary, but it can also pose a risk to swimmer safety, especially when it is contaminated with bacteria.
If you see algae in your pool, it can be a good idea to take action right away. Not only will this keep your family safe, but it will help prevent future problems as well.
There are a variety of different types of algae that can appear in your pool, and each type has its own unique characteristics. If you aren’t sure what kind of algae you’re dealing with, it’s best to call a professional.
Green algae is the most common type of algae in pools, and it can grow quickly when left untreated. This is because it has a strong preference for nitrogen, which can be found in rainstorms and in the air. This can lead to a rapid bloom that takes over your pool in no time at all.
Another common type of algae that can appear in your pool is yellow algae. These algae can appear in areas that aren’t receiving direct sunlight, and it loves to grow in the shady corners of your pool.
While this type of algae doesn’t affect the water’s clarity, it can clog up pores in your pool filter, making it more difficult for it to remove debris and other chemicals from the water. This makes it important to clean and brush the water in these areas as often as possible.
You can use an algaecide or a chlorine enhancer that is specifically designed for this type of algae to get rid of it in your pool. If you’re unsure which product to use, ask your local pool store employee for advice.
The key to getting rid of this algae is to find the correct chemical that will kill it. The most effective algaecide and chlorine enhancers have at least 30% active ingredients.
It’s also a good idea to test your water chemistry before and after treatment to ensure that it’s balanced properly. If you do not, it is likely that the chemicals used to shock your pool will not be able to do their job effectively.
Pink algae can be hard to spot in your pool, and it grows very slowly, so you may not even notice it until it has spread to other parts of the pool. If you do spot it in your pool, you will need to increase the chlorine levels and apply shock treatment.
This is one of the most difficult types of algae to remove from a pool, as it is extremely resistant to chlorine. You’ll need to physically scrub your pool to get it out, and a professional will be able to recommend the best treatment for you.
3. You See Redness
Shocking your pool helps get rid of the contaminants that may have been hiding in your swimming water. It’s also a great way to boost your chlorine levels so that it can keep up with swimmers and their activity levels, especially when the season starts again.
Shocks are available in different forms, and it’s best to read the instructions on your pool shock package. Some products require you to dissolve them first before you pour them into your pool, while others are easy to add directly from the bottle. If your shock has a pre-dissolving step, you can do that in a bucket of about 3/4 full warm water and stir it well before adding it to the pool.
If you want to make sure that you’re using the right type of shock for your pool, it’s a good idea to get a few readings from your pool so that you know what chemicals to use and how much to add. This will help you determine how much of each chemical your pool needs and whether or not a shock is necessary.
Another sign that you should shock your pool is if your water appears murky or cloudy. This can happen after long periods of high temperatures and sunlight when it’s a good time for algae to thrive in your water.
The water can also become cloudy if people are using your pool too heavily or for too long. This is a good time to shock your pool as it will get rid of all the contaminants that have been sitting in your water for too long, and it’ll help balance out the pH levels.
Finally, if your water is looking red and has an odd smell, it’s also a sign that you should shock your pool. This is because a build-up of chloramines will cause the water to have a strong chlorine smell, and this can irritate your eyes.
This can be a big deal, especially if you have kids who are swimming in the pool often or if you plan to swim at night. Seeing red and irritated eyes is a health concern, so you should always see your healthcare provider if you notice this.
Your dermatologist will look into your symptoms and see what could have caused them. They might ask you questions about what you were doing, including taking certain medications or changing your skincare routine, or they might perform allergy testing to help identify any potential irritants.
Your dermatologist will also give you tips on how to prevent it from happening again in the future. These tips could include using sun protection and avoiding substances that irritate your skin. If you have any questions about how to keep your skin healthy, contact your dermatologist today!
