Shocking a pool sounds simple, but most people get at least one step wrong — and that one mistake is usually why the water stays cloudy or the algae comes back. This guide covers the right way to shock a pool, the most common mistakes, and exactly what to do differently.
Every pool needs the same core set of chemicals to stay safe and clear. This guide covers exactly what to buy, what each chemical does, and the target numbers to aim for so you're not guessing at the store.
Pool shock is a concentrated chlorine dose used to kill algae, burn off chloramines, and restore water clarity. This guide covers exactly how much to add, when to do it, and what type of shock to use for your situation. No vague advice, just specific numbers and practical steps.
CYA protects chlorine from UV breakdown, but most pool owners don't realize it also reduces how effective that chlorine is. The ratio between your CYA level and your free chlorine level matters more than either number alone. This article explains why, and what to do about it.
Wait times after adding pool chemicals vary by what you added. Shock requires the longest wait - usually 8 hours minimum or until chlorine drops below 5 ppm. Most other chemicals need just 15 to 30 minutes with the pump running. Here's the full breakdown by chemical type.
Starting out with an above-ground pool chemistry routine is simpler than the pool store makes it look. You need four chemicals working together: a sanitizer, a pH adjuster, alkalinity increaser, and shock. This guide walks you through what each one does, what numbers to target, and how often to test.
Cyanuric acid is the chemical that keeps sunlight from destroying your chlorine within hours. Without it, an outdoor pool can burn through a full dose of chlorine before noon. But too much CYA is just as much a problem as too little.
Shocking a pool sounds simple, but most people do it at the wrong time, in the wrong amount, or without the right water chemistry in place first. This guide covers the exact steps that work, the mistakes that waste product and leave your water cloudy, and the numbers you need to know before you add anything.
Every pool needs a core set of chemicals to stay clean, balanced, and safe. This starter list covers the six categories you actually need, what each one does, and the specific numbers to target so you're not guessing.
Pool shock is a high-dose chlorine treatment that breaks down organic waste, kills algae, and restores water clarity. This guide covers what shock actually does, the specific situations that call for it, and exact dosing by pool size so you stop guessing.
