Shocking the pool with chemicals, like chlorine, sanitizes the pool water and removes harmful pathogens to make your pool safe. When shocking your pool, you risk using dangerous chemicals, especially when they come into contact with skin, eyes, etc. You must wait a while after shocking your pool to use it.
Learn more in this article about how long you’re supposed to wait before you plunge into your swimming pool after a shocking treatment. Plus, you find out where you can turn for excellent pool cleaning services in Las Vegas when you need it most.
What Is Pool Shocking?
Pool shocking is the process of adding a high concentration of chlorine or other chemicals to your pool water to kill off bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that regular pool maintenance can’t eliminate. It’s necessary to shock your pool regularly to maintain clean and safe water for swimming.
There are different types of pool shocks available:
- Calcium hypochlorite is the most common type and is often sold in granular form.
- Sodium hypochlorite is a liquid shock that can be added directly to the pool.
- Non-chlorine shocks, such as potassium monopersulfate, use an oxidizing process to remove contaminants from the pool water.
You might also need to shock it if you notice signs of contamination, such as cloudy water, strong chlorine odor, or algae growth. Frequent pool use, heavy rain, and extreme heat can also cause the need for additional shock treatments. You can use pool testing kits to check the chemical levels in your pool and determine if a shock treatment is necessary.
When Is It Safe to Use Your Pool Again?
The length of time you need to wait after a shock treatment depends on several factors, such as the type of shock used, the contamination’s severity, and the pool’s size. Temperature, sunlight, and wind can also affect how quickly the chemicals dissipate in the water.
Generally, you should wait at least 24 hours after adding calcium hypochlorite shock to your pool before swimming. For sodium hypochlorite shock, you can usually swim after about 4 hours. Non-chlorine shocks often require less time to dissipate, and you can usually swim after about 15 minutes.
However, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific type of shock you use, as the waiting time can vary. Test the chemical levels in the water before using the pool to ensure they are within safe ranges.
What Happens If You Swim Too Soon After a Pool Shock?
The chemicals used in pool shock treatments are highly concentrated and can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions if not diluted enough. If you swim too soon after a pool shock, you could experience redness, itchiness, and burning of the skin and eyes.
In severe cases, it can lead to more serious health issues such as asthma attacks, chemical burns, or anaphylactic shock.
Contact Clark County Pool & Lawn for Efficient Pool Cleaning Services
If you’re looking for reliable and affordable pool cleaning services in Las Vegas, Clark County Pool & Lawn is your best option. We’ve been delivering stellar pool services for Las Vegas and Henderson residents since 1967, and thanks to our loyal customers, we’re still going strong.
Check out our pool services – we’re here to help. Got any questions? Let’s talk!
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