Chlorinator and Shock

[Maverick2022]

I had a quick question regarding chlorinator use. I removed my Perma Salt system this year with chlorine and it was the best switch I made, my pool is crystal clear this year thanks to the help of TFP!! I was curious, if I have a chlorinator do I need to routine super shock my pool with liquid chlorine after a pool party, heavy rain, routine, etc.? If so, how often?

Thank you!

 

[Texas Splash]

if I have a chlorinator do I need to routine super shock my pool with liquid chlorine after a pool party, heavy rain, routine, etc.? If so, how often?

Generally speaking no. As long as your FC is still within a good range as noted on the FC/CYA Levels, you should be fine. However , there could be exceptions. For example, last weekend I hosted a very large pool party for about 30 people. Lots of sweat, hair products, lotions, etc I'm sure got washed into the pool. By the end of the day my water was dull. I added a little extra liquid chlorine to help my SWG along as a precaution. Not SLAM level, just about 4-5 ppm worth on top of my already good FC level. By the end of the next day I was crystal clear again.

So normally there is no need for any weekly or routine "shock" treatment. Even a standard party you may be fine, although a small increase certainly won't hurt. But if you have something exceptional happen, like my large pool party, or perhaps a storm with lots of debris, you may want to add a few more ppm of FC just to be safe. When you know (visually) your water quality, you'll see if it needs help and jump on it right away.

 

[VinnyinNJ]

Raising chlorine amounts in the pool is a good idea when there's going to be a party or storm if there is a "low" amount of chlorine compared to the CYA/FC chart. I tend to up the chlorine before hand to beat an issue before it becomes a problem. It is safe to swim in a pool with higher amounts of chlorine, what the higher level is is based on your CYA. As far as routine, if you're keeping an eye on it and it is at least at minimum FC levels for your CYA, no need to shock. I tend to keep my chlorine levels slightly above minimum throughout the season just in case I can't get to the pool.