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Keeping your pool water healthy, safe, and clear requires the right pool water treatment. Whether you’re dealing with a green pool after a storm or simply performing your spring pool opening, Doheny’s professional-grade chlorine shock and non-chlorine shock options deliver the high-strength oxidation needed to kill bacteria and control algae.
Using best pool shock practices—like shocking at night and maintaining a proper pump schedule—ensures your pool maintenance routine is effective and your water stays crystal clear all season long.
Understanding the different types of pool shock is essential for effective sanitizing. Depending on your pool surface (vinyl vs. plaster) and the severity of your algae removal needs, you may require a different formula.
Calcium hypochlorite shock, often called Super Shock, is the most popular choice for pool water clarity and heavy-duty algae control. With a high concentration of chlorine (65%–70%), it is the most effective shock treatment for pools facing severe contamination. It is ideal for pool opening but may slightly increase calcium hardness levels.
Di-chlor shock is a stabilized granular chlorine. Because it contains cyanuric acid, it is protected from UV degradation, making it a great pool chemical treatment for outdoor pools. It is pH-neutral and dissolves quickly, making it safe for vinyl liners and fiberglass pools.
If you want to get rid of algae and organic contaminants without a long wait time, oxidizing shock is the answer. As a potassium monopersulfate treatment, non-chlorine shock allows you to swim just 15 minutes after application. It does not kill algae directly but breaks down oils and lotions so your primary sanitizer can work more efficiently.
Mastering your pool chemistry doesn't have to be complicated. Explore our professional guides to ensure your water stays safe and sparkling all year long:
While both contain chlorine, chlorine shock is a much more concentrated dose designed to "shock" the water and break up combined chloramines. Regular chlorine tablets or liquid are meant for daily pool sanitizer maintenance, whereas shock is for heavy-duty water treatment.
The best time to shock a pool is at night. Sunlight can evaporate unstabilized chlorine in as little as two hours. Shocking in the evening ensures the chemical remains in the water long enough to complete the algae removal process.
Typically, it takes 24 to 48 hours for a pool to clear. You should run your pump when shocking a pool to ensure the chemicals circulate through the filter. If the water remains cloudy, you may need to use a pool clarifier to help the filter catch fine debris.
Always balance your pH and Alkalinity first. If your pH is too high, the pool shock treatment will be significantly less effective. Once balanced, add your shock, and wait until chlorine levels normalize before adding algaecide or clarifier.
Call our experienced pool pros at 1-800-574-7665 to get expert advice tailored to your pool’s unique needs.