Effective Pool Shock Treatments for Clean, Clear Water

Keeping your pool water pristine and safe requires regular shock treatments to eliminate bacteria, algae, and organic contaminants that everyday chlorine can’t always handle. Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, Vita Pool Supply's professional-grade pool shocks deliver powerful cleaning and oxidation to restore clarity and freshness all season long.

When to shock

Chloramines: Combined Available Chlorine (CAC), or Chloramines, are formed when your Free Available Chlorine (FAC) becomes tied up with contaminants such as sweat, fertilizer, dirt, rain, bodily fluids, and pollution. Some of these contaminants contain ammonia and organic or inorganic nitrogen compounds. CAC is a weak sanitizer (40-60 times less effective than FAC) and causes a chlorine-ammonia odor. It also irritates the nose, eyes, and skin of swimmers. Weekly shocking will prevent and remove chloramines, which restores more FAC effectiveness to your pool.

Opening & Closing: When opening your pool, it's recommended that you shock your pool after balancing the other chemicals. This will oxidize the particles, kill bacteria, and clarify the water. When it's time to close your pool, shocking will help fight off contaminants over the long winter months.

Rain & Thunderstorms: During storms, your pool is likely to be contaminated by rainwater, dust, and other debris. Shocking after severe weather will help clean up after Mother Nature.

Algae Outbreaks: When algae appears in your pool, superchlorination with powerful types of shock like Power Powder Pro or other variations of Cal-Hypo can often eliminate the problem.

Heavy Pool Usage: When pools are used by a large number of people in a short amount of time, the water can become contaminated in a variety of ways. Shocking after pool parties or other unexpected contaminations is highly recommmended.

Pool Shock FAQ

How Long Does Pool Shock Last?

The shelf life of pool shock can vary depending on how and where it's stored. If stored in a cool, dry, and dark location, your shock will remain usable for years to come. If stored in the heat, however, it will quickly solidify and become useless. For longer and safer storage, purchase your shock in buckets, then store them in cooler places.

Why Did Shock Make My Water Cloudy?

Pool shock can temporarily cloud your water depending on the type of shock used and preexisting water conditions. This is normal, and the cloudiness should disappear after the shock dissolves.

Shocking Tips