The Superchlorination Of Swimming Pools

The term superchlorination puts a positive spin on pool chemical maintenance. Heroic as the phrase sounds, it is a mundane yet useful tool in fighting off contamination in pool water. When heavy use or low levels of existing chlorine compromise the health and clarity of water, superchlorination restores pool balance quickly and efficiently. Experienced pool maintenance professionals use the process to protect swimmers and to maintain sustainable pH levels in the water.

Definition

Superchlorination or shocking a pool means adding a large amount of chlorine into pool in order to keep pool waters disinfected. It involves increasing the amount of chlorine in a pool, and keeping those levels elevated for at least four hours. A pool falls out of chemical balance when contaminants and byproducts from the sanitation process increase rapidly. Superchlorination requires that the chlorine level be 10 times the amount of any byproducts or solids.

Function

Superchlorination reduces the percentage of chloramines as compared to free chlorine in the water. Chlorine is a highly reactive element, commercially available as a pure gas, or in compounds in pellets or as a liquid. It sanitizes water by reacting and combining with substances, such as nitrogen, in water. The byproducts of the chemical sanitation processes are chloramines, or chlorine compounds.

Effects

The immediate effect of superchlorination is sanitation and breakdown of persisting organic and inorganic substances in the water. Because the concentration of chlorine directly after the shock sanitation process is very high, swimming in or human contact with pool water is hazardous. The chlorine levels gradually diminish as it reacts with the target contaminants and as some of it evaporates. Pool maintenance workers usually perform superchlorination at night, after the pool closes, for this reason.
Stabilized pH levels is a secondary effect of superchlorination. The pH level of the water is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity, and high levels of contaminants make maintaining acceptable pH levels in the pool difficult. Maintaining a pH between 7.2 and 7.8 ensures effective sanitation as well as swimmer comfort, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Benefits

Superchlorination benefits pool waters by keeping them bacteria and algae free. It is a quick and effective way to eliminate acute health threats, such as contamination from fecal material. Superchlorination also saves a pool from spiraling out of control when pollutants overburden the sanitation system. The chlorine shock technique keeps pools open during crowed summer months, benefiting pool patrons.

Considerations

Pool workers need to use caution when handling chemicals. All forms of chlorine are dangerous, particularly chlorine gas. Never leave pool chemicals where children play. Safeguards to prevent anyone from entering a super chlorinated pool are important, as skin eye and lung irritation occurs may occur.