Best Shock Treatments for Swimming Pools

Last summer, my pool turned a questionable shade of green faster than I could say “chlorine.” That’s when I learned the hard way just how important regular shocking is. This guide is the result of my research and testing of various shock treatments – to help you avoid the algae apocalypse and keep your pool sparkling all season long. We’ll compare different types, discuss application, and help you choose the best shock treatment for your pool and budget.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	HTH 52035 Swimming Pool Care Shock Advanced, Swimming Pool…	View on Amazon
	Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Shock XTRABLUE® Plus, Kills Bacteria &…	View on Amazon
	In The Swim Pool Shock – 68% Cal-Hypo Granular Sanitizer…	View on Amazon
	Drytec 1-1901-24 Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorine Shock…	View on Amazon
	HTH 52038 Swimming Pool Care Green to Blue, Advanced…	View on Amazon
	CPDI Champion 4-Pack Pool Shock, 12.5 Liquid Chlorinator…	View on Amazon
	HTH 52017 Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Chlorine Cleaner,…	View on Amazon

1. HTH 52035 Swimming Pool Care Shock Advanced

HTH’s Shock Advanced is a popular 4-in-1 option promising to kill bacteria and algae, reduce chlorine odor, and restore clarity. It’s fast-dissolving, which is a plus. I found it effective for weekly maintenance, keeping my water clear for a good week, especially when combined with regular filtration.

• Multi-functional (4-in-1)
• Fast-dissolving
• Doesn’t add cyanuric acid (CYA)
• Suitable for all pool types

Pros:
– Effective for general maintenance
– Fast acting
– Convenient

Cons:
– Might not be strong enough for severe algae blooms
– Pricey compared to some options

User Feedback Summary: Most users reported good results for weekly maintenance. Some found it less effective against heavy algae growth.

2. Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Shock XTRABLUE® Plus

Clorox’s XTRABLUE Plus boasts a 6-in-1 formula. The claim of being swim-ready in 15 minutes is appealing, although my experience showed it took a bit longer for complete clarity. The app integration is a nice touch, offering personalized recommendations.

• 6-in-1 formula
• Swim-ready in (approximately) 15 minutes
• Compatible with all pool surfaces
• App integration for dosage recommendations

Pros:
– Comprehensive formula
– Relatively fast-acting
– Helpful app

Cons:
– 15-minute claim might be optimistic
– Can be expensive

User Feedback Summary: Users generally liked the convenience and the app, but some noted the price point.

3. In The Swim Pool Shock – 68% Cal-Hypo Granular Sanitizer

This granular Cal-Hypo shock is a budget-friendly option. It’s powerful, but remember to pre-dissolve it to avoid bleaching your pool liner! I appreciated the straightforward application, though it requires a bit more effort than pre-mixed options.

• Fast-acting algae control
• Suitable for all pool types
• High chlorine content (68%)
• Affordable

Pros:
– Very effective
– Cost-effective
– Powerful sanitization

Cons:
– Requires pre-dissolving (to prevent liner damage)
– Can be messy

User Feedback Summary: Users praised its effectiveness and low price, but emphasized the importance of pre-dissolving.

4. Drytec 1-1901-24 Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorine Shock

Similar to In The Swim, Drytec offers a high-chlorine-content granular shock. The simplicity is nice – one bag per 10,000 gallons. However, remember to check and adjust your pH and alkalinity before and after use.

• High chlorine content (68%)
• Simple application
• Effective for sanitization

Pros:
– Powerful shock
– Straightforward instructions
– Good value

Cons:
– Requires pre-dissolving
– Needs careful pH balancing

User Feedback Summary: Mostly positive reviews focusing on its effectiveness and value for money.

5. HTH 52038 Swimming Pool Care Green to Blue

This two-part system is designed for serious algae problems. It’s a lifesaver for those green pool emergencies. The flocculant in Pack II really helps clear up the murky water.

• Two-step system (shock and flocculant)
• Effectively clears green water
• Doesn’t add CYA

Pros:
– Excellent for severe algae blooms
– Two-step process is thorough
– Works well with vacuuming to waste

Cons:
– More expensive than single-component shocks
– Only for pools that can vacuum to waste

User Feedback Summary: Highly rated by users struggling with green pools.

6. CPDI Champion 4-Pack Pool Shock, 12.5 Liquid Chlorinator

Liquid chlorine is different. This option is powerful and ready to use – just pour it in. It’s economical if you have a large pool or plan to use shock frequently. I recommend a pump for easier and more consistent application.

• Ready-to-use liquid chlorine
• No mixing required
• Economical for frequent use
• Powerful sanitization

Pros:
– Convenient
– Powerful
– Cost-effective for large pools

Cons:
– Can be messy to pour directly
– Requires careful handling due to liquid form
– May require a pump for even distribution

User Feedback Summary: Users liked the convenience and power, but some found manual pouring challenging.

7. HTH 52017 Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Chlorine Cleaner

This is a simple, effective single-use bag of shock. It’s perfect for smaller pools or occasional shocking. It’s convenient and gets the job done for basic maintenance.

• Fast-acting
• Fast-dissolving
• Suitable for all pool types
• Simple and easy to use

Pros:
– Convenient single-use bag
– Effective for basic maintenance
– Affordable

Cons:
– Less powerful than some options
– Not ideal for large pools or severe algae problems

User Feedback Summary: Mostly positive feedback for its simplicity and effectiveness for smaller pools.

Comparison Insights:

| Product | Type | Strength | Cost | Ease of Use | Best For |
|——————————|———–|———–|————|————-|————————————————|
| HTH Shock Advanced | Granular | Moderate | High | Easy | Weekly maintenance |
| Clorox XTRABLUE Plus | Granular | Moderate | High | Easy | Weekly maintenance, app users |
| In The Swim Cal-Hypo | Granular | High | Low | Moderate | Budget-conscious users, regular maintenance |
| Drytec Calcium Hypochlorite | Granular | High | Low | Moderate | Budget-conscious users, regular maintenance |
| HTH Green to Blue | Granular | High | High | Moderate | Severe algae blooms |
| CPDI Champion | Liquid | High | Moderate | Moderate | Frequent use, larger pools |
| HTH Shock Treatment | Granular | Moderate | Low | Easy | Small pools, occasional shocking |

Final Verdict:

The “best” shock treatment depends on your pool’s size, your budget, and the condition of your water. For weekly maintenance of a moderately sized pool, the HTH Shock Advanced or Clorox XTRABLUE Plus offer good convenience and effectiveness. If you’re on a budget, the In The Swim or Drytec options are excellent choices. For algae emergencies, the HTH Green to Blue is your best bet. Larger pools or frequent shocking might benefit from the CPDI Champion liquid option.

FAQ:

Q: How often should I shock my pool?

A: Weekly shocking is generally recommended for most pools, but you may need to shock more frequently after heavy use, rain, or if you notice algae growth.

Q: What is the difference between shocking and sanitizing?

A: Sanitizing maintains a consistent level of chlorine, while shocking significantly increases the chlorine level to kill algae and bacteria.

Q: What should I do if my pool water turns green?

A: Use a shock treatment specifically designed for algae (like the HTH Green to Blue), brush the walls and floor, and vacuum to waste if possible.

Q: What is CYA, and why does it matter?

A: CYA (cyanuric acid) stabilizes chlorine, but too much can lead to chlorine lock. Some shock treatments don’t add CYA, which can be beneficial.

Q: Can I use shock treatment in a saltwater pool?

A: Yes, most shock treatments are compatible with saltwater pools. However, always check the product label for specific instructions.

Q: What safety precautions should I take when using pool shock?

A: Always wear protective gloves and eyewear. Avoid inhaling the dust or fumes, and store the product out of reach of children and pets. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.