Why Shocking Your Pool Weekly is the Key to Clean, Crystal-Clear Water

– Steve Jost May 26, 2025

Keeping your pool water crystal-clear and safe for swimmers doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the simplest and most effective steps pool owners can take is shocking the pool once a week. This routine maintenance task helps eliminate contaminants, maintain chlorine efficiency, and keep your water looking beautiful all season long.
What is Pool Shocking? Pool shocking is the process of adding a high dose of chlorine (or non-chlorine shock) to the water to eliminate organic contaminants, kill bacteria and algae, and restore water clarity. Even with regular sanitizing, your pool accumulates invisible contaminants from sweat, sunscreen, debris, and other organic matter. Shocking your pool helps reset your water chemistry and remove or oxidize these unwanted contaminants.
Top Benefits of Weekly Pool Shocking

• Maintains Crystal Clear Water
  Shocking removes microscopic particles that cloud your water. Regular shocking helps prevent haziness and keeps your pool looking clear and inviting.
• Eliminates Bacteria and Algae
  Weekly shocking kills harmful microorganisms and prevents algae blooms before they start, making your pool safer for swimming. Weekly shocking also prevents costly and time-consuming algae issues.

• Improves Chlorine Efficiency
  Organic contaminants bind with chlorine and reduce its effectiveness. This creates chloramines or combined chlorine, a less effective form of chlorine in your pool water. Shocking breaks these bonds and “frees” the chlorine, allowing it to work more efficiently.
• Reduces the Risk of Major Clean-Ups
  By staying ahead of algae and bacteria, weekly shocking helps prevent big problems that require costly or time-consuming fixes.

Tips for Effective Pool Shocking

• Shock in the evening or at night, when everyone is done swimming and to avoid sunlight, reducing its effectiveness.
• Run your pool pump for at least 8 hours afterward to circulate the shock evenly. Always follow label directions for the correct dosage and how to apply the shock to your pool water.
• Test your water regularly. Shock and your chlorine level will be the most effective when your pool water is balanced.
• Make It a Habit. Just like brushing your teeth, shocking your pool weekly is a small step that makes a big difference. At Dover Pools, we carry a full line of shock products and can help you choose the right one for your pool.

Stop in or give us a call with questions — we’re here to help you enjoy a clean, safe, and relaxing pool all season long!

About Dover Pools

Since 1976, Dover Pools has been Delmarva’s largest pool, hot tub, and swim spa dealer. Dover Pools has five locations conveniently serving Delmarva from Salisbury Maryland, Seaford, Milford and two locations in Dover. Dover Pools offers exceptional customer service, expert advice, free water testing, and quality chemicals, supplies, accessories, games, and toys for your backyard pool and hot tub. Whether you already have your own backyard oasis of are looking for a new above ground pools, hot tubs, or power pool swims spas; Dover Pools is here to help.