We all love a clean and crystal clear pool to take our dips in. Getting the best pool shock product can keep the pool clean, hygienic, and safe every time you use it. Shocking a pool refers to adding chemicals, such as chlorine, into water pools to free them of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, and other particles. Pool shocking involves raising the chlorine level in the water. This helps in getting rid of the unwanted particles in our pools. Read along as we list some of the best pool shock chemical products for you to choose from.
Types Of Pool Shocks
Here are the various types of pool shocks.
Calcium hypochlorite: This is the strongest shock and is easy to dissolve. The UV rays burn it quickly, and therefore, the chemical does not increase the cyanuric acid level but increases the pH level of your pool. Add it in the evening and resume swimming when the normal chlorine level is achieved. Sodium dichlor: It is a slow-dissolving chemical but lasts long. Sodium dichlor contains a stabilizer that can be used as a shock treatment to maintain the chlorine level of the swimming pool. Potassium monopersulfate: It is a non-chlorine oxygen-based shock that primarily oxidizes and cleans the water.
15 Best Pool Shocks
1. Best Saltwater-Compatible:HTH 52026 Super Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Chlorine Cleaner
HTH 52026 Super Shock treatment is a potent four-in-one pool shock that boosts chlorine levels while also killing and preventing germs and algae for a clear, healthy pool. Each one-pound bag of Super Shock helps treat 13,500 gallons of water in just 24 hours. This pool shock is suitable for all types of pools and does not cause the pool liner to fade. Pros
Package includes 12 bags Saltwater-compatible Non-foaming Easy to use Fast-acting and fast-dissolving
Cons
May have a pungent chlorine smell
2. Best Algae-Fighting:Clorox Pool & Spa Pool Shock
Clorox Pool & Spa Shock XtraBlue clears murky water, kills microscopic pollutants, and fights algae. This effective mixture destroys bacteria without whitening the liner or altering the pH level of your pool. It contains algae-fighting crystals that kill and prevent algae growth, and the fast-acting solution dissolves swiftly, allowing you to cure the pool in under 15 minutes. Pros
Suitable for all kinds of pool surfaces No pre-dissolving required Can be used weekly Contains 12 one-pound packs
Cons
Packaging may not be great
3. Best For Bacteria:Dry Tec 1-1901-12 Treatment Pool Shock
Dry Tec 1-1901-12 Treatment Pool Shock is a robust and powerful formula containing 68% calcium hypochlorite, which helps kill bacteria without bleaching the liner or changing your pool’s pH. The pool shock removes contaminants from the water, allows the filter to work more efficiently, purifies murky water, and inhibits algae growth. Pros
Contains test kits Dissolves well No cyanuric acid additives Includes 12 one-pound packs
Cons
May leave residue
4. Best Two-Step Shock Treatment:HTH 52032 Shock System For Swimming Pools
HTH 52032 shock system for swimming pools fights significant algae growth and restores crystal purity to your pool. This two-step shock treatment shocks the pool with chlorine to destroy bacteria and algae, and then uses a flocculent to drop dead algae particles to the bottom of the pool. One bag cures up to 20,000 gallons of water, and this pool shock does not cause your pool liner to fade. Go ahead and check out this YouTuber’s video for more details about the product. Pros
Dissolves quickly Can be applied directly to the pool Fast-acting formula Includes four 1.5lb bags
Cons
May not be compatible with all pools
5. Best Quick-Dissolving:Pool RX Blue Booster Pool Shock
Pool RX Blue Booster kills existing algae quickly, prevents it from returning, and provides you with a clear pool within 24 to 72 hours. In addition, the product reduces the amount of calcium required for your pool and remains effective for up to six months. Pros
Dissolves quickly Suits all types of pools NSF 50 certified Can be used with chlorine, salt, and UV or ozone systems Does not stain pools
Cons
Some packs may not be powdery
6. Best Pleasant Fragrance:Oxy-Spa Non-Chlorine Oxidizing Shock
Oxy Spa’s non-chlorine MPS spa and pool oxidizing shock is a quick-acting shock treatment. It removes soap residues, antiperspirants, natural oils, and build-up from the pool. The formula does not leave behind any odors and clears cloudy water. In addition, this product can be used in both pools and hot tubs. Pros
Each pack helps treat 10,000 gallons of water Pleasant fragrance Active oxygen Less waiting time after use
Cons
Downsized packaging
7. Best For Micro-Contaminants:Doheny’s Chlorine Super Shock
Doheny’s chlorine super shock for swimming pools is perfect for giving your pool a rapid chlorine boost. The versatile pool shock treatment kills algae and bacteria and removes micro-contaminants that cause cloudy pool water. Each one-pound pack helps treat 10,000 gallons of water. Pros
Contains 65% active chlorine Compatible with saltwater Well-packed and easy to use Includes 24 one-pound pouches
Cons
May leave residue behind
8. Best Non-Stabilized:In The Swim Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorine Granular Pool Shock
In The Swim calcium hypochlorite pool shock is a powerful pool shock treatment that kills algae, bacteria, and other hazardous impurities in the water. It’s also an excellent shock for pool openings in the spring. The non-stabilized formula containing a minimum of 65% available chlorine can be used for regular maintenance of your pool. Pros
Sanitizes quickly Easy to use One pound per 10,000 gallons Does not bleach pool liner
Cons
Needs to be pre-dissolved
9. Best Oxidizing:BioGuard Smart Shock
BioGuard Smart Shock formula for swimming pools offers shock treatment of the pool even during the day and allows safe swimming within 15 minutes. The shock has intense oxidizing and cleaning power and breaks bacteria and other organisms. Moreover, its quick-dissolving nature allows you to use it on pool tiles, even painted ones, without bleaching. Pros
Can be added to the pool directly Can be used day and night Compatible with chlorine and bromine sanitizing systems Includes 12 one-pound bags
Cons
Concentration level might not be very high.
10. Best Water Disinfectant:Austin’s Pool Tech pool shock
Austin’s Pool Tech pool shock clears up your pool effectively. Whether you have an above- ground pool, in-ground pool, or a spa, the Pool Tech pool shock provides a powerful filter solution. With 12.5% sodium hypochlorite, this pool shock clears up murky water without any residue. In addition, it also washes down black algae on the roof shingles. Pros
Disinfects water Leaves the pool water crystal clear Versatile use Ideal for hot tub/spa maintenance
Cons
Might leave a shock spot
11. Best Long-Lasting Effect:Poolife Rapid Shock
Poolife Rapid Shock consists of calcium-hypochlorite and is formulated to prevent algae and germ growth. This quick-dissolving shock helps keep pool water clean and clear, and the product is best used during the evening hours while the filter pump is running. Each pack comes with 24 one-pound bags to let you maintain your pool regularly. Pros
Effect lasts for long Makes the water crystal clear Suitable for all kinds of surfaces One bag per 10,000 gallons
Cons
May not dissolve quickly
12. Best Three-In-One:Rx Clear Mega Shock
Mega Shock from Rx Clear contains 73% calcium hypochlorite, which yields 70% accessible chlorine. The three-in-one sanitizer, clarifier, and algae controller provides crystal clear water for a more comfortable swimming experience. In addition, Mega Shock has a pH of 11, making it an excellent shock for when both chlorine and pH levels are low. Pros
Does not make the water cloudy Long shelf life Prevents overstabilization One-pound bag per 10,000 gallons
Cons
Has to be pre-dissolved
13. Best For Oil Buildup:SpaGuard Enhanced Shock
SpaGuard Enhanced Shock is a unique formulation specially formulated to deliver crystal clear water in systems that use bromine or chlorine, including those that use ionization or ozone systems. Further, it helps clean muddy or foggy water and decreases excessively harsh chlorine aromas. Pros
Removes oils and grim Comes with a detailed user manual Removes odor Prevents waterline build-up
Cons
May leave residue at the bottom
14. Best For All Pool Types:LeisureQuip BioGuard Swimming Pool Shock
The LeisureQuip BioGuard Burnout 73 super chlorinator swimming pool shock restores the pool’s luster and clarity. It contains 73% calcium hypochlorite, and each one-pound bag treats 16,500 gallons of water, making it one of the most potent pool shocks. This pool shock is available in 12 and 24 pack options, and the logbook which comes along with the pack helps you keep track of the pool’s upkeep. Pros
Suitable for all pool types Includes a pool checklist Has chemical dosage charts Troubleshooting guide
Cons
Might take time to start working
15. Best Fast-Acting:Ultima 40542-06 T.K.O. Pool Shock
Ultima T.K.O. is a multi-purpose, quick-dissolving, fast-acting pool shock that purifies, sanitizes, and shock cures your pool. The formula provides all-season protection against algae blooms, ensuring your pool water is safe and clean. Each one-pound bag treats 15,000 gallons of water, and the shock contains 73% calcium hypochlorite. Pros
Long-lasting effect Long shelf life Recommended by professional cleaners Dissolves quickly
Cons
Might cause water hardness
How To Choose The Right Shock For Pools?
Consider these points when choosing the right shock for pools.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our experienced writers have listed the best pool shocks to help keep your pool clean. We have included various chlorine-based and non-chlorine pool cleaners that are non-foaming, saltwater-compatible, easy to use, and fast dissolving. We have also included a buying guide mentioning the factors you should consider when choosing the right pool shock and answered some commonly asked questions for your convenience.
