Unfortunately, swimming pools aren’t all fun and games. Someone needs to ensure that the water chemistry is balanced so that the water remains clean and safe. When it comes to cleaning and adding chemicals to the swimming pool, there is a proper order for the jobs that need to be done. You may have questions, such as “Can I vacuum pool after adding chemicals?” To make sure you get the most out of your water maintenance duties we’ve provided this guide to vacuuming and shocking your pool.
What Is Pool Shocking?
Fortunately, shocking your pool has nothing to do with electricity or electrocution. Shocking your pool refers to the process of using chlorine to reduce the number of chloramines in the water. Chloramines are responsible for the chemical smell often associated with pools and they can lead to irritation of the nose, eyes and skin of bathers. Chlorine will also kill bacteria and algae which can cause the water to become cloudy. Shocking should be done when the pool is opened and closed, after heavy rainfalls and when the water becomes dirty. How often a pool needs to be shocked is usually determined by how often it gets used.
Can I Vacuum Pool After Adding Chemicals?
Although vacuuming should be combined with pool shocking, it’s better to vacuum the pool before you shock the water. A good scrubbing and vacuuming of the pool walls and floor will ensure that dirt and debris that can affect the water chemistry is removed before the chlorine is added. Most pool vacuums have a brush attachment at the end of the hose to allow you to scrub while you’re hoovering up debris. Another option is to invest in a robotic vacuum that continually cleans the pool – whether you’re at home or not. If you’ve already added chemicals to the pool you should run the water pump and filtration system and wait at least 24 hours before vacuuming again. This will allow the chemicals to circulate throughout the entire pool and prevent the recently added chemicals from being removed from the water.
Things to Keep in Mind About Shocking
Before you shock the pool, you’ll need to get the pH properly balanced. The ideal pH level is between 7.2 and 7.4. This will allow the chlorine to do its job properly. When adding shock to the pool it should be done separately from the addition of any other chemicals. If your pool has a vinyl liner, you’ll need to dissolve the chlorine in water before adding it to the pool. Chlorine powder can cause the liner to bleach and disintegrate before its time. It’s best to shock the pool in the evening because chlorine breaks down very quickly in the sun. An evening shock will allow the chlorine to work throughout the night.
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