How Long After Adding Algaecide Can You Shock?

The answer of the question ” how long after adding algaecide can you shock” is 24 hours in most of the cases. There may be some exceptions depending on various factors, like- the quantity of the water, the type of algaecide and shock treatment we are applying etc.

We also will get to know the reasons for waiting after adding shock before adding algaecide, how long should I wait to add algaecide after shock, why both the processes should not be done together etc. And these topics are going to be discussed below.

Let’s jump right into it.

Table of Contents

The purposes of adding shock and algaecides on the pool

Shocking the pool and adding algaecides both are very important. But these two have different purposes.

The purpose of shocking is to raise the level of chlorine to a certain level where algaes, bacterias and other unwanted organisms are destroyed. On the other hand, algaecide is used especially to stop the algaes from growing and spreading.

It is quite obvious that if we want both to work efficiently, we must know the proper way to apply them.

How long after adding algaecide can you add shock?

Algaecide should be added after at least 24 hours of adding shock in the pool. After shocking the pool, give it this specific amount of time for the chlorine level to get back to normal. After that it is okay to add algaecide in your pool.

Both the processes of adding shock and adding algaecide are about leveling the water level of the pool to a certain level chemically. So it is obvious if we use them together, it will cause a big chemical mishap. So we must wait for a certain period after shocking the pool in order to add algaecide.

Now comes the question, what is this certain period. Even though there are many factors that can differentiate from situations like these. Some of them are-

The quantity of the water in the pool
The type of algaecides you are using
The type of shock you are adding
The temperature of the pool

These are some factors that may vary the duration between both the processes.

But usually it is safe to wait for at least 24 hours after shocking the pool, before you apply algaecide. This time is quite enough for the chlorine level to come back to normal.

Can you add shock and algaecide at the same time?

Adding shock and algaecide should not be done together at all. Both of them play significant roles in keeping a pool away from non-desiring organisms. They must be added separately after waiting for one to function accordingly, then you can add the other.

The mixture of chlorine and algaecide will affect both of their significant functionalities. So after shocking the pool, you have to wait for at least 24 hours before chlorine levels come down. After that you can add algaecide in your pool. And then you will get the effective result of using both the products appropriately.

So it is very important for us to know why we can’t add shock and algaecide at the same time. Also we must know how much algaecide to put in a pool weekly. Only then will we be able to have the benefits of applying them, or else it will be useless.

Algaecide or shock first?

As we have established the fact that adding shock and algaecide must not be done together at the same time. Now we must know which of these two should we do first.

It is recommended that we perform the shock treatment before adding algaecide in your pool. Because it will help make the pool water more inhospitable for the unwanted organisms to grow. Then the algaecide will be able to destroy the unwanted living things efficiently. In this way, both the tasks are performed efficiently without much difficulty. Besides, it is very important to know how to get rid of algaecide foam from a pool.

So overall, it is advised by the experts that you should shock your pool first before adding Algaecides. The reasons behind that are discussed above.

How long after algaecide can I add a clarifier?

Pool clarifiers function by coagulating small particles. By coagulating the small particles into the larger ones, pool clarifiers make it easier for us to remove these unwanted particles.

We have to wait till the algaecide does the work it is supposed to do. Even after that if we are still not satisfied with the result, then we can use clarifiers. It is basically judged by the color of the pool before and after algaecide is applied in most cases.

If the water of your pool is a shade of green, it indicates that there are algaes in your pool. Then after shocking the pool, wait for the chlorine level to come back to 2-4 ppm, then add algaecide. Then if the color of the water changes its color to a lighter shade, then it indicates that the algaecide is working accordingly.

But if the water is still green after using algaecide, then you have to wait for 24 hours and then add clarifiers. Let the clarifier do the work for another 12 hours.

Conclusion

The purposes of adding shock and algaes are eliminating unwanted organisms. But algaecides are used specially to kill algaes. They will be useless if they are applied at the same time. So they should be applied separately.

You should at least wait for 24 hours to make sure the chlorine level of the pool water has come back to normal, before applying algaecide.

It is recommended to add shock first to make the water unsuitable for the unwanted microorganisms. Then add algaecide to destroy the algaes. Also if there are still algaes in the pool after using algaecide, wait 24 hours and then apply a clarifier. Wait for it to work for about 13 hours.

If we follow the steps properly and accordingly, it would be much easier for us to have a proper functional pool to have fun with. Besides, if this is a part of your financial business, then it is must to know and follow the rules properly.