When the pool has been closed for the winter, it might be difficult to hold back from taking a refreshing dip. But before jumping back in the water after the winter, you’ll probably need to give your pool a good shock.
A common question among pool owners is how long they have to wait after shocking their pool before they can go back in, and we’ve got the answer!
Pool Shock: What Exactly Is It?
Our pool contractors in Leesburg believe it’s important for clients to understand the purpose of pool shock.
You may need to supplement your regular sanitizing routine for your pool because it is always exposed to impurities. Your pool is constantly contaminated with chloramines through sweat, urine (unfortunately), cosmetics, hair products, fallen leaves, and other sources. Closing your pool for the winter doesn’t relieve you of these pressures.
According to our pool designers in South Riding, shocking your pool once every two weeks is recommended to keep these impurities in check and reduce the burden on your filtration and routine sanitization procedure. Moreover, it eliminates harmful organisms and helps restore water chemistry equilibrium.
However, shocking a pool is a more intensive cleaning method that employs many times the quantity of chlorine used in routine maintenance.
When Is It Safe To Swim Again After Shocking My Pool?
The million-dollar question now is how long you must wait until you can swim. Well, according to the expert advice of our pool contractors in Purcellville, the standard recommendation is to wait 24 hours after shocking a pool before allowing anyone to swim in it again.
If you want to be sure your pool is safe, you can use a chemical test kit to check the levels of chlorine and pH. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a chlorine concentration of between 1 and 4 parts per million and a pH of 7.2 to 7.8.
· Just To Be On The Safe Side
In the case of severe algae growth, you should wait until the pool has been entirely cleaned of all algae before using it again. When estimating how long it will take to remove the algae, it is important to consider the severity of the infestation. As soon as you shock your pool, the chemicals in it will work, killing germs and other impurities.
If you’re having trouble with your pool, it’s wise to contact our swimming pool contractors. At Perfect Pools, we have expert pool builders in Leesburg, South Riding and other areas of VA and also offer services to revamp your outdoor living space.
Contact us today to make your pool perfect.