The 10 Best Pool Shock to Buy in 2021

The 10 Best Pool Shock to Buy in 2021

Best pool shock

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Models Considered

48

Hours of Research​

68

Reviews Analyzed

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Experts Interviewed

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68

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Reviews Analyzed

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6

Hours of Research​
Experts Interviewed
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Have you ever come home from a long vacation to find the water in the pool has turned a mushy green? There is no worse feeling, especially if you have been craving for a long swim. That is why regular care for your pool is crucial if you want to keep it crystal clear and fresh.

But cleaning your pool, especially after a pool party, or a heavy rainstorm, can be a cumbersome task. Simply clearing the waste from the pool won’t do, as the water may still contain pathogenic bacteria and bather waste like body oils, sweat, lotion, and even urine.

And if the water is treated improperly, the situation will only get worse as it will result in the build-up of chloramines which is responsible for the strong chlorine smell and eye irritation in swimming pools.

This is where a pool shock can come in handy. It can quickly clear all bacteria and algae from your pool and make the water crystal clear – and completely free of chloramines.

But even though shocking a pool is an essential part of pool maintenance, it is no child’s play. There are hundreds of pool shocks available in the market with different ingredients, varying chlorine levels, and multiple package options.

So choosing the right pool shock that suits the type of pool you own, is a difficult task. But once you get that part right, maintaining your pool will become a breeze. That’s why we have compiled below this list of 10 Best Pool Shocks – so that YOU don’t have to do the work!

Now, there are pools of various sizes and capacities out there and each of them requires a different type of pool shock. Also, there are different preferences according to each pool owner. 

The 10BestBuy® Team has prepared this 10 Best Pool Shocks list to satisfy the needs of all kinds of customers. We have also taken care to include only pool shocks that come at reasonable prices so that purchasing them won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

At the end of the review, you will also find a Buyer’s Guide prepared by our Chief Editor, which will guide you to choose the most suitable pool shock for your pool, from our 10Best list.

10BestBuy.com Top Picks

HTH 52028 Ultimate Shock Treatment Swimming Pool

HTH Ultimate Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Shock

7-in-1 shock treatment 6 count value pack that is fast-acting and fast-dissolving that cleanses pool water within 24 hours.

9.8
Buy It On Amazon
Clorox Pool&Spa 33512CLX Pool Shock

Clorox Pool&Spa 33512CLX Pool Shock

6-in-1 shock treatment to clear cloudy water, destroy microscopic contaminants and kill algae with algae-fighting crystals
9.7
Buy It On Amazon
In The Swim Super Pool Shock

In The Swim Super Pool Shock

The strongest pool shock in In-The-Swim’s collection of pool shocks with 70% available chlorine.
9.7
Buy It On Amazon
Doheny's Chlorine Super Shock

Doheny's Chlorine Super Shock

Fast-acting, pool sanitizing shock that kills bacteria, controls algae and destroys organic contaminants.
9.6
Buy It On Amazon
DryTec 1-1901-24 Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorine Shock Treatment

DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorinating Shock Treatment

Fast-acting, quick-dissolving swimming pool sanitizer that kills bacteria, controls algae and destroys organic contaminants.
9.6
Buy It On Amazon
Clorox Pool&Spa 69001CLX Shock for Small Pools

Clorox Pool&Spa Shock For Small Pools

Fast-dissolving Shock for small pools up to 5000 gallons in size that cleanses pool water within 15 minutes.
9.4
Buy It On Amazon
Zappit 73% Cal Hypo Pool Shock

Zappit 73% Cal Hypo Pool Shock

Fast-dissolving pool shock and super chlorinator with 70% available chlorine that is ideal for larger pools.
9.4
Buy It On Amazon
Aqua Chem 12101AQU-06 Xtra Blue Swimming Pool Shock

Aqua Chem 12101Aqu-06 Xtra Blue Swimming Pool Shock

Fast-dissolving 6-in-1 pool shock that destroys bacteria and organic contaminants, and kills algae with blue algae-fighting crystals.
9.2
Buy It On Amazon
Pool Essentials Shock Treatment 6 Pack

Pool Essentials Shock For Swimming Pools

Sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione shock treatment that clears cloudy water and reduces chlorine odor.
9.2
Buy It On Amazon

Nava Chemicals Starplus Chlorinating Shock Treatment

Stabilized, quick-dissolving, Sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione shock suitable for all pools and spas.
9.0
Buy It On Amazon
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Top 10 Best Pool Shock - Reviews and Buyer's Guide

01

HTH Ultimate Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Shock

HTH as a brand has been a pool expert since 1926. Among a range of pool shocks that the brand offers, the HTH Ultimate Shock is one of the best pool shocks available in the market today. So, if you are looking for high-quality multi-functional shock treatment, then you can trust HTH Ultimate shock to do the job.

The HTH Ultimate Shock! Treatment is a highly effective, 7-in-1 multipurpose pool shock that works fast to cleanse pool water. Its unique formula with 52.5% available chlorine restores swimming pool chlorine levels that have been depleted by the sun, rain, and heavy use.

The HTH Ultimate Shock! Treatment also kills and prevents bacteria and algae, which is the result of many factors including low chlorine levels, poor water circulation, and warm weather. In addition, this multi-purpose pool shock reduces eye and skin irritation, prevents stains from metals, prevents scale formation, softens water, and clarifies it within 24 hours.

It also provides visible blue action so that you can see the process happening. A single 1lb bag of this unique pool shock treats 13,500 gallons of water. The HTH Ultimate Shock! Treatment is available as a single pack, 6-Pack, 12-Pack, and a 5.5 lbs bottle. It should ideally be used once every week.

The HTH Ultimate Shock! Treatment is effective on all pool surfaces and won’t fade your vinyl pool lines. It can also be used in saltwater pools with the same sparkling clear results.

Besides, it is manufactured right here in the USA. So you don’t have to think twice before buying The HTH Ultimate Shock! Treatment, the next time you want to clean your pool.

Pros
Cons

02

Clorox Pool&Spa 33512CLX Pool Shock

Clorox is one of the most recognized names when it comes to pool cleaning products. The Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtrablue is the best among the variety of pool shocks that the brand offers. This powerful formula with 39% available chlorine will kill bacteria and shock your pool crystal clear without bleaching your pool’s liner or affecting pH.

The 6-in-1 fast-dissolving formula of the Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtrablue works quickly so that your pool will be swim-ready within 15 minutes of use (However, test chlorine levels prior to re-entry). This unique pool shock contains algae-fighting crystals that kill and prevent algae. It also kills all kinds of pathogenic bacteria that enter your pool from various sources.

The Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtrablue destroys contaminants to aid filter performance and clear dull, cloudy water. 

A single one-pound bag of this unique pool shock treats 12000 gallons of water. The Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtrablue 12-Pack contains twelve one-pound packs and should ideally be used once every week. You can also download the free Clorox Pool app for expert water analysis and product & dosage recommendations. 

So, there is no doubt that the Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtrablue is one of the best swimming pool shocks out there.

Pros
Cons

03

In The Swim Super Pool Shock

The In-The-Swim Super Pool Shock is one of the best pool shocks available in the market today in terms of chlorine content. Its powerful 73% Calcium Hypochlorite formula with 70% minimum available chlorine is one of the strongest and will quickly eradicate algae, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants from your swimming pool.

This multipurpose pool shock also acts as a sanitizer and can take your pool water from cloudy to crystal clear within 24 hours. It is also compatible with Vinyl Liner Compatible surfaces and can also 

The In-The-Swim Super Pool Shock is ideal for spring openings, stubborn algae blooms, and regular maintenance and comes in convenient 1 pound packs. You can also get this super pool shock in six, twelve, and forty-eight count value packs.

One pound of the In-The-Swim Super Pool Shock treats 10,000 gallons of pool water and is ideal for spring openings, stubborn algae blooms, and regular maintenance. One pound of the Pools Shock will raise free chlorine levels in a clean and balanced pool to 9 ppm, per 10,000 gallons of pool water. However, pools with excessive algae growth, debris, or heavy sunlight will require a proportionally higher dose of pool shock.

So if you are looking to super chlorinate your swimming pool for the spring opening with the highest concentration of chlorine, there is no better choice available in the market today than the In-The-Swim Super Pool Shock

Pros
Cons

04

Doheny's Chlorine Super Shock

Doheny’s Super Shock is one of the best pool shocks in terms of value-for-money. It comes in easy-to-use one-pound bags with a shelf life of up to 3 years, providing great value for your daily chlorination and overall pool maintenance needs. It comes in a variety of packaging options including 6-count and 48-count packs. The bigger pack you buy, the more money you save.

The granular formula of  Doheny’s Super Shock contains 68% Calcium Hypochlorite with 65% available chlorine dissolves quickly to give your swimming pool an instant chlorination boost. The fast-acting pool shock boosts the chlorine levels to kill algae, bacteria, and other contaminants that make pool water cloudy and leave your pool with crystal clear water.

This versatile pool shock helps sanitize your pool and destroy organic contaminants quickly and effectively. The ideal way to use this pool shock is to dilute it in a bucket of warm water and use it after dark while letting the pump run overnight. You will be able to re-enter the pool once chlorine levels are in the 1-4 ppm range.

Typically, each one-pound bag of Doheny’s Super Shock conveniently treats 10,000 gallons of pool water. It is highly effective for your pool opening and can keep your pool water crystal clear and free of contaminants throughout the swim season. However, pools that sustain extensive sunlight or have excessive algae blooms often require double or triple doses to properly sanitize poor pool water conditions.

So if you are looking for a pool shock that lasts you long while saving money from your pocket, Doheny’s Super Shock is a good choice

Pros
Cons

05

DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorinating Shock Treatment

The DryTec Pool Shock is one of the best swimming pool shocks for those trying out shock treatment for the very first time. It comes with a detailed instruction chart that tells you exactly how to use the pool shock.

The DryTec Pool Shock formula contains 68% Calcium Hypochlorite with 65% minimum available chlorine which will give your pool an instantaneous chlorine boost to kill bacteria, control algae blooms, and destroy organic contaminants in the pool.

The best time to use the pool shock is during the evening hours. The fast-acting and quick-dissolving formula of the DryTec Pool Shock helps sanitize the pool making it ideal for a long swim. For best results, a weekly shock treatment should be sufficient.

You can directly add the entire contents of one bag per 10,000 gallons into the deepest area of the pool while the filter and pump are operating. To prevent damage to the pool surface you can use an appropriate pool brush to disperse any undissolved.

A single one-pound bag of DryTec Pool Shock is designed to treat 10,000 gallons of pool water. However, additional shock treatments may be required to correct problems that are caused by visible algae, high bathing loads, heavy winds, and rainstorms. Increasing the dosage can also help reduce problems such as unpleasant odors and eye irritation.

So if you are looking for a high-chlorine content solution for your swimming pool woes, DryTec Pool Shock could be the answer.

Pros
Cons

06

Clorox Pool&Spa Shock For Small Pools

Now, most pool shocks cater to larger pools or for long-term use. But what if you have a small pool? That is where the Clorox Pool&Spa Shock for small pools comes in handy. It is one of the best pool shocks for smaller swimming pools and spas.

This small yet powerful bottle of pool shock uses a formula that contains 58.2% Sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione will instantly raise chlorine levels in pools up to 5000 gallons to remove cloudiness and give you crystal clear water. It restores water freshness and clarity by oxidizing organic contaminants like body oils, lotions, sweat, and urine.

The Clorox Pool&Spa Shock for small pools also reduces chlorine odor and eye irritation and is ideal for all kinds of small pools and spas. When used according to the directions on the label, the pool shock will not bleach vinyl pool liners.

The Clorox Pool&Spa Shock for small pools is also fast dissolving and easy to use. It can be applied directly to the pool and does not require pre-dissolving. Three and a half tablespoons is a standard dosage for a 500 ppm pool to achieve 3-4 ppm chlorine, which means you’ll have about 27 dosages in a container. 

For best results, you should use the pool shock on a weekly basis. Additionally, you should also apply more products after heavy use, high temperatures, or rain.

Pros
Cons

07

Zappit 73% Cal Hypo Pool Shock

Purchasing small one-pound packs of pool shock with low available chlorine is not ideal when maintaining bigger pools or a large number of pools. That is where a pool shock, like Zappit 73, can come in handy. The Zappit 73  swimming pool shock comes in a bucket of 50 lbs and contains 73% Calcium Hypochlorite with 70% available chlorine.

It can be used both as a pool shock and a regular maintenance super chlorinator. One pound of the pool shock will provide 2 ppm of available chlorine in a 40,000 gallon pool. The fast-dissolving granular formula of the Zappit 73 makes it easy to use and saves you a lot of time and money. It also comes with a measuring cup for further ease of use.

The powerful shock treatment of the Zappit 73 is great for spring start-up as it gives a quick chlorine boost, and helps to balance your pool water chemistry. It also does not contain cyuranic acid (CYA) to over-stabilize the chlorine. So you won’t have to worry about having to drain your pool water to get the CYA level back to normal.

So if you are looking for a high-chlorine jumbo pack of pool shock for your large swimming pool, the Zappit 73 pool shock is the ideal choice.

Pros
Cons

08

Aqua Chem 12101Aqu-06 Xtra Blue Swimming Pool Shock

The 6-in-1 multipurpose Aqua-Chem Xtra Blue acts can balance, chlorinate, shock, and also work as an algaecide for your pool water. It contains 63% Sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione which can quickly boost chlorine levels and is one of the safest and easiest to use.

The Aqua Chem Xtra Blue Swimming Pool Shock contains blue algae fighting crystals that can quickly kill even the most stubborn algae blooms. In addition, the formula also kills harmful bacteria and destroys organic contaminants that make the water cloudy and creates sparkling clear water.

One pound of the pool shock is formulated to treat 12,000 gallons of water. Aqua-Chem Xtra Blue Swimming Pool Shock is compatible with all types of pools and is also pH neutral which means you don’t have to worry if it will affect the pH balance of your pool. In addition, the clarifier also enhances filter performance.

The Aqua Chem Xtra Blue reduces eye irritation and chlorine odor making your pool perfect for a swim. It is also specifically formulated to allow you to re-enter your pool as soon as fifteen minutes after treatment subject to testing chlorine levels.

So if you are looking for a safe and easy pool shock for your swimming pool, the Aqua-Chem Xtra Blue Swimming Pool Shock is surely worth considering.

Pros
Cons

09

Pool Essentials Shock For Swimming Pools

Now if you do not prefer Calcium Hypochlorite or Sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione and are looking for a pool shock with a different active ingredient, the Pool Essentials Shock is your best choice. It contains 53.5%  Trichloro-s-triazinetrione with 48.6% available chlorine.

It might work a little slower than calcium hypochlorite but does not need to be used quite so often, thus giving you good value in the long term. Besides, it is the safest and easiest to use,  since it does not have to be pre-dissolved.

The Pool Essentials Shock is an economic shock for all pool types. It is designed to instantly increase chlorine levels and sanitize your pool. It can also reduce undesirable chlorine odor making your pool perfect for a long swim. 

The Pool Essentials Shock comes in a 6-pack, with each pack measuring one pound in weight. One pound of the pool shock is formulated to treat 10,000 gallons of pool water. The Pool Essentials Shock is fast dissolving and easy to apply. You can directly add one bag per 10,000 gallons into the deepest area of the pool while the filter and pump are operating. 

To prevent damage to the pool surface you can use an appropriate pool brush to disperse any undissolved. Just fifteen minutes after the application of the product you can re-enter the pool once you’ve made sure that the chlorine level is 4 ppm or below.

You can use the Pool Essentials Shock on a weekly basis in the suggested dosage to keep pool water clear. However, you may increase the dosage after heavy use, high temperatures, or rain.

Pros
Cons

10

Nava Chemicals Starplus Chlorinating Shock Treatment

The Star Plus Pool Shock by Nava Chemicals is one of the best non Calcium Hypochlorite pool shocks available in the market today. It contains 99% Sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione with 55.5% available chlorine that can quickly increase the chlorine levels in your swimming pool.

The Star Plus Pool Shock is a stabilized pool shock and will not cause mineral scale build-up. It is suitable for all pools and spas. Superchlorination with the Star Plus pool shock will help sanitize your pool and spa and maintain it in perfect condition. However, super chlorination may be necessary on a nightly basis in a heavily used spa, or once a week in a moderately used spa.

One pound of the pool shock can be used to treat 10,000 gallons of water. For swimming pool super chlorination you have to broadcast one pound of the pool shock per 10,000 gallons directly into the water, in the deep end of the pool. 

To prevent damage to the pool surface you can use an appropriate pool brush to disperse any undissolved. After the application of the product, you can re-enter the pool once you’ve made sure that the chlorine level is 3 ppm or below.

The Star Plus Pool Shock when used as directed can also be effective as a spa and hot tub water disinfectant agent as well as an effective clarifier. It can also be used in maintenance doses of ½ a teaspoon per 100 gallons as an initial treatment and repeat at 15 to 20-minute intervals until a residual of 3-5 ppm is established as determined by a test kit.

Pros
Cons

Best Pool Shock Buyer's Guide

Pool Shocks

What Is A Pool Shock?

Pool Shock is essentially a chlorine or non-chlorine chemical used for the treatment of pools to restore clarity. Pool Shocking refers to the process of raising the chlorine levels to a point where all the contaminants in the water are destroyed.

When To Use A Pool Shock?

A clean pool will typically be odor-free. A pool that smells strongly of chlorine doesn’t mean it is clean. It is rather an indicator of improperly treated water. The odor actually comes from chloramines, which is formed when chlorine in the pool mixes with the nitrogen in sweat, oils, and urine. That is why public pools always seem to have a quite strong smell. 

However, smell alone does not indicate when you should shock your pool. There are mainly three reasons to shock a pool or a spa. These could be called the A-B-Cs of Pool Shock.

The A-B-C's Of Pool Shock

1. Algae

Green pool algae are by far the most common issue that pool owners face, with stubborn black algae and mustard algae, following closely behind. But whatever the color, green, black, yellow, or pink, the best way to kill algae and clear the pool, is to use pool shock. Depending on the severity of the algae, 10-30 ppm is necessary to kill active algae blooms.

2. Bacteria & Bather Waste

Bacteria can enter the pool from many sources. Although most of it belongs to the harmless variety, there are also chances for pathogenic bacteria. You can use pool shock to remove bacteria after heavy pool use, long winters, and bather “accidents”.

3. Chloramines, Contaminants & Cloudy Water

As mentioned before, combined chlorine molecules called chloramines are responsible for the strong chlorine smells in pools. It is also responsible for “red-eye” and should be treated if levels exceed 0.5 ppm. There are also other contaminants that affect the water in your pool and cause the water to become cloudy.

How To Use A Pool Shock?

Pool Shocks contain hazardous substances and may be fatal if inhaled or swallowed. Further, it is corrosive and can cause skin burns. Mixing with other substances including water may cause some pool shocks to generate heat, hazardous gas, and even create fire and explosion.

As such, it is a violation of Federal Law to use pool shocks in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. As such, you should read the entire label and use the pool shock strictly in accordance with precautionary statements and directions. Here are some general steps to keep in mind while using a pool shock:

Testing the water to check pH levels is quite essential before using the pool shock. A low pH indicates acidity, while a high pH indicates alkalinity – both are unsuitable for pool water. So you need to adjust pH levels to a low range of 7.1 to 7.4 before shocking, for the most powerful effect.

You can use a pool water testing kit to measure the FC and TC of your water and then subtract the FC from the TC to find the CC of your pool. This will tell you exactly how much chlorine you need to add to the pool.

The amount of shock required depends on the amount of water in your pool and the strength of the shock. You can check the product label to calculate the amount of shock required. However, when cleaning the pool after a long time, or after heavy use, a higher dosage may be required.

While shocking your pool kills bacteria and algae, it won’t actually get rid of them from the water. That is why you should make sure that the filter pump is running before you add the pool shock to the water.

Wear safety glasses or goggles and use rubber gloves before using the pool shock. For additional protection of the skin, wearing long sleeves and long pants is also recommended. You could also use a chemical mask to avoid breathing in the chlorine gas or fumes that can cause respiratory problems.

When and how you need to use the pool shock depends on its chemical makeup. Most pool shocks are to be used after dusk to avoid UV degradation, while there are some non-chlorine shocks that can be used anytime. Some are to be pre-dissolved before you add it to the pool, while some others can be added directly to the pool without dissolving it beforehand.

You should keep the pump running for at least six hours after adding the pool shock to the water. If possible, you can keep the pump running overnight. However, it is always best to follow the instructions on the product label for safety and for the best results.

Even though some pool shocks can make your pool swim-ready in 15 minutes, this is subject to chlorine level going below 4 ppm. So re-entry into treated swimming pools is prohibited above levels of 4 ppm chlorine due to risk of bodily injury. The pool will be safest to use again once the chlorine levels go below 3 ppm.

Storage: Take extra care to keep the pool shock in its original bag until use. Partially used bags, fold over the top and secure with adhesive tape. Store the product only in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat or open flame. Also, make sure to store the product in a secure location away from children.

Things You Should Consider Before Buying Pool Shocks!

Type Of Active Ingredient

There are several types of pool shock available in the market today.

Also referred to as cal hypo, Calcium Hypochlorite is by far the most inexpensive and convenient ingredients used in pool shocks. It is usually available in granular form and would require to be dissolved before you add it to the pool.

It needs to be dissolved before you add it to the pool and should only be used after dark. The HTH Ultimate Shock is a good example of a pool shock that uses Calcium Hypochlorite.

Lithium Hypochlorite contains around 35% chlorine in commercial versions. It doesn’t raise the calcium level of your pool, unlike Calcium Hypochlorite. It also dissolves much more quickly and can be added directly to the pool without dissolving it beforehand. However, it does cost more. It is also toxic to aquatic life and should only be used after dusk.

Commonly known as dichlor or dichloroisocyanuric acid, this chemical used in Pool Shock is the safest and easiest. It contains between 50 to 60 percent of chlorine and can be used for both regular chlorine doses and shock treatments. You don’t have to dissolve it ahead of time.

However, it must be used after dark to avoid UV degradation. The Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtrablue is a good example of a shock that uses dichlor.

Potassium peroxymonosulfate is an inexpensive non-chlorine shock. It can be added directly to your pool water at any time and it only takes roughly fifteen minutes before you can safely swim again. However, it does not function as an algaecide and is less popular among pool shocks.

Others: There are also other pool shocks like the Pool Essentials Shock that use Trichloro-s-triazinetrione as an active ingredient. Various non-chlorine shocks that don’t use potassium peroxymonosulfate as active ingredients are also available in the market. Besides, each brand uses unique amounts of the active ingredients, so there is a huge variety to choose from.

Chlorine Level

One of the most important factors to consider before buying a pool shock is the available chlorine. There are lots of pool shocks in the market with varying levels of available chlorine from as low as 35%  up to as high as 70%.

Typically, the higher the amount of available chlorine, the more powerful the shock. However, high chlorine levels are not always good. For regular pool maintenance, a pool shock with available chlorine around 40 and 50 percent should be ideal. And if your pool has a vinyl surface, a lower amount of chlorine would be suitable.

But, in case of a more stubborn algae bloom, or if you are cleaning your pool after a long while, a pool shock with 60 percent available chlorine or higher will be necessary.

Dosage

Different pool shocks come with different dosage recommendations based on their contents. Shocks that require higher dosage will be used up quickly, which means you’ll have to spend money again to purchase more.

On average, the best pool shocks require a dosage of one pound to treat 10,000 gallons of pool water. However, there are pool shocks like the HTH Ultimate Shock that can treat 13,500 gallons, the Clorox Pool & Spa Shock Xtrablue that can treat 12,000 gallons, and the Zappit 73 that can treat 16,500 gallons of water with the same dosage. 

However such high-strength pool shocks are not suitable for pools that are smaller in size since purchasing large quantities would be an absolute waste. As such, pool shocks like the Clorox Pool&Spa Shock For Small Pools that can treat 5000 gallons of water with one pound, are ideal for pools that are less than 5000 gallons in size.

Re-entry Time (When To Swim)

Once you use a pool shock, you will have to leave it for a while for it to work its magic. This means that it will be a while before it is safe for you to re-enter the water for a swim. Now, different pool shocks advertise different swim-before times. 

Calcium Hypochlorite shocks require a longer waiting time since they come with higher levels of chlorine. You might have to wait for up to 24 hours before you can use the pool again.

Some lower chlorine shocks allow you to get back into the water as soon as fifteen minutes after the shock treatment, However, you should make sure that the chlorine levels are below 4 ppm before you enter the pool to avoid bodily harm.

Non-chlorine shocks also typically have very little waiting time. You can usually get back into the pool immediately after using such shocks. However, these shocks are less effective in killing bacteria and algae.

Capacity

Capacity is another factor you need to consider before purchasing a pool shock as different pools are of different sizes. Pool shocks are available in various weights and packaging ranging from 1 lb bags to 100 lb buckets.

And since shocking needs to be done on a regular basis, you need to determine how much pool shock is required for the regular maintenance of your pool. This will help you stock up as much of the shock you need and will save you money in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pool shocks are made from various ingredients. Most pool shocks use Calcium Hypochlorite as active ingredients, while some others use Dichloro-s-triazinetrione. There are also non-chlorine shocks that use Potassium Monopersulfate as the active ingredient. There is also liquid shock that uses Sodium Hypochlorite as an active ingredient. Sodium hypochlorite is a heavy-duty type of pool shock that isn’t typically used in home pools.

Most smaller packs of pool shocks come in non-refillable containers. As such these should not be refilled or reused. However, they should not be discarded carelessly as it can be acutely hazardous to the environment and is a violation of Federal Law.

The best way to dispose of the container is to offer it for recycling, if available. If not, triple rinse the empty container thoroughly  

If the waste cannot be disposed of according to the label instructions you can also contact your State Pesticide or Environmental Control Agency, or the Hazardous Waste representative at the nearest EPA Regional Office for guidance.

Shocking is an essential part of pool maintenance. If handled properly and all the instructions on the product label are followed promptly, there is no harm in using pool shock. However, it is an environmental hazard if not disposed of properly, and is toxic to humans, domestic animals, and aquatic and terrestrial organisms. So make sure you keep it out of reach of children.

Best Pool Shock - Final Verdict

There are hundreds of pool shocks available in the market today that offer good value, which makes choosing the best among them, and even tougher job. The 10BestBuy team has done considerable research before coming up with this list. Every product in the list is specifically chosen to satisfy a particular customer, which is why we have an eclectic list of products.

However, only the best of the best made the final cut, be it the HTH Ultimate Shock!, the Clorox Pool&Spa Shock for small pools, the Zappit 73 Cal Hypo Super Shock for larger pools, or the Aqua Chem Xtra Blue Dichloro-s-triazinetrione shock. So you won’t regret it even if you buy the last product on the list.