How Long After You Shock Your Pool Can You Swim Again?

When it comes to keeping your fibreglass pool swim-ready all year round, shocking it at regular intervals plays a pivotal role. Pool shocking helps keep your pool water sparkling and clean, safe for a swim with your friends and family. Shocking your fibreglass pool involves the use of some pretty strong chemicals to eliminate contaminants from the pool water. This makes one wonder how long do you have to wait after shocking your pool to enjoy a swim? Are there any dangers of swimming in a pool too soon after it has been shocked?

In this blog, we look at pool shocking, why it is needed and when is it safe to enjoy a swim in your fibreglass pool after shocking it.

What is Pool Shock?

For the uninitiated, pool shocking is the process of adding chemicals to your pool water to make it hygienic and safe to swim in. Typically, this is done by adding 3 to 5 times the normal amount of chlorine to eliminate algae, bacteria and other contaminants from your pool water. Over time, your pool may accumulate a lot of debris and contaminants such as sweat, dead bugs, insects, dry leaves, twigs, cosmetics, body oils and more. This cleaning process helps in bringing the water back into balance and forms an important part of regular pool maintenance.

When is A Pool Shock Needed?

How often should you shock your fibreglass pool? This depends on several factors. As a general rule of thumb, shocking your pool once every 2 weeks during peak swim season is wise. However, the following situations make it necessary for a fibreglass pool owner to shock their pool:

After Winters

When you are opening your pool after winterising it for months, shocking it becomes mandatory at the beginning of the swim season.

After Heavy Downpour

Rainwater can be quite acidic and mess up the chemical balance of your pool water. If you have experienced torrential rains, it’s best to shock your pool to maintain the pH levels to ensure it is safe.

Frequent Use

Did you host a pool party recently? Or, have you been using the pool too often with too many swimmers in the pool? Shocking your pool is suggested for such an event to sanitise and refresh it.

Low Free Chlorine Level

Free chlorine is chlorine that has not neutralised the contaminants in your pool water yet. If you test your pool water and find the level is zero or just above, shocking is recommended to increase the free chlorine levels.

Before Winterising

Before you shut your pool for the colder months, it’s best to shock it, so it’s easier for you to maintain your toowoomba swimming pool when the swim season resumes.

Algae Bloom

If you find your pool water has turned cloudy, murky or notice algae growth, shocking is required by super-chlorinating the pool. Use up to 4 times the normal dosage. You could also call a professional pool specialist to take away the stress of maintaining your pool.

Types of Pool Shock

The type of pool shock you use will determine how long you need to wait before you can enjoy a swim in your fibreglass pool. Mainly, the pool shocks can be either chlorine shocks or chlorine-free shocks. Chlorine-free shocks don’t add any chemicals to the pool water to oxidize organics and bacteria. So, you can easily use your pool 1 hour after shocking.

On the other hand, chlorine-based shocks contain a high pH level. It is best to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging of the chlorine-based shock you use for your pool. If it all seems too overwhelming, you can take the help of a professional pool specialist to help you keep your fibreglass pool in the best shape at all times.

So, When Exactly Can I Swim After Shocking My Pool?

Generally, experts recommend waiting up to 24 hours before you can hop into your pool after it has been shocked. Before you dive in, make sure you test the pool water’s chlorine and pH levels to know they are in the right range. Your pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8, whereas the ideal chlorine level is between 1.0 and 4.0 parts per million (PPM).

What Happens If I Swim in A Shocked Pool?

If you dive into a pool that has just been shocked, there could be potential health hazards. Chlorine reacts with water to produce an acid. Depending on whether you inhaled the chlorine or it came in contact with your eyes and skin, the effects can vary. Additionally, if you have existing skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, swimming in a shocked pool could cause a flare. You may find yourself dealing with symptoms like blisters, pain, redness, and burning. Watery eyes and blurred vision are other common symptoms that you can feel.

If you inhale chlorine, the effects can be more severe. This can range from wheezing and fluid in the lungs to chest tightness and shortness of breath. It’s important to get out of the water ASAP and get fresh air. If you don’t feel well in a while, it’s best to call your doctor so you can get timely help.

Need Assistance with Shocking Your Pool?

We are one of the leading pool specialists in Australia, backed by deep-seated knowledge of the pool industry. We have rich experience in installing pools across Australian homes and turning your backyard into a private oasis. Whether you are looking for in-ground, above-ground or state-of-the-art fibreglass pools for your backyard, we can make your dream come true. Get in touch with our pool designers, who are experts at helping you choose the best pool for your property based on your budget and lifestyle needs.

Do you already own a pool but are finding its upkeep cumbersome and time-consuming? Don’t worry, we have got your back. For any pool related queries or help with maintenance, please feel free to give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!