Why do we Shock?

Just a general question, trying to understand what's going on.

So if I'm using dichlor every time we use the tub and am keeping the free chlorine and other levels up why do I need to shock?

When shocking, why do we open the cover?

Posted by on 2007-02-25 17:47:09. Michigan (9172)

Because the chlorine molecule, once it has reacted, becomes a chloromine. And chlorimines make lousy sanitizers, and have that chlorine odor. Shocking the spa raises the chlorine levels up so high they destroy the chloromines (used up chlorine), essentially giving you a fresh start.

Posted by on 2007-02-25 23:23:03. SW Florida (9174)

Why do we need to open the cover after shocking? Do you need to wait for the free chlorine to come down before getting in? How long does that usually take?

Posted by on 2007-02-26 08:21:53. Michigan (9177)

The cover is opened because the chlorine levels are very high, and, over time, can cause damage to the inside of the cover. If you use a Sodium Dichlor to shock, shouldn't be more than a few hours before levels are back to 5ppm or less, when it is suitable for use <img src= " title="Smile" />

Posted by on 2007-02-26 09:46:58. SW Florida (9178)

Thanks a bunch for the info Swine. Starting out I don't mind doing what I'm told but eventually I like to know the reasoning behind the instructions. It makes me less prone to react ignorantly when something goes wrong. And eventually, something is bound to go wrong.

Posted by on 2007-02-26 11:45:12. Michigan (9179)

My pleasure. When using dichlor, it's common to get 0 ppm level chlorine. It dissolves so rapidly. Don't worry about it. Best thing is to add 1 teaspoon/300 gallons AFTER eachuse, and shock once every couple of weeks. Less is better than more <img src= " title="Very Happy" />

Posted by on 2007-02-26 14:37:37. SW Florida (9180)

>When using dichlor, it's common to get 0 ppm level chlorine

Well now; that makes some sense. Here I've been doing what I'm told and adding 2 teaspoons after each use. I check it in the morning and I have zero so I end up adding 3 more teaspoons to get back up.

In order to shock can I just double the dose I put in after I use the tub or do I need to add it later after the first round has done it's thing?

Posted by on 2007-02-26 15:29:42. Michigan (9181)

maintenance dose: 1 teaspoon per 300 gallons after eachuse. (If it gets used 3 times in a day, add 1 teaspoon after each use) shock: 1 teaspoon/100 gallons, once per week if used heavily, once every two weeks if not used very often. If you want to shock right after a use, add extra teaspoon or so <img src= " title="Very Happy" />

Posted by on 2007-02-26 20:33:06. SW Florida (9184)

Quote:

My pleasure. When using dichlor, it's common to get 0 ppm level chlorine. It dissolves so rapidly. Don't worry about it. Best thing is to add 1 teaspoon/300 gallons AFTER eachuse, and shock once every couple of weeks. Less is better than more <img src= " title="Very Happy" />

Hello Swine Are you talking "Free chlorine" ? johnnyspa <img src= " title="Confused" />

Posted by on 2007-03-05 09:19:28. connecticut (9206)

yep Posted by on 2007-03-05 12:40:51. SW Florida (9208)

yep

Posted by on 2007-03-05 12:40:51. SW Florida (9208)

Quote:

yep

Thank you Swine <img src= " title="Very Happy" />

Posted by on 2007-03-05 13:13:38. connecticut (9210)

Quote:

maintenance dose: 1 teaspoon per 300 gallons after eachuse. (If it gets used 3 times in a day, add 1 teaspoon after each use) shock: 1 teaspoon/100 gallons, once per week if used heavily, once every two weeks if not used very often. If you want to shock right after a use, add extra teaspoon or so <img src= " title="Very Happy" />

Swine Is this one teaspoon of shock or dichlor one's a week per 100 gallons <img src= :" title="Question" />

Posted by on 2007-04-10 17:10:25. connecticut (9555)

Quote:

My pleasure. When using dichlor, it's common to get 0 ppm level chlorine. It dissolves so rapidly. Don't worry about it. Best thing is to add 1 teaspoon/300 gallons AFTER eachuse, and shock once every couple of weeks. Less is better than more <img src= " title="Very Happy" />

swine What do you use to "shock" <img src= :" title="Question" />

Posted by on 2007-04-13 06:57:15. connecticut (9588)

sodium dichlor Posted by on 2007-04-13 08:47:35. SW Florida (9590)

sodium dichlor

Posted by on 2007-04-13 08:47:35. SW Florida (9590)

Quote:

sodium dichlor[/quote One Teaspoon for every 100 gallons <img src= :" title="Question" /> Is this what you use after a dip in the tub :" title="Question" /> I think i'm allergic to spa shock or Hot tub Shock. Thank you

Posted by on 2007-04-13 09:38:52. connecticut (9592)

no. One teaspoon/100 gallons is the amount to shock (Once every week or couple of weeks)

add only one teaspoon/300 gallons AFTER each use. Used in this fashion, I doubt very much if virtually anyone would have an adverse reaction, as the chlorine level (while using the spa) would have fewer ppm than city drinking water.

Posted by on 2007-04-13 21:32:30. SW Florida (9596)

I have a dumb question. I just shocked my spa for the first time and just started testing with strips, I put in.7 oz, the dose to shock 500 gallons. I used a test strip before and it showed almost no chlorine, tested a few minutes after shocking and still nothing registers on the test strip. Does it need to dissolve for awhile?

Posted by on 2007-08-09 01:42:20. (10559)

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