Shocking your pool is a vital element of maintenance. However, it also temporarily puts your pool out of commission. You don’t want to dip back in too early, so how do you know when enough time has passed? 

The answer depends on several factors. On that note, let’s take a closer look at the specifics to better understand how long you should wait to swim after shocking a pool. 

The Waiting Game

The kind of shock you use will be the determining factor of how long your wait will be. The general recommendation for chlorine-based shock is to wait at least twelve hours before heading back in. Some fast-dissolving chlorine shocks might permit you to swim even sooner, but it’s usually safer to wait a bit longer if the shock’s label doesn’t specify the exact length of time. Always shock a pool at night and keep your filter on for 12 hrs. 

Non-chlorine shocks, on the other hand, are a completely different story. You can often enjoy your pool in as little as one hour after using one of these. They’re gentler on skin, as well as pools themselves. But don’t let that dissuade you: They’re still more effective for general maintenance than a deep clean, which you might prefer in situations where your pool gets exceedingly dirty. 

Other Factors That Affect Your Swimming Timeline 

Aside from the type of shock you use, other elements can influence your waiting time between shocking and swimming again, such as: 

Pool Size 

Regardless of the size of your pool you will need to wait 12 hrs after shocking before you can swim. 

 

It takes longer for shock to circulate through larger pools, given their higher volumes of water. Those with smaller pools could, theoretically, get back in the water faster than those with large ones. However, following the guidelines your pool shock manufacturer provides on the label is still recommended as opposed to simply guessing when it’s safe based on your pool’s size.

Weather Conditions

You can’t do anything about the weather, of course, but it’s still something to consider if you’re wondering how long you have to wait after shocking a pool before you get to swim again. 

The additional UV rays provided by sunnier weather can cause the chlorine to break down faster, which could reduce your waiting time. At the same time, though, hot weather might make the chlorine less effective, which means that if you’re shocking on a hot and sunny day, you end up with a bit of a wash. 

Pool Chemical Levels 

You should always test your pool’s chemical levels before you shock, as they can influence several factors, such as how long it’ll take for the shock to work. Your shock treatment is going to be much more effective if your pool’s pH and alkalinity levels are balanced, so checking these before you start is essential to ensuring the shock gets the job done

Checking Levels Before You Swim

You should not only test your pool’s chemical levels before you shock it but perform a second check afterward as well. Don’t rely on time estimations, though. Always test your water before you deem it safe to swim. Check to ensure your pool’s chlorine levels are within a safe range, aiming for between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). If the water reads any higher, waiting for the levels to go down is wise.

An image of a family swimming in a pool after shocking the pool.

Considerations for Shocking a Pool

If you have a higher bather load, you will want to shock that evening. We carry Poolife Turbo Shock which is 78% available chlorine. This will get rid of all the goodies that went into the pool. If the weather is 85+ for multiple days, you will want to shock every 3 nights with 1 bag of turbo shock per 10k of water. 

If you’re worried about your pool being out of commission for an extended period, there are some steps you can take to ensure you aren’t waiting any longer than you need to. One is to plan your shock ahead of time. Scheduling your pool shocking prevents you from accidentally doing so right before someone in your home wants to go for a dip. 

Another thing you can do is keep up with your pool’s maintenance. A well-maintained pool requires fewer scenarios where you’d need to close it down to add shock, so remember to balance your pool’s chemicals often enough so you aren’t always choosing to go nuclear in order to clean it. 

Finally, don’t forget to let your family and guests know whenever you plan to shock your pool. That will help prevent disappointment and curb expectations while ensuring everyone stays safe. 

Professional Pool Maintenance With Royal Pools & Spas

If you need assistance keeping up with your pool’s cleaning and maintenance, schedule service with Royal Pools & Spas! Contact us today and get your pool in tip-top shape for the summer season!