Phoenix Pools: Chlorine Shock Crashing Biomes?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe relentless Arizona sun beats down, baking everything it touches. Your pool, a shimmering oasis, beckons. But maintaining that pristine water clarity in the face of dust storms, monsoons, and the sheer intensity of the desert environment is a constant battle. Shocking your pool with chlorine is a crucial weapon in that fight, but doing it wrong can wreak havoc on your carefully cultivated desert landscape and even impact the local water system. Let’s dive into how to shock your Phoenix pool the right way, protecting both your investment and the environment.
First, understand why we shock. It’s not just about adding more chlorine. Shocking elevates the chlorine level to a point where it breaks down combined chloramines (those nasty byproducts that cause chlorine smell and irritation) and kills algae and bacteria that regular chlorination misses.
Now, let’s talk about Arizona’s unique challenges. The biggest? Hard water. Phoenix water is notoriously high in calcium and magnesium. This hardness can interfere with chlorine’s effectiveness and lead to scaling on pool surfaces.
Here’s the crucial first step: Test your water. Don’t just rely on test strips. Invest in a good quality liquid test kit or take a sample to a local pool supply store for a professional analysis. You need to know your pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid (stabilizer) levels before you shock.
Why is this so important? Because shocking a pool with unbalanced water chemistry is like throwing gasoline on a fire – it can exacerbate existing problems. High calcium hardness, for example, can lead to cloudiness after shocking if not addressed beforehand.
Next, choose your shock. There are several types:
Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal-Hypo): This is a common and relatively inexpensive option. However, it will increase your calcium hardness, which is already a concern in Phoenix. Use it sparingly if your calcium hardness is already high (above 400 ppm).
Dichlor: This is a stabilized chlorine shock, meaning it contains cyanuric acid (CYA). While CYA protects chlorine from the sun, too much CYA can reduce chlorine’s effectiveness. In Phoenix, where the sun is intense, CYA levels can build up quickly. Avoid using Dichlor as your primary shock if your CYA is already high (above 50 ppm).
Non-Chlorine Shock (Potassium Monopersulfate): This is an oxidizer, not a disinfectant. It breaks down organic contaminants and combined chloramines but doesn’t kill algae or bacteria. It’s a good option for routine maintenance and after heavy pool use, but not for a full-blown algae bloom.
Liquid Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite): This is often the best choice for Phoenix pools. It doesn’t add calcium or CYA, and it’s readily available. However, it’s more corrosive than other types of shock, so handle it with care.
For most Phoenix homeowners, liquid chlorine is the recommended shock treatment, especially if you’re already battling hard water or high CYA levels.
Now, let’s get to the how. This is where many people make mistakes.
Calculate the correct dosage. This is not a “more is better” situation. Over-shocking can damage your pool equipment and irritate skin and eyes. Use a pool volume calculator to determine the exact amount of water in your pool. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the shock product label to determine the correct dosage to reach a breakpoint chlorination level (typically 10-15 ppm).
Dilute the shock. This is especially important with liquid chlorine. Pour the liquid chlorine into a bucket of pool water (never the other way around!) and mix thoroughly. This prevents concentrated chlorine from damaging your pool surface.
Pour the diluted shock slowly around the perimeter of the pool. Avoid pouring it directly into the skimmer, as this can damage your filter.
Shock at dusk or night. The sun degrades chlorine, so shocking at night allows the chlorine to work more effectively.
Run your pump overnight. This helps circulate the shock throughout the pool.
Test your water again the next morning. Don’t swim until the chlorine level is below 5 ppm.
Now, let’s address the environmental concerns. Phoenix is in the desert, and water conservation is paramount.
Avoid backwashing your filter immediately after shocking. Backwashing sends chlorinated water into the sewer system, which can harm aquatic life. Wait at least a week after shocking before backwashing, and consider using a pool filter cleaner instead.
Be mindful of runoff. If you have a saltwater pool, avoid draining it directly into your yard, as the salt can damage your landscaping. If you must drain your pool, direct the water to a sewer drain or a designated drainage area.
Consider eco-friendly alternatives. Ozone generators and UV sanitizers can reduce your reliance on chlorine. These systems work by oxidizing contaminants in the water, reducing the amount of chlorine needed to maintain sanitation.
What about protecting your desert landscaping? Chlorine splash-out is a real concern, especially with delicate native plants.
Rinse off any plants that get splashed with chlorinated water immediately. Use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse the leaves and stems.
Consider using a pool cover. This will help prevent splash-out and reduce evaporation.
Plant chlorine-tolerant plants around your pool. Some plants, such as lantana and bougainvillea, are more resistant to chlorine damage.
A common pitfall is neglecting to address the underlying cause of pool problems. If you’re constantly having to shock your pool, there’s likely an underlying issue, such as poor filtration, inadequate circulation, or high phosphate levels. Address these issues to reduce your reliance on shock treatments.
Another mistake is using the wrong type of shock for your pool. Using Cal-Hypo in a pool with already high calcium hardness can lead to cloudy water and scaling. Using Dichlor in a pool with high CYA can render the chlorine ineffective.
Finally, don’t forget about safety. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling chlorine. Store chlorine in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Never mix different types of pool chemicals together, as this can create dangerous gases.
Shocking your pool in Phoenix doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the unique challenges of Arizona’s water and environment, and by following these best practices, you can keep your pool sparkling clean while protecting your landscaping and the local water system. Remember to test your water regularly, choose the right type of shock, and always prioritize safety. Your desert oasis awaits!