What's this I hear about shock dosing a pool? What is that? Shock dosing is another term for super chlorination. It is a way for you to make your pool water safe while cleaning it via increasing the amount of chlorine three to five times the normal amount for a very short time. This important step should be done along with regular pool maintenance. Shock dosing should be done after sundown to ensure that the sun’s UV rays do not affect the pool chemicals. The chemicals that you will add to the pool should be dissolved in a separate bucket of pool water that you have removed from the pool. Be sure to fill the bucket with water first, and then add the chemicals to the water. Add the chemicals to the bucket and stir them until they are fully dissolved before adding them to the pool water. The filtration system should be running and the bucket of dissolved chemicals should be poured in front of the return line fitting. Pour slowly so that the bucket contents are distributed throughout the pool and do not settle on the floor of the pool. Always add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals and wear safety goggles to prevent splashing chemicals into your eyes. How long should I wait after shocking a pool before I go in? Take a reading of the pool water before you go for a swim. It IS NOT RECOMMENDED to swim in water that has too much chlorination, you should wait until you get a reading of 3 ppm or lower before re-entering your pool.
What effect does rain have on my pool? Rain water may have an effect on your pool in several different ways. Firstly, rain can be acidic and when this is mixed with your pool water, it can effectively lower the pH level of your pool water. Heavy rainfall can dilute chlorine levels reducing the effectiveness of bacteria protection, and may allow algae to start to grow. When chemical levels are not what they should be, pool water is out of balance and can be uncomfortable to swim in because it makes the skin itchy or causes a rash. It can also damage the surface of the pool liner or etch equipment and corrode pipes. Checking the balance of your pool’s chemicals on a regular basis is the best way to ensure that everything is where it should be. Please let us know if you have any questions. Article source: http://www.ozpoolsupplies.com.au/swimming-pool-water-quality-faq.html