If you’re the proud owner of a saltwater pool or you’re currently considering getting one but you’re unsure of how easy it will be to maintain, then one of the biggest questions that you might currently have is whether or not a saltwater pool can be shocked.
Even though saltwater pools are typically able to create their own chlorine via the use of the salt present in the water in combination with a salt chlorinator, there may be some instances in which shocking is required - which leads us onto the topic of this article.
To help you learn a little more about whether or not you can shock a saltwater pool, as well as the instances in which shocking might be necessary, this article is going to be talking you through everything you need to know.
Below, you will learn whether it is possible to shock a saltwater pool, when to shock a saltwater pool, as well as helpful tips on how to do it. Read on!
Can You Shock A Saltwater Pool?
If you haven’t already guessed, we’re sure that you’ll be pleased to know that you most certainly can shock a saltwater pool. Just like in standard pool water, saltwater pools can be shocked for a variety of reasons, including to help get rid of contaminants, the growth of algae, and even to help maintain its optimal chemical balance.
On average, you’ll likely find that you need to shock your saltwater pool once or twice a year in order to refresh and reset your pool water, although there are a variety of instances in which more frequent saltwater shocking might be necessary.
When Should You Shock A Saltwater Pool?
So, now that you know that you can shock a saltwater pool, you’re now probably wondering when you should shock it.
Luckily for you, we’ve broken down all of the main instances when shocking a saltwater pool might be necessary, so that you can gain a better understanding of when the most appropriate times to do this are. Whenever you’re ready, check them out below:
To Remove Algae
First things first, one of the main reasons why you might need to shock your saltwater pool is to help remove algae. When you begin to notice that algae is growing in your saltwater pool, then one way that you can help to stop it from growing is by shocking it with chlorine.
If you’ve owned pools for many years, then we’re sure that you’ll already be well aware that chlorine is a fantastic algaecide, and is widely considered to be the best solution to stopping algae in its tracks.
If you’re currently experiencing an overgrowth of algae and you’re struggling to get rid of it, then one of the best ways to get rid of it is by shocking it with chlorine.
The most effective way to do this is to either pour a large amount of chlorine into the pool (traditional shocking) or focus on concentrated areas - the option that you should opt for will depend on what type of algae growth you have.
If there are algae all over your saltwater pool and you’re noticing that the water is turning green, then you should shock the pool one or two times, in order to get rid of the algae and restore your saltwater pool to a blue color free from any algae bloom.
On the flip side, if you have algae growing in specific areas of your saltwater pool, then we recommend pouring chlorine in these areas of the pool, before then scrubbing with a brush.
Once you have done this, you should then proceed to shock the pool with a generous amount of chlorine, in order to balance the overall chemistry of your saltwater pool.
To Sanitize
For the most part, if you’re making sure that you’re taking good care of your saltwater pool and have a high-quality saltwater system setup, then you’ll more than likely find that your pool is able to maintain itself and stay hygienic.
However, in the event that your saltwater pool becomes contaminated with bodily fluids or something else, it’s very important that you make sure that your saltwater pool is effectively clean so that it is safe to swim in and the healthy chemistry of the pool is maintained.
The best way to do this is to remove as many surface contaminants as you can with your pool net, and then proceed to shock your saltwater pool until it returns to its original state.
As a side note, you may also want to consider shocking your saltwater pool if you have recently hosted a big event or party where many people have swum in your pool, as this will help to ensure that your saltwater is clean and restored to its optimal chemical balance.
Chlorine Buildup
Last but not least, the final main reason you should consider shocking your saltwater pool is if you notice that chlorine has begun to accumulate in your saltwater pool.
In order to discover whether or not there is too much chlorine buildup in your pool, you’ll need to test it with chlorine strips - such as these. If you find that there are too many chlorine molecules present in your water after testing with the strips, then you will need to shock your saltwater pool in order to give it a fresh start and bring the chlorine levels back down to a healthy, optimal amount.
Saltwater Shocking Top Tips
- Clean The Pool Of Surface Contaminants First: In order to raise the efficiency of the shock, we recommend that you first take the time to clean surface debris prior to adding the chlorine.
- Evenly Distribute The Chlorine: To make sure that all of your pool is shocked, pour the chlorine at different spots of your pool.
- Allow Plenty Of Time Before Re-Using: After shocking, we recommend that you allow plenty of time for the shocking process to occur so that you do not introduce any fresh contaminants to the water.
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