Pool Shock vs Chlorine: Choosing a Sanitizer

Owning a swimming pool comes with a wide range of responsibilities. Of those responsibilities, the most frequently discussed is the need to keep chlorine levels in check. Critical for the health and safety of those choosing to swim, the type of chlorine and the level of its concentration in the water will be important to monitor throughout its season of being used.   Not sure where to start? We’re here to help!  

What is the difference between chlorine and shock?

Have you found yourself looking at multiple chlorine products, unsure of which is the right option for your pool needs? The need for standard chlorine versus shock treatments (also chlorine) can be confusing, but don’t stress! There are a few distinct indicators that help you decipher which product is which, as well as what the primary use of each is meant to be.  

Chlorine comes in may forms, shock usually comes granular

Chlorine can be found in a number of forms, to include liquid chlorine, chlorine tablets, and granular chlorine forms. The varying types of chlorine allow pool owners to be flexible on how they choose to maintain the water, as well as how frequently they need to treat their water. Shock, however, is usually only sold in granular form.  

While shock is important, it is not a necessity like chlorine is

While shock and standard chlorine are essentially the same chemical makeup, they are used in entirely different ways. Shock is actually a highly concentrated version of chlorine whose primary use is to rapidly change the chlorine level in your pool to bring water to its appropriate chlorine content. Standard chlorine, on the other hand, is meant to maintain a necessary chlorine content within the water and is used in much more regular intervals.  

Shock may leave a residue if not mixed well with a liquid

Another common difference is how well standard chlorine integrates into the pool when compared to the introduction of shock treatments. Unless granular shock or powdered shock treatments are well incorporated with another liquid product prior to adding it to your pool water, there is an increased chance of residue being left behind by the shock treatment itself. Ensure to add water slowly to incorporate the product.  

Benefits of chlorine in a pool

To understand how the use of chlorine affects your pool, let’s dive into the basics of how chlorine can benefit your pool water and streamline the maintenance process.   

Chlorine is an affordable option to keep a pool clean

Due to its commonality and how frequently it is used amongst other pool owners as the primary means of keeping pool water sanitary, standard chlorine is usually found to be more cost effective overall.   

The containers that chlorine comes in are refillable

For those of us who enjoy minimizing waste and reducing clutter, you’ll be happy to discover that some chlorine containers are oftentimes refillable. If you’re interested in these options, visit your local pool supplies store – like GPS Pools! – and take a look at what there is to offer.  

Liquid chlorine leaves no residue behind

The last thing we want is more maintenance for our pools – after all, why would we want to add unnecessary work onto our plate. When it comes to routine maintenance of chlorine levels in your pool, you can trust chlorine in its liquid form to never leave behind a scummy or tacky residue in your pool.  

Benefits of shocking your pool

Admittedly, having regular chlorine is great, but you’re also going to need to keep chlorine based shock treatment around.   Related Article: How To Get Rid of Algae in Your Pool  

Shock can be stored for a very long time

Not only is it powerful and effective at its job, shock treatment can be stored for a significantly longer period of time than other forms of chlorine. That means that even if you don't regularly need shock for the maintenance of your pool, you can store it knowing that it won't go bad any time soon.  

Shock can help increase chlorine levels at a fast rate

The whole point of shock is to, well, shock the water. Whether your chlorine levels are low, or you need to quickly sterilize your water of bacteria and algae, shock is just what the (pool) doctor prescribed!  

GPS Pools is here to provide you with all your pool equipment needs!

Not sure on where to start when it comes to maintaining your pool? Uncertain on what products or filters work best for your pool maintenance style? Let GPS Pools guide you through all your pool care needs and supply you with only the best quality tools and equipment for a healthy pool. You can find us and our reliable services at our three locations across the Tampa Bay area.
Tags:
Older Post Back to Pool Experts Newer Post