Chlorine-less Shock

[chem geek]

Mike,

OK, now I understand what you meant by shocking the pool. When the SWG is shut down due to colder temperatures, all you need to do is add chlorine (chlorinating liquid or bleach) to your pool. You don't need to shock it, but you can add more than you usually do if you don't want to add it as frequently. The chlorine will keep it from developing algae. That's what I do and it works well.

Some people just let the pool go over the winter and then clear the algae upon opening while others add chlorine during the winter to prevent the algae. It's really up to you as both options work. It should be relatively easy to add chlorine during the winter since the chlorine usage is much less due to the colder temperatures (so the algae doesn't grow as fast and doesn't consume as much chlorine, plus the sun isn't as strong).

The use of non-chlorine shock with no chlorine in the water will NOT prevent algae. You have to have chlorine in the water to prevent algae (or an algaecide, but chlorine is cheaper).

Richard

[CarlD]

There are lots of ways the pool industry tries to move money from your bank account to theirs.

I'm a believer that non-chlorine shocks are one of them, as are most algaecides.

In the fall before closing, I boost my FC to ensure I have no CC, then add a quart of polyquat algaecide (the only one we recommend here). I wait 48 hours then boost my FC up to the shock level for my CYA (stabilizer) level and close.

All I do all winter is syphon out some water if it gets too high. I've yet to have algae in the spring...so watch, this year will be the first time ...but not yet. I just checked yesterday and the water was clear, despite having a surprisingly mild fall and winter.

[mphare]

Thanks.
I had a feeling I was getting a 'shock treatment' from the pool store guy.
I just wanted to be sure.

I'll remember that next year when I close for the winter.
I'll just keep some chlorine in the pool (I'd rather not have to clear an algea problem if I don't have too.)

Thanks again!