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Youll need the right pool shock to keep your pool water swim-ready.

HTH Pool Care Shock Advanced on a blue background

The Spruce

Regular shocking keeps your water balanced, prevents cloudiness, and boosts the effectiveness of your pools sanitation system.

Choosing the right shock treatment for yourpool typeand the specific issue you’re tackling is key.

For vinyl-lined pools, opt for a quick-dissolving shock that wont damage the liner.

Amazon HTH Pool Care Shock Advanced

PHOTO: Amazon

And if youre dealing with algae, a strong chlorine-based shock will clear it up quickly.

Each 1-pound pouch treats up to 13,500 gallons of water, so a little goes a long way.

If any granules settle at the bottom, a quick brush will help them dissolve.

Amazon Clorox Pool&Spa Shock Clear

PHOTO: Amazon

With this granular formula, maintaining a healthy pool has never been easier.

We love how fast it dissolves in just 15 minutes.

Safe for all pool surfacesincluding vinyl, plaster, fiberglass, and tilethis formula is both versatile and effective.

Amazon Champion Pool Shock

PHOTO: Amazon

The recommended dosage is one pound per 12,000 gallons of water.

For best results,shock your poolweekly and after heavy use, high heat, or rainfall.

Like any product that contains chlorine, it can cause discoloration on pool surfaces if not properly circulated.

Amazon DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorine Shock Treatment

PHOTO: Amazon

Thats why its important to brush your pool thoroughly after applying.

Its also best to use this product at night to prevent degradation from sunlight, ensuring maximum effectiveness.

It’s ready to use right out of the bottle with no mixing required.

Amazon In The Swim Sodium Di-Chlor Chlorine Granular Pool Shock

PHOTO: Amazon

The recommended dosage is 11 ounces per 10,000 gallons, and each one-gallon will provide about 11 treatments.

Its important to note that liquid pool shock canbleach your clothesor other surfaces ifaccidentally spilled.

Still, we appreciate its convenience and ease of use, as long as you take the necessary precautions.

Amazon In The Swim Chlorine-Free Pool Shock

PHOTO: Amazon

DryTec Shock Treatment is a quick-dissolving option that only takes about 30 minutes to disperse.

DryTec Shock Treatment is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a granular formula.

To use, add one 1-pound pouch for every 10,000 gallons of water.

Amazon HTH Pool Care 1" Chlorine Tabs

PHOTO: Amazon

Be sure that the pump is running during the utility.

The manufacturer recommends using 1 pound of product to treat 10,000 gallons of water.

In the Swim is also compatible with saltwater pools, making it a flexible solution for various pool types.

Amazon SpaGuard Enhanced Shock

PHOTO: Amazon

You may need to brush away undissolved granules with a pool brush to ensure complete and even treatment.

High levels of CYA can lead to chlorine lock, making it harder to properly sanitize your pool .

Its highly effective at eliminating contaminants such as sunscreen, oils, makeup, and fertilizer.

The shock dissolves quickly, delivering fast results without altering the PH levels of your pool.

After software, you only need to wait about 15 minutes before using the pool again.

A larger size is also available for those with bigger pools or higher volume needs.

As the tablet dissolves, the chemicals are gradually dispersed throughout the pool.

Each tablet contains 93.6 percent sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, which includes up to 84 percent chlorine.

One tablet treats 10,000 gallons of pool water, making it convenient for smaller pools.

Just a heads-up: unlike more versatile shock treatments, this product is not intended for regular swimming pools.

If youre looking for an even simpler solution, a liquid chlorine likeChampion Pool Shockis a great option.

Liquid shockis extremely easy to use and works quicklyjust pour it directly into the pool.

Powder and granule shocksrequire a more controlled system.

The amount of chlorine in pool shock varies by formula.

There are chlorine-free alternatives available, such as potassium monopersulfate, which work by oxidizing contaminants rather than sanitizing.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written bySage McHugh, a writer and product tester for The Spruce.