should you run your pool filter when shocking

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Introduction

If you own a swimming pool, maintaining it properly should be a top priority. One of the essential elements of pool maintenance is keeping the water clean and free of harmful bacteria or algae. However, sometimes even the best efforts at regular maintenance cannot prevent the accumulation of these harmful pollutants in your pool water.

When this happens, the best course of action is to use a pool shock treatment to eradicate the pool of any contaminants. However, many pool owners are not sure if they should run their pool filter when shocking their pool. This article aims to answer that question.

What is Pool Shock, and When Do You Need to Use It?

Pool shock treatment, commonly known as "pool shock," is the process of adding large amounts of chlorine or other chemicals to a pool to kill bacteria, algae, or other harmful substances that regular pool maintenance cannot address. It is usually advised to shock the pool when:

1. There is an algae outbreak

2. The pool water is cloudy or murky

3. After heavy pool usage (parties or events)

Pool shock helps disinfect the pool quickly and effectively. It is usually done by adding pool shock products to the water and allowing the pool pump to run for a specific period to mix the water and distribute the shock evenly throughout the pool.

Should You Run Your Pool Filter When Shocking?

Yes, you should run your pool filter when shocking your pool. There is a common myth that running the pool filter during the pool shock process reduces the effectiveness of the shock treatment. However, this is not accurate.

Running your filter during pool shock treatment is essential for several reasons.

1. Helps circulate the Shock: Running your pool filter helps circulate the shock treatment throughout your pool's water, ensuring that all areas of the pool get treated equally.

2. Removes Dead Algae and Bacteria: Shocking a pool causes dead algae and bacteria to float to the surface of the pool's water. Running the filter during the pool shock helps prevent them from settling on the bottom or sides of the pool.

3. Prevents Filter Damage: Pool shocks can clog filters due to the increased number of dead algae and bacteria in the water. Running the filter helps in removing such debris from your filter system, reducing clogging risk.

4. Clarifying the Pool: Running the filter during the pool shock helps in clearing out dirt, debris, and dead algae, resulting in a cleaner, clear pool after the process is complete.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you run your filter correctly and safely.

Tips for Running the Pool Filter During Shock Treatment

1. Run Your Filter for Extended Duration: When you are shocking your pool, ensure you run your filter for a minimum of eight to twelve hours. This ensures that the shock has had enough time to circulate throughout the pool water.

2. Backwash Your Filter after Shocking: After running the pool filter for several hours during the shock treatment, backwashing the filter helps in removing any debris stuck in the filter.

3. Add Water Clarifier to Accelerate the Process: Pool water clarifiers are useful in helping the filter in clearing out debris and dead algae post-shock.

Conclusion

In conclusion, running your pool filter during the pool shock process is crucial. It helps in circulating the shock and ensuring that your pool is free of any bacteria or algae. It also helps clear out dead algae and bacteria that may accumulate on the pool surface. However, remember to run the filter for an extended period while adding clarifiers to speed up the process. Backwashing the filter after shocking will also help in removing debris from the filter. These tips will ensure a clean, healthy, and clear pool after the shock treatment.