You’ve probably heard of all sorts of chemicals and products that can keep the water in your pool clean and safe when it comes to maintaining your pool. Pool shock and bleach are two examples of such products. Both can be used as a disinfectant, but the differences between the two and their appropriate use in a pool setting are crucial to understanding. Let us look at the differences, if any, between pool shock and bleach in this blog, and how a robotic pool cleaner with your assistance can help you manage your pool while you take care of the chemical needs.
What Is Pool Shock?
Pool shock (or shock treatment) is a strong chemical that’s added to increase your pool’s chlorine level quickly to destroy bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. Pool shock is a powdered substance that consists mainly of calcium hypochlorite or sodium dichlor, both of which release chlorine into the water when dissolved. We normally add this chemical shock to pools when the water is cloudy, when there is a heavy swimmer load, or as an attempt to prevent algae or bacteria from growing in a pool.
Pool shock is a lot punchier than the regular old chlorine you would use for your pool. It’s used in large doses and is intended to quickly purge the pool and get incoming chlorine back to normal levels. Pool shock is usually done in the evening because the intense sunlight can cause it to evaporate too quickly.
What Is Bleach?
Bleach, or sodium hypochlorite, is a common household cleaner and disinfectant. It is commonly used to clean and disinfect many surfaces, including pools. Despite their similar composition, bleach has a lower concentration of chlorine than pool shock, which is why it is unsuitable for pool water sanitization on an immediate basis. While pool shock is sufficiently potent to keep your water sanitized until your next maintenance, many people use it for weekly chlorine maintenance in residential pools, but it does require more frequent application than pool shock because it is less concentrated.
Is Pool Shock the Same as Bleach?
While, at first, pool shock may sound basically like bleach since both contain chlorine, one works as a disinfectant and the other doesn’t, they are different things. The differences between them lie in their concentration, chemical composition, and use.
Concentration and Strength:
Pool Shock: Contains a more substantial amount of chlorine, typically 65-75% calcium hypochlorite, and is much stronger than bleach. Pool shock, because of its high concentration, can raise the chlorine level in your pool rapidly and eliminate bacteria and algae.
Bleach: Standard bleach has between ~6-8% sodium hypochlorite, which is far less concentrated than pool shock. This lower concentration allows it to be used for maintaining chlorine levels normally; it cannot be used for shock treatments.
Usage:
Pool Shock: Used for shock treatments every so often, especially when the pool water is cloudy, during algae outbursts, or heavy use. It’s intended to efficiently sanitize the pool and bring chemical levels back into balance.
Bleach — Used more often as a maintenance product to stabilize the chlorine in the pool. It’s not strong enough to be used as a shock treatment, particularly when large volumes are involved.
Chemical Composition:
Pool Shock:9407032Includes either calcium hypochlorite or sodium dichlor, both of which are much better suited for pool sanitation since they dissolve much faster.
Bleach: This one has sodium hypochlorite, which is a household cleaner. It can be used for pools, but it’s not as effective at raising chlorine levels quickly.
So Which Should You Use In Your Pool?
Bleach is a more affordable option for keeping your pool’s chlorine levels in check, however, it isn’t nearly as effective as pool shock for tough sanitization. Pool shock is the ideal option if you’re managing a swimming pool that needs fast sanitization or has algae development. Bleach is best used to maintain your pool and is best in smaller doses over a longer period of time.
If you’re not sure which chemical treatment is best, always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines or speak with a pool maintenance professional for advice.
Importance of Robotic Pool Cleaners in Swimming Pool Maintenance
Although things like pool shock and bleach can help keep your pool clean and safe, they are just part of it. Just like maintaining your pool system, cleaning your pool every so often will keep the water clear of debris and contaminants. This is why a robotic pool cleaner is critical for your pool maintenance regimen.
You can use a robotic pool cleaner to automate the cleaning of your pool’s floor, walls, and waterline so that dirt, leaves, and debris are removed without the need for anything manual. This means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your pool. In fact, while the robotic pool cleaner is removing physical debris, the pool chemicals (pool shock and bleach) are sanitizing the water.
Also note that there are several models of robotic pool cleaners on the market, such as the Beatbot AquaSense Pro, Beatbot AquaSense, and Beatbot iSkim Ultra. These products help keep the environment of your pool sparkling clean and save you trouble and effort.
Bottom Line: Pool Shock vs Bleach
So, to summarize: both pool shock and bleach are disinfectants, but they differ in strength, usage, and effectiveness. When it comes to shocking your pool, especially when clearing algae or cloudy water, pool shock is your best bet. Bleach, on the other hand, is a cheaper way to maintain the pool regularly but cannot be used for shock treatment.
Although you are responsible for the chemical balance of your pool, you should know it can make cleaning much easier with a robotic pool cleaner. Try adding one of the many pool brushes like the Beatbot iSkim Ultra and Beatbot AquaSense Pro to your pool maintenance routine. With the right chemicals and a heavy-duty pool cleaner, you can enjoy a sparkly and safe pool year-round.
