Optimal Spring Pool Care: When & How to Shock Your Pool

The spring season brings many exciting moments, and one of the best is your home pool’s opening day. Being able to open up your pool for swimming again gives you a fun source of recreation that also provides a healthy boost of sunlight and exercise. Before you can dive into the water, you’ll first need to do a spring pool cleanup. Shocking the water helps you get it safe for swimming again, and knowing when and how to do this essential maintenance task helps you plan for your pool’s spring maintenance.

Plan to Open Your Pool Early in the Spring

Most people are so eager to go swimming that waiting too long isn’t much of a problem. However, life can sometimes get in the way of pool maintenance. Algae and other contaminants tend to flourish in warmer weather, especially when the water is stagnant. Opening up your pool as soon as the temperatures are steadily warm means you’ll be starting off with cleaner water.

Brush & Vacuum the Pool before Adding Chemicals

Algae and bacteria tend to cling to swimming pool walls. Taking a few minutes to brush the walls of the pool and vacuum the floor helps the pump system work more efficiently. Once you shock the pool, the chlorine will be able to work better to give you that crystal-clear water everyone wants to see.

Expect to Shock the Pool after Periods of Non-Use

The spring start-up isn’t the only time you need to shock the pool. Occasionally, swimming pools go for a period of time when no one swims in the water. For instance, your family may take a vacation that allows the water to sit for a week or two. In these instances, it can help to have a pool contractor handle the maintenance. This works best for ensuring the water is ready to swim in upon your return home. Alternatively, you should expect to follow a process similar to your spring start-up anytime the water goes without routine cleaning for more than a few days.

Follow the Directions on the Product Label

If you choose to shock the pool yourself, you’ll want to carefully follow the instructions on the label. Shocking a pool involves using high levels of chlorine, which requires following a few precautions to ensure your and other people’s safety. For instance, you may need to stay out of the pool for a specific time until the water levels are back to normal. Many people prefer to shock their pools in the evening to prevent someone from hopping in too soon. This strategy also prevents the sunlight from breaking down the chlorine too fast.

Know When to Shock the Pool during the Season

Some people need to shock their pools weekly, while others may be able to get away with monthly treatments. As a general rule, you’ll want to shock the water anytime it starts to appear murky or greenish or develops an odor. Shocking the pool after a crowded party can also quickly rid the water of contaminants that affect the water quality. 
If you take care to maintain your pool on a routine basis, you can keep it clean, prevent damage to its mechanical systems, and avoid the need for costly repairs. If you haven’t yet built your pool, reach out to San Diego Pools, the pros with decades of experience. As a leading San Diego pool builder, we have a team of design and construction professionals that’s dedicated to building exactly the pool you want and providing you with the highest-quality service in the industry. To get started on building the pool of your dreams, call us today.