When Can You Dive Back In? Understanding Pool Shock Recovery Times
Maintaining a pool can be a little confusing, and you may not know the rhyme or reason to everything a pool may need, but one of the most common treatments pool owners are to expect is “shocking” your pool. As a pool cleaning and maintenance company in West Palm Beach, we are here to answer four big questions people typically have when their pool needs a shock treatment.
What is Pool Shock?
To understand why your pool needs this maintenance care, you first need to understand what a shock treatment is. Shocking your pool is essentially a combination of chemicals that are put into your water to rid your pool of algae and bacteria while also balancing the water’s pH levels. Doing so ensures that the water is in a safe state for you and your friends and family to enjoy your pool.
How Long Should You Wait to Swim?
One major question that many people ask is, "When can I start swimming in my pool again?" It is typically recommended by many pool experts that you should wait at least 24 hours before swimming in your pool after a shock treatment. Although the goal of shock treatment is to bring the pool to a safe and swimmable state, the chemicals that facilitate this process need time to dilute and interact with other chemicals added. When in doubt, wait 24 hours and then test your water's pH to ensure it falls within the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.8.
What Can Happen if You Swim Too Early?
Swimming in a pool that has been recently shocked and not waiting the full 24 hours can be extremely harmful to your health. While the chemicals are still dissolving and interacting with each other, the pool’s pH levels become more acidic. Swimming in an acidic pool can cause skin rashes, eye and nasal stinging, and even excessive itching. If you experience these symptoms even without the shock treatment, it may be a good idea to call a local pool service near you to identify the problem and bring your pool back to a balanced state.
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you are looking to have a swimming experience with less maintenance and chemicals, you may be interested in learning about saltwater pool systems. This swimming pool alternative is known for using less harsh chemicals and is easier on your health if you are sensitive to traditional chlorine pools.
The big takeaway here is that you should wait a full 24 hours before swimming in a recently shocked pool. However, knowing this rule is only partially helpful. Understanding what shock treatments are, what happens if you swim too early, and pool alternatives will leave you feeling confident in the advice provided by professionals in the field. If you are ever unsure or have questions about your pool, reach out to your local service company and get the answers you need!
About Us
South Florida Pool Service is a family-owned business dedicated to maintaining pristine swimming pools for their clients to enjoy a refreshing and relaxing swim.
South Florida Pool Service
Based in West Palm Beach
SFLPoolService@Hotmail.com
https://www.SFLPoolService.com