Pool shock 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 notice some visible algae, cloudy 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 shocking the pool.
How long after adding baking soda can I shock pool?
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 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 and level of alkalinity in the pool.
Since baking soda is used to increase alkalinity or pH level of water, allow the baking soda spread/disperse around the pool by turning on the pools circulatory system.
How long after adding pH Up can you add shock?
After adding pH Up wait for 2-3 hours before you can 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 indirectly help to lower the chlorine level in cases of high. The normal pH of the pool should range from 1 ppm to 4 ppm. However, the baking soda should be gauged and used according to the size of the pool and the level of alkalinity in the pool.
Does baking soda help green pool?
Yes! Baking soda goes a long way to reducing the green and cloudy effect in a pool. It improves your pool clarity. However, 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. Although baking soda goes a long way to reducing green pool water, it must be used appropriately. Excessive use of baking soda can lead to a significant change in the alkalinity 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 alkalinity level of the water.
So does baking soda react with chlorine? No! Baking soda does not react with chlorine. It only increases the alkalinity of the pool water. Therefore, there is 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.
- Vacuum clean the pool with the vacuum cleaner and filter to Waste.
- Test and balance the alkalinity of the pool water.
- Shock the pool and make sure you keep the pump running.
- Use a clarifier and algaecide to eliminate the green color.
- Clean the filter and test the water again.
- If necessary, you can partially drain and refill the pool, especially if the water is unbearably dirty.
What time of the day should I shock my pool?
The 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 ultraviolent rays from the sun make the chlorine deplete faster. Remember, chlorine is one of the most important elements if we want to be stable in the pool.
So, shock the pool at night while the filter is on overnight. Then you can test the water pH level in the morning. But in cases whereby you must shock the pool in the morning, wait at least 1 hour per pound of shock added, test for pH of water, which should be around 7.2-7.8 and free chlorine range should be between 1 ppm and 4 ppm before swimming.
Should I shock the pool after it rains?
Yes! 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 chemicals suitable for the pool. Before shocking, if there are no major disturbances in the aforementioned factors, then there is actually no need 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 might react and become useless, thereby 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 shocking the pool, the level of chlorine should be tested. Since the chlorine level will not immediately go back to its normal rate after using the shock, you have to wait 12- 24 hours before introducing your algaecide to the pool.
A change in color means that the algaecide was effective. Otherwise, repeat the process and make sure the filter and pump are turned on.
Can you add clarifier and shock at the same time?
A clarifier is used to make the water appear clean and also create suitable pool water for swimming. However, should you use the clarifier at the same time as the shock?
No! After shocking, test the pH and alkalinity of the pool water and make sure the chlorine level is not higher than 4 ppm. Once you confirm that the water is within the normal range, you can add the right quantity of clarifier, according to the size of your swimming pool.
Can you over shock a green pool?
The normal color of your 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. Swimming in such a pool could result in different skin reactions such as rashes and so many others.
However, if the pool is green, can you overshock 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.
However, the rate at which you shock your pool should be dependent on the size of your pool. Nonetheless, it is not advisable to over shock the pool as it would only lead to using more chemicals and wasting time.
Can you shock the pool without the pump running?
A pump helps to disperse and increase the circulation of the chemicals you use to shock the pool. Therefore, the pool pump facilitates the rate at which the shock would last. In other words, it reduces the time you would have to wait for the shock to disperse, dissolve, and work in the pool.
But in cases where the pump is not available during the shock, you have to wait longer. But it does not mean that the shock will not give you a good result: it will be slower without a pump running. However, the chemical might not be able to circulate evenly across the pool.
How long after shocking pool will it clear up?
The 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. It is not just the size of the pool that influences the time; the kind of chemicals used also determines the time the shock will last.
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 and better result.
Should you backwash before shocking?
No! Backwashing should not be done immediately after shocking, and it is also not advisable to be done before shocking. After shocking your pool, turn the filter on, leave it for about 8 hours.
If waste is still noticed in the pool, check the pressure gauge reading. If the reading show above 8 units, then backwashing is necessary to unclog the pool filter.
