After months of winter neglect, many South African pools come out looking cloudy, dull, or even green. Spring is the time to give your pool a fresh start, and the best way to do this is with a proper shock treatment.
Shocking the pool means adding a high dose of chlorine to kill off algae, bacteria, and other contaminants that have built up over winter. One strong treatment at the start of the season resets your water chemistry and gives you a clean slate to work with.
How to do it:
- Test your water and adjust pH to around 7.2–7.4 before shocking.
- Add granular chlorine or liquid shock in the evening, with the pump running overnight.
- Brush walls and steps the following day to remove dead algae.
Why it matters: Starting with a proper shock prevents weeks of struggling with cloudy or green water. It also reduces the amount of chemicals you’ll need later in summer.
Tip: If your pool is extremely green, you may need a double shock and a good vacuum afterwards. If algae keeps coming back, it could be a sign that your pool surface is worn out and needs resurfacing.