How to Shock a Pool with Non Chlorine Pool Shock

Non Chlorine Pool Shock: Non chlorine pool shock is a method of shocking a pool with a strong oxidizing chemical that do not contain chlorine. Its a chlorine free method of pool cleaning through chemical oxidation. It should be noted that it does not disinfect or sanitize your pool from pathogens, bacteria and other disease causing microorganisms.

What is non chlorine pool shock?

Non chlorine pool shock as the name suggests, is a chlorine free method of pool shocking where oxidizing agents like Potassium monopersulfate or Potassium peroxymonosulfate is used. It does no add chlorine to the water and therefore for regular chlorination (sanitization) you need to add chlorine separately after a non chlorine pool shock.

Non chlorine pool shock is very effective in oxidizing impurities and contaminants like:

Debris and organic matter like dried leaves, dead insects, etc.
Ammonia based contaminants
Sweat, body oils, makeup and sunscreen lotions, etc.

This chlorine-free pool shock effectively oxidizes the impurities and breaks down in to a sludge and give a decolorizing effect due to settling of dissolved impurities. However, it is only an oxidizing treatment and not a sanitizing one, therefore it cannot kill bacteria and algae.

This non chlorine based pool shock can be used only in combination with a chlorine pool shock, to keep your pool completely sanitized. There are also advanced pool sanitizing systems like saltwater or using ozone.

What does non chlorine pool shock do?

Non chlorine pool shock oxidizes the organic debris, impurities and contaminants like sweat, body oils, makeup, sunscreen and lotions, etc. and make the water clearer. However it does not kill bacteria and algae and so there’s no sanitization.

It offers following advantages like:

Pool can be used immediately after shock: Since no chlorine is used, the chlorine levels remains intact after non chlorine pool shock. No waiting time is required for the chlorine level to drop back to normal levels. And it is safe for swimmers and therefore they can re-enter the pool immediately after the non chlorine pool shock.
No excessive use of chlorine: Being a chlorine free treatment, it do not increases any chlorine levels, and keeps the chlorine exposure to minimum levels. It keeps the pool clean and fresh without using any chlorine.
Can use with any pool types: It can be used with different pool types and systems where different methods of sanitization has been employed like salt water systems, ozone treatment, and any alternate sanitizing methods. It can also be used in spas and hot tubs.

How to shock a pool with non chlorine pool shock?

For shocking a pool with a non chlorine pool shock, you can follow the steps below:

Step #1: Preliminary testing of water

Pool water should be tested before with a pool test kit, test strips and pH meter to confirm the required optimal pH, free chlorine and alkalinity in the pool water. Any deviation from the required chemical balance in the pool water should be adjusted before the nonchlorine pool shock.

Required levels:

Chlorine level: Free chlorine should be 1 to 3 ppm
pH level: Should be between 7.2 to 7.6
Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
Calcium hardness: Should be between 200 to 400 ppm

Step #2: Calculate the required dosage amount

Check the manufacturers guidelines and recommendations for the dosage requirements for your pool size. The label will have the necessary information about calculating the dose of the non chlorine pool shock as per your pool’s volume.

Step #3: Pre-dissolve and prepare the shock

Non chlorine pool shock is a solid granular or powdered form of a strong oxidizing agent. It requires pre-dissolution before adding to the pool. This pre-dissolution should be done just before shocking the pool, as it is unstable and starts decomposing soon when mixed with water.

Step #4: Add the shock to the pool

Add the pre-dissolved shock to the pool water evenly throughout the pool, along the perimeters and corners. Check for spots near liners or water surface for any accumulation where it may tends to collect over.

Step #5: Run the pump and filter system

For ensuring even distribution run the pump and filtration system. The pump will help in thorough mixing of the shock with the pool water through circulation. This will result in more effective and complete oxidation of organic impurities. While filter will collect any solid waste, sludge so formed during the treatment, any undissolved particles, etc.

Step #6: Retest the treated water

After shocking, re-test the water for any pH or alkalinity imbalance or variation in the pool water quality. As the pool water is now free of organic impurities and contaminants and without any effect on its chlorine levels, it can be used immediately. Also, this retest of treated water after the non chlorine pool shock can be used as a basis for a subsequent chlorine shock.

Why should we use non chlorine pool shock?

Traditional chlorine pool shock has got some limitations and this non chlorine pool shock offers many advantages over the traditional one:

1. Lowers chlorine usage: The use of oxidizing agents during non chlorine pool shock reduces the overall chlorine required for sanitizing a pool. Thus only that much chlorine will be needed as it required to kill bacteria and algae and no chlorine will be consumed in oxidizing impurities.

2. No waiting, pool can be used immediately: Non chlorine pool shock do not require us to wait after shocking, as it does not increase any chlorine levels in the pool. Thus it is more convenient as we don’t have to wait for swimming after the treatment.

3. No chlorine odor: Non chlorine pool shock does not produce any chlorine smell or odor or any bitter taste, as no chlorine is used.

4. Prevents chloramine buildup: Chloramines are a by product when chlorine reacts with the organic waste, impurities and contaminants in the pool. They produce a filthy strong smell and causes discomfort and irritation in eyes and skin. The use of non chlorine pool shock oxidizes most of the organic waste and impurities before they form any chloramines.

5. Can use in all pool types: Use of Non chlorine pool shock is not limited to any particular pool type, it can be used easily and effectively in different pools. Vinyl, fiberglass, concrete, terrace pools, over the ground, in ground, etc.

How much non chlorine shock to add to pool?

The amount of non chlorine pool shock that you need to ad, depends on the size of the pool and specific product that you are using. The product label will have necessary guidelines and recommendations for use, but as a thumb rule, you can use in following quantities in general:

For a weekly routine maintenance, you can add 1 pound of non chlorine pool shock for every 10,000 gallons of pool water
After heavy usage like a pool party, you can increase the dosage to 1.5 to 2 pounds per 10,000 gallons of pool water, depending on the pool water’s quality and contamination.

Can you add non chlorine shock and chlorine at the same time?

No, it is not advisable to add chlorine pool shock along with the non chlorine pool shock because it will spoil the actual benefit or reason behind using the non chlorine based pool shock. Both are chemically different and serve different purposes.

The non chlorine pool shock is used as a chlorine-free treatment. It is based on oxidation process of organic impurities and it oxidizes the organic contaminants directly without forming any more chloramines. When chlorine is added this objective will not be fulfilled. Also, they may interact with each other and indulge in unnecessary chemical reactions which will reduce efficiency of both.

Also, the chlorine will reduce the effectiveness of non chlorine pool shock, and may tend to catalyze the oxidation process where the main active compound will decompose more quickly without performing the required degree of oxidation.

It is recommended to add chlorine pool shock after completion of the non chlorine pool shock treatment, for which you need to wait for at least 18 to 24 hrs.

When to use non chlorine shock in pool?

It is recommended to use non chlorine pool shock at least once in a week. The cost of the non chlorine shock treatment will be lesser if you carry out non chlorine shock frequently, as it prevents excessive buildup of chloramines and keeping the organic load within limits that can be cleared off with mild oxidation through non chlorine pool shock treatment.

However, if there are noticeable cloudiness and filthy odor after heavy usage or peak seasons, than you must give a non chlorine pool shock more frequently at smaller intervals. This creates the need of checking pool’s water quality every now and then, and than adjust the pool shock frequency.

How often should we use non chlorine pool shock?

Non-chlorine pool shock should be practiced in situations as listed below:

Regular maintenance: Can be used ideally as a part of weekly pool maintenance, because it does not alter chlorine levels in the pool.
After heavy usage: After a pool party, friends gathering or intense swimming sessions with friends and family, the excess organic contamination can be removed easily through oxidation without any higher dose of chlorine shock.
After high chloramine buildup: If you started noticing any filthy smell and high chlorine odor in pool water, it may be due to chloramines. It forms when chlorine reacts with organic contaminants in pool water. Non chlorine pool shock helps in breaking down these chloramines without increasing any chlorine content.
Before a chlorine-based pool shock: Non chlorine pool shock reduces the chlorine demand for pool sanitization and shock. However, this cannot completely replace chlorine pool shock. It reduces the organic load and enhances the effectiveness of subsequent chlorine pool shock.

Mistakes to avoid while using non chlorine pool shock?

The following mistakes can affect the quality and effectiveness of a non chlorine based pool shock treatment, you must try to avoid making following mistakes:

Skipping pre-testing of water before pool shock.
Miscalculating the dosage leading to over or under dosing.
Adding chlorine shock too soon, before the recommended wait time.
Poor water circulation after adding pool shock
Shocking the pool during day time
Improper pre-dissolution of shock
Using non chlorine pool shock for algae, mosquito larvae and bacterial growth
Immediately allowing swimmers back to the pool
Using non chlorine shock in saltwater pools, and ignoring the free chlorine levels

Best non chlorine pool shock

While choosing from the best non chlorine pool shock from the list below, you must check for its compatibility with various pool types and systems and whether it can meet your desired expectations along with being effective and cheap.

Some of the best non chlorine pool shocks available in market are as follows:

Leslie’s – Fresh ‘N Clear Non-Chlorine Oxidizing Pool Shock
HTH Non Chlorine Shock Oxidizer for Spa & Hot Tub
Clorox Pool&Spa Chlorine-Free Shock
Glb Oxy-brite Non-chlorine Shock Oxidizer For Swimming Pools
Spaguard Spa Shock Oxidizer Non chlorine shock

📰 Must Read,
✔️ Chlorine Pool Shock: How to Shock a Pool?
✔️ How to Use Chlorine or Bleach to Kill Mosquito Larvae in pool water?

Conclusion

By using non chlorine pool shocks you can reduce your chlorine exposures and maintain chlorine levels more easily. Since it does not involve use of chlorine, you don’t have to bother about any chlorine affecting your swimmers or any chloramines buildup.

The use of chlorine based non chlorine shock cannot be eliminated because it will be required for algae and bacterial growth and disinfecting or sanitizing your pool.

The number of benefits that non chlorine pool shock provides cannot be ignored and it must be included in your regular pool maintenance activity, which will help in reducing your chlorine usage.