Shock pool entails adding enough chlorine and other necessary chemicals to stabilize and make the pool conducive for swimming using a filter and running pump, whereas baking soda is used to increase the alkalinity or pH level and sometimes even cleanse the water from invisible debris.
Yes, you can shock the pool after adding baking soda. It is not wrong, especially after you still notice some visible algae, cloudiness of water, and debris, but it should not be done immediately after adding the baking soda. Leave the baking soda at least 6 hours in the water before the shock pool is done.
How long after adding baking soda can I shock pool?
Since baking soda is used to either lower or increase the alkalinity or pH level of water, allow the baking soda to spread or disperse around the pool first by turning on the pool’s circulatory system.
Before using shock in the water, allow the already applied baking soda to stay in the water for a minimum of 6 hours. The period of time you wait for the baking soda to dilute should be dependent on the quantity of baking soda used, while the quantity of baking soda you apply should be determined by the size of the pool.
How long after adding pH up can you add shock?
After adding pH, wait for 2-3 hours before you add shock to the pool. However, the time is influenced by the actual activity you are undergoing.
In the case of pH increase, the time will be longer, and if you want the pH of the pool reduced, it will take more time. But in either case, you should wait and test that the water pH falls between 7.2 and 7.8 before introducing the shock.
Will baking soda lower the chlorine level in a pool?
Introducing baking soda to the pool will help to lower the chlorine level in cases where the chlorine level is very high, but this would be very slow.
However, how the baking soda works is to increase the pH of the pool, thereby making the chlorine gas disperse into the air. The normal and free chlorine level of the pool should range from 1.0ppm to 4.0ppm.
Does baking soda help green pools?
Although it cannot be stated as the best in green water treatment since it is not efficient in removing everything, to remove algae and other properties that make the pool water green, there are specific chemicals made for that purpose.
Yes! Baking soda goes a long way to reducing the green and cloudy effect in a pool. It improves your pool clarity. Even though baking soda goes a long way to reducing green pool water, it must be used appropriately because if used excessively, it can lead to a change in the alkalinity and acidic level of the water.
Does baking soda react with chlorine?
Baking soda is used for different purposes in pool water, including increasing and lowering the pH levels in the water.
No! Baking soda does not react with chlorine because it either increases or lowers the ppm of the available chlorine in the water. There is therefore no cause for alarm as long as the right quantity of baking soda is used, especially according to the size of the pool.
What is the fastest way to clean a green pool?
A green pool contains several contaminants that should not be swum in and should be carefully cleaned. Below are the fastest procedures for cleaning a green pool;
- Brush and remove visible debris
- Test water acidity and alkalinity
- Shock the pool while keeping the pump running.
- Use a clarifier and algaecide to eliminate green color
- Replace the filter and retest the water.
If necessary, you should change the water, especially if the water is unbearably dirty.
At what time of the day should I shock my pool?
The most preferable and best time to shock your pool should be in the evening or at night. This is because if it is done in the morning or afternoon, the ultraviolet rays from the sun interfere with the chlorine, which is one of the most important elements we want to be stable in the water.
Shock the pool at night while the filter is on overnight. Test the pH level in the morning. But in cases where you must shock the pool in the morning, wait at least 1 hour per pound of shock added, test the pH of the water, which should be between 7.2 and 7.8 parts per million, and free and available chlorine should be between 1 ppm to 4 ppm before swimming.
Should I shock the pool after it rains?
When rainwater enters the pool, it is necessary to check the alkalinity or acidity of the pool water, especially after a heavy rainfall. This is due to the fact that rain water has an unstable pH level.
The pool water should be tested for major differences and changes in the pH, alkalinity, and other important elements suitable for the pool. If there aren’t any big changes in the above factors before shocking, there’s no reason to shock the pool.
Can I put algaecide with baking soda?
Do not put algaecide together with baking soda. Algaecide and baking soda should not be used together because they become useless and inefficient. Algaecide should be used after shocking, and shocking should take place after baking soda has been used. Therefore, wait a minimum of six hours before you can use the algaecide in the water.
Should I use shock or algaecide first?
It is most preferable to use shock before the algaecide, after the shock pool, the level of chlorine should be tested and since after using the shock, the chlorine level will not immediately go back to its normal rate.
You have to wait 12–24 hours before introducing your algaecide to the pool. A change in color means that the algaecide was effective; if otherwise, repeat the process and make sure the filter and pump are on.
Can you add clarifier and shock at the same time?
A clarifier is used to make the water appear clean and also creates suitable pool water for swimming.
No! After shocking, test the pH and alkalinity of the pool water to make sure the chlorine level is not higher or lower than 1.0 and 4.0 ppm. Once confirmed that the water is in the range of a normal chlorine range, clarifier can then be added in the measured and right quantity according to the size of your swimming pool.
Can you over shock a green pool?
The normal color of a pool should be crystal clear blue, but if your pool water gets green and cloudy, it confirms the containment of debris and is thereby a very unsuitable environment for swimming, which could result in different skin reactions such as rashes and so many others.
However, if the pool is green, can you shock it? No! This is because of the algae found in green pool water. The more chlorine shock is used, the higher the chances of getting a clearer pool. Although the rate at which you The amount of shock in your pool should be proportional to its size. Nonetheless, it is not advisable to over shock the pool as it would only lead to using more chemicals and wasting time.
Note that using too many chemicals can also make your pool water cloudy.
Can you shock the pool without the pump running?
A pump aids in dispersing and increasing the circulation of the chemicals used to shock the pool, reducing the duration of the shock.
In other words, it reduces the time you would have to wait for the shock to be over and the chemicals to work in the pool. But in cases when the pump is not available during shock, you have to wait longer, but it does not mean that the shock will not give you a good result; it will just be slower without a pump running.
How long after shocking pool will it clear up?
It is not just the size of the pool that influences the time; the kind of chemicals used also determines the time the shock would last.
Shocking of pools takes different amounts of time for different pool sizes, sometimes 8–24 hours. For larger pools, it could be 24–48 hours. That is why it is preferable to shock overnight when the pool is not in use and when the ultraviolent rays from the sun cannot affect the process. Whichever way, test your pool to know when the shock process is over and make sure you keep the pump running for a faster shock pool.
Should you backwash before shocking?
After shocking your pool, turn the filter on and leave it for about 8 hours. If waste is still noticed in the pool, check the pressure gauge reading.
Backwashing should not be done immediately after shocking; wait for some time first. It is also not advisable to be done before shock. If the reading show above 8 units, then backwashing is necessary to unclog the pool filter.
