While saltwater pools tend to look very different than a normal pool, the maintenance and upkeep are very similar. Both pools need to be properly maintained and taken care of to ensure a beautiful place to swim all year long.
When it comes down to it, yes, just like typical pools, you should also shock saltwater pools when necessary. Taking the necessary steps to prepare your pool to be shocked as well as keep friends and family safe is important for ensuring a successful pool shock.
In the article below, we will dive into why you may need to shock your pool as well as what you need to shock your pool successfully.
Do You Need To Shock A Saltwater Pool
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Saltwater pools are truly amazing and instead of having to continually add chlorine or tablets, the saltwater system of your pool takes care of it all. It does so by utilizing salts that chemically convert into chlorine and clean your pool.
Shocking your pool simply means that you are adding a ton of chlorine to the water to get rid of something such as algae. When you add this much chlorine, you have to be incredibly cautious to not let anyone swim in the water until you can test it again and make sure the chemicals are to normal levels. Letting people swim beforehand can be very dangerous.
Yes, while the system of saltwater pools is different from a normal pool it is still recommended to shock your saltwater pool.
Why Do I Need to Shock a Saltwater Pool
There are various reasons why you need to shock your saltwater pool and important steps to ensure your pool is well taken care of.
Algae
No matter what type of pool you have, you will likely run into algae, and saltwater pools are no different. The best way to not have algae in your pool is to get ahead of it and prevent it from ever existing in your outdoor oasis in the first place.
Chlorine is one of the most effective ways to eliminate algae from your pool, so if you notice a spot of algae in your saltwater pool, act fast and shock your pool.
Disinfectant
Whether something has fallen in your pool and contaminated the water or something else has happened, shocking your pool will get rid of any contaminants in the water. Shocking your pool is like giving your pool a boost to fight against any outside contaminants or algae.
How Often Should You Shock A Saltwater Pool
Many of those that work with pools day in and day out say that you should shock your pool at least once a week. You may be shocked when you hear that and wonder why in the world you need to shock it every single week.
More than anything, shocking your saltwater pool once a week is a preventative measure more than anything and helps keep things like algae away.
Many homeowners focus on shocking their pool when they begin to notice an issue, but getting ahead of the problem will save you a lot of headaches in the long run. When preparing to shock your pool, make sure you understand just how long it takes for it to get back to normal.
Once you pour the shock in your pool, it will typically take 12 to 24 hours for it to return to safe levels that people can swim in without an issue. Make sure to always check the balance of chemicals before allowing anyone to swim in your pool after a shock.
What Do I Need to Shock a Saltwater Pool
PH Test Kit
Testing your saltwater pool’s PH before you shock it will help prevent any issues with a complete chemical imbalance. If you test the water of your pool and the chemicals are already out of whack, adding a huge dose of chlorine may cause more issues in the long run like yellowing or discoloration.
Buying a PH test kit is a simple way to know if shocking your pool is necessary and ensure that you are doing what your pool needs instead of just guessing.
Pool Shock
The next item you obviously need is pool shock. Making sure you have enough pool shock to get the job done well will save you headaches of having to fix issues later.
In order to know the exact amount of pool shock you need to add to your pool, you need to know the number of gallons of water that your pool holds. Typically, if you know this number, then you can simply just read the container to figure out how much shock to add to your pool.
Pool Filter
Turning on your pool filter after pouring in the shock will help all of the product to be distributed evenly throughout the entirety of your pool.
Salt Cell System
Every saltwater pool should be equipped with a salt cell system that typically turns the salt from the salt cell into chlorine for use throughout the year. When you are shocking your pool you definitely don’t want to be doubling up on the chlorine in your pool.
After you pour the shock solution into your pool, it typically lasts for a few days. While the shack is doing its job, you can turn down your salt cell system and leave it for a few days.
Filter
After you shock your saltwater pool, you will likely begin to see a cloudy haze begin forming in the water of your pool. This is completely normal and nothing to be considered.
Pools typically become cloudy after shocking because it is breaking down all of the calcium and other substances. While this is definitely a very common issue that happens, one way to combat it is to run your pool filter. By running your pool filter, you can get your pool looking clean and pristine in no time.
Conclusion
While having a saltwater pool is a great addition to any home, it is incredibly important to know how to maintain them throughout the year so you can enjoy them for years to come. There are a few steps you can take to ensure you keep your pool clean and inviting in every season.
Saltwater pools can have a very different look than normal pools, but one thing that is the same is the maintenance requirements for both types of pools. Saltwater pools use a salt cell system to convert into chlorine, while normal pools usually use chlorine tablets or liquid.
No matter what type of pool you have in your backyard, you will likely run into algae growth within your pool at some time over the years. Many people wonder if they need to shock a saltwater pool.
One way to get ahead of algae growth and ensure your pool is free from contaminants is by shocking your pool. By shocking your pool you are adding an excessive amount of chlorine to get rid of any algae or growth that you don’t want in your pool. You should shock your saltwater pool at least once a week to get ahead of any growth and keep your pool pristine all year.
