How Long Should I Run My Pool Pump After Shocking?

There is no set time as to how long you should run your pool pump after shocking with chlorine. You just want to make sure that all of the chemicals have dissipated before swimming in a swimming pool that has just been shocked.

A swimming pool that has just been shocked needs at least one hour of run time on the pool filter pump before swimming is allowed.

Shock treatment for a swimming pool is around 2-3lbs per 10,000 gallons of water depending on your area and other factors.

The amount will change based on swimming conditions and other factors but it’s always best to err on the side of caution when shocking any body of water with chlorine by letting it sit for an hour or two before using again.

As long as you are using liquid chlorine then the pool should be considered safe to use within about 15-30 minutes after shocking or when the free chlorine level is back down to 2ppm.

If you are using tablets for swimming pool sanitation then it will take longer to dissipate within the swimming pool water so always follow label instructions on your particular swimming pool shock treatment.

Here is more on how long to wait before running a pool pump after shocking the pool.

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How To Run Pool Pump After Shocking

If you just shocked the swimming pool and it’s been about 4 hours before swimming then you should run your swimming pool pump for at least an hour again on a lower speed setting to circulate some fresh water through the swimming pool filter as well as make sure all of the chemicals from the swimming pool shock treatment have dissipated.

how long should i run my pool pump after shocking

How Often To Run Pool Pump When Shocking A Pool

In most cases, running a swimming pool filter pump every day is not necessary even when shocking a pool.

However, following label instructions on your particular swimming pool shock use will be your best bet in terms of safety and results.

As with anything that varies between different swimming pools or swimming pool shock treatments then making sure that everything has dissipated into the swimming pool water before swimming again is always the best course of action.

How Long Does It Take For Pool Shock To Work?

It can take swimming pool shock 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the swimming pool and other factors such as how often the swimming pool is used.

If your swimming pool has not been used in a long time before shocking then it could take longer for the swimming pool shock treatment to dissipate because there was no movement in the swimming pool water.

At least one hour of run time on the swimming pool filter pump or circulation system will be required after shocking or when you notice that all of the chlorine from the swimming pool shock treatment has dissipated.

Allowing 15-30 minutes should do it but always err on the side of caution and wait upwards to 2hrs if possible just to make sure everything has worked its way around throughout the entire swimming pool.

how long should i run my pool pump after shocking

Benefits Of Shocking Swimming Pool

Swimming pool water will be sanitized, this is the main benefit of shocking a swimming pool.

The swimming pool filter pump or circulation system runs better when a swimming pool has been properly shocked with chlorine or another swimming pool sanitation chemical.

Swimming pools that are not used very often can take swimming pool shock treatment up to one hour before swimming again depending on various factors such as the amount of time between uses and how much was added directly into the swimming pool water during the shocking process.

Improved clarity in terms of removing algae and other organic debris that naturally build up in swimming pools over time.

Tips For Shocking Swimming Pool Before Using

There aren’t any set “tips” for the best way to shock a swimming pool but there are a few swimming pool shock treatment facts that you should know.

Swimming pool chlorine or swimming pool shock treatment with lower concentrations is less harmful to swimming pool liner and swimming pool paint than swimming pool chlorine or swimming pool shock treatments with higher concentrations so always err on the side of caution and be careful when shocking the swimming pool during the process.

Final Thoughts

The swimming pool shock treatment will dissipate in swimming pool water in 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on swimming pool use.

Swimming pools that are not used very often can take swimming pool shock treatment up to one hour before swimming again depending on various factors such as the amount of time between uses and how much was added directly into the swimming pool water during the shocking process.

When shocking a swimming pool wait at least an hour after adding swimming pool chemicals for swimming before reentering the swimming pool.

These are the tips to focus on when shocking a pool and running the pump.

Read More About Pools:

  1. Tips For Setting Up Fence Near Pool
  2. Using A Larger Pool Pump For Pool
  3. Understanding The Use Of Pool Slides
  4. Handling Overflowing Water From Pool
  5. Reasons A Pool Pump Refuses To Turn On