Do I Adjust pH or shock first?

That said, Absolutely pH first. And once it's good, don't bother testing pH again until the shock process is complete and FC has dropped below 10. High chlorine reacts with the reagent and shifts the color, so it won't be accurate.
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Should you adjust pH before shocking pool?

Before you add shock treatment, you need to test your pool water and balance its levels. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6, with total alkalinity being between 80 and 120 ppm. Pool water testing is easy to do using test strips or liquid test kits.
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Should you adjust pH or chlorine first?

Chemicals that affect the levels of pH and alkalinity need to be added to the swimming pool first. Getting the pH and total alkalinity sorted out will allow for the addition of further chemicals that affect the hardness and cleanliness of the water.
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Can I add pH up and shock at the same time?

Never add chemicals at the same time, whether you're balancing the water, shocking the pool, or adding a specialty chemical. For most water balance changes, the pump needs to run on the high setting for at least four hours before you can add another chemical or retest the water.
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How long after adjusting pH can I shock?

It is recommended to wait at least 20 minutes to an hour after adding water balancing chemicals. You should wait 2-4 hours (or one full cycle through the filter) to swim from the moment you use calcium chloride in your pool. It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours.
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How much does shock impact pH?



Does shocking pool lower pH?

Adding shock breaks up the combined chlorine and creates an increase in free chlorine. This increase can spike your pool's pH level. Pool shock is available in both chlorinated or non-chlorinated versions. If your pool already has a high pH level, using chlorinated shock will only make things worse.
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What do you adjust first in a hot tub?

Mix the chemicals in warm water first to dilute the granules, then tip evenly around the deepest part of the hot tub. If it is above the OK range, then you risk scale forming and cloudy water. It is difficult to lower Calcium Hardness, so we suggest the use of a Scale Inhibitor as a precaution.
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What do you do after you shock your pool?

Answer: After shocking the pool, it will need filtration and circulation. Run the pump as much as possible. Keep the filter clean (daily) until the water runs clear. Be sure to brush the pool often during this process as above-ground pools do not have drains at the bottom.
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What does Shocking a pool do to pH?

It will slightly raise your pH, so make sure you adjust pH while using it. As the name implies, it will also raise your calcium hardness levels in your pool slightly. It is sold in granular or in pucks/tablets. A close relative of calcium hypochlorite is sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach.
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Can I add chlorine and pH reducer at the same time?

A good rule of thumb is to never mix pool chemicals with each other. After adding Calcium Hypochlorite a user should always wait 24 hours before adding chemicals that would alter their pH. Adjusting pH or Total Alkalinty after adding Calcium Hypochlorite can cause the calcium to temporarily cloud the water.
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Does chlorine increase pH?

Using liquid chlorine raises the pH of the water.

When added to water, liquid chlorine (which has a pH of 13) makes HOCl (hypochlorous acid – the killing form of chlorine) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide), which raises pH.
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How do I balance the pH level in my pool?

The basics include:
  1. Always take proper precautions and wear proper Personal Protective Equipment when balancing pH.
  2. Add soda ash if your pool's pH level is below 7.2. Add Muriatic Acid or Sodium Bisulfate if it's above 7.8.
  3. Continue to add appropriate product until your water has a pH level of 7.2-7.8 (ideally 7.4-7.6).
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What time of day should I shock my pool?

The best time of day to shock your pool is in the evening. This is because the sun's rays can affect the effectiveness of the chlorine by dissolving it too quickly, before it has a chance to rid the pool of contaminants and clean the water.
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Do you run filter while shocking pool?

Run the filtration system

While shocking your pool will help kill any germs any algae, it won't actually get rid of them; for that, you need your filter. So be sure to run your pool filter for at least 24 hours.
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How long after I shock the pool can I add chlorine?

You should wait one hour per pound of shock product added, and then test the water to confirm the pH and chlorine are in the proper range before letting anyone enter the pool. As a reminder, you want your pH to be between 7.2 and 7.8ppm and your free available chlorine to be 1-4ppm for safe swimming.
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Why did my pool get cloudy after I shocked it?

High doses of chlorine, like pool shock, can cause temporary cloudiness as it kills contaminants. High levels of pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are more likely to cause cloudy water.
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How long after adding pH Plus can you use hot tub?

Can you go in a hot tub after adding pH increaser? As a general rule, it is ideal to wait 20 minutes after adding pH increaser. This is not because pH increaser is dangerous, but it's best to wait and test the water again to ensure the pH is correctly balanced.
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Do you have to shock hot tub before first use?

Shocking your hot tub is the easiest way you can ensure that the water is safe and free from all contaminates. Whenever you open your hot tub, or after a period of inactivity or even heavy use, it is a good idea to shock it before you begin using it.
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Should I adjust pH after shocking pool?

If the water's clear, you may not need to do the shock process. On the other hand, if CYA is astronomical, you may want to drain and replace some water first. That said, Absolutely pH first. And once it's good, don't bother testing pH again until the shock process is complete and FC has dropped below 10.
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Does liquid shock raise pH?

Using Liquid shock or liquid bleach regularly will increase your pH so make sure you keep an eye on your pH and alkalinity levels.
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Does pool shock raise pH and alkalinity?

It's also not uncommon for pool owners to go a bit overboard when shocking their pool, and since chlorine-based pool shock is a high-alkaline substance, it will also naturally raise your pool alkalinity.
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