You will need the pump running to perform a proper shock treatment.
Shocking your pool is an easy way to keep it looking fresh and clean throughout the summer months when it’s being heavily used.
However, the shocking process is not just about the chemicals, but it also involves a filtration stage to remove the algae and the debris out of the pool to keep it looking clean.
If your pool pump is currently malfunctioning but your pool is in desperate need of some shock, then you’re probably questioning if it’s ok to shock your pool without running the pump?
The short answer is yes, but there are things you need to consider first before doing so, as not following the right procedures could result in harm to anyone who then swims in the pool.
Continue reading if you want to find out more about shocking your pool without the pump running.
How Does Shocking Your Pool Work?
Shocking involves adding chemicals to your pool (normally chlorine) to break up the contaminants in the pool (known as chloramines) which are made up of algae, sweat, and other bacteria so that the pool can be safe to swim in again.
The amount of shock added to your pool will depend on the volume of water in your pool, so you should follow the instructions on the product carefully.
You will leave the shock in the water and then leave the pump running for a minimum of 8 hours but up to 24 hours is recommended to help distribute the chlorine throughout the pool.
Before anyone resumes using the pool again, you must check the chlorine levels to make sure they are safe to swim in.
How Long To Run The Pump For After Shocking Your Pool?
You should run your pump for 24 hours after shocking the pool to ensure that the chemicals have been dispersed throughout and to also allow the filter to remove all the algae and bacteria out of the pool.
However, in some pools, it may not be necessary to run for an entire 24 hours and it may only require 8 hours to turn over the pool once, but turning over twice is recommended to ensure the chlorine levels are balanced.
Can You A Pool Without The Pump Running?
Yes, if your pump is currently down and you can’t get anyone out to fix it just yet, but you’re desperate to use your pool after you’re done shocking it, then you’ll still be able to do so, but you’ll have to circulate the pool manually.
To manually circulate your pool whilst you’re shocking it, you’ll have to use a telescopic pole or pool paddle and liquid chlorine, to help disperse the chemicals properly into the water.
You can also add flocculant to the water to help dirt and particles fall to the bottom of the pool so you can get rid of them with the pool cleaner.
You’ll want to test the waters for the chlorination levels before resuming swimming again to ensure that the levels are safe. You can test the chemical levels of your pool by using a pH kit.
Remember, that this process will only be sufficient for a couple of days and eventually algae will start to build up again due to insufficient filtration and pumping of the water.
So you will eventually need to get your pool pump up and running again or replaced to ensure your water can be effectively shocked and safe to swim in.
When To Shock Your Pool
An obvious sign that you need to shock your pool, is that algae has developed and turned your pool water green.
To make your water clear again, you’ll need to shock it and leave it for some time before you use it again.
Hot weather may increase the growth of bacteria in your pool, so you may need to shock your pool more during the summer months.
Most people will shock their swimming people when it begins to get used again in the warmer months of the year and then again before the pool will stop being used throughout the winter months.
If you don’t have a solid cover on your pool and you experience some heavy rain or stormy weather, then it’s good practice to then shock your pool as rain can bring in contaminants and change the pH levels in the pool.
After a period of heavy use, the pool should be shocked again to restore it to chemically balanced and safe water levels.
Heavy use could be after a big children’s pool party, where people are running around the yard and bringing the dirt and lawn from their feet into the pool water.
However, any period where large groups of people are using the pool and wearing contaminants like sunscreen or makeup, or during hot sunny days where sweat will get into the pool, then you should shock the pool overnight to ensure it’s clean for the next time that you’ll use it.
If you’ve tested the pH level of your pool water and the chlorine levels have dropped below the recommended level, then it may be time to shock your pool.
How Soon After Shocking Your Pool Is It Safe To Swim?
How long you can resume swimming in your pool after shocking it will depend on what type and brand of shock chemicals you’ve used in your pool.
Always read the instructions and recommendations on the product before entering your pool again.
A minimum of 6 hours is recommended to wait before swimming in the pool again, however, some brands can recommend waiting as long as 24 hours before resuming your regular pool activities.
This will allow enough time for the chemical levels to be balanced and safe enough to swim in again.
Check the chlorine levels of your pool before swimming again and don’t just go by the instructions on the product.
Most people will shock their pool and then run the pump overnight and then the pool should be clean and ready to swim in again the next day.
