--- title: The Different Types of Pool Shock and Their Benefits description: Pool shock is a common term in the pool industry, but there are different forms and pros and cons to each of those types. image: https://www.aopools.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/pool-filter-cleaning.jpg --- ![Alpha and Omega](https://www.aopools.com/hubfs/main-logo%20(1).png "Alpha and Omega") ## **For Service** [Call 702-560-7665](tel:+17025607665) [![](https://www.aopools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/Lpd_Themes/GrowFast_Free_Theme/images/modules-previews/gf-logo.png?width=158&height=24&name=gf-logo.png)](http://AO%20Pools) - [Home](https://www.aopools.com) - [Pool Cleaning](https://www.aopools.com/henderson-pool-cleaning) - [Filter Cleaning](https://www.aopools.com/henderson-pool-filter-cleaning) - [Tile Cleaning](https://www.aopools.com/henderson-pool-tile-cleaning) - [Acid Wash](https://www.aopools.com/henderson-acid-wash-pool) - [Algae Removal](https://www.aopools.com/henderson-algae-removal-pool-services) - 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[Property Managers/Realators](https://www.aopools.com/pool-service-henderson-property-managers-realtors) - [Specials](https://www.aopools.com/specials) - [Prices](https://www.aopools.com/rates) - [Free Estimate](https://www.aopools.com/pool-service-estimate) - [Testimonials](https://www.aopools.com/client-testimonials) - [About Us](https://www.aopools.com/about-us) - [Blog](https://www.aopools.com/blog) - [FAQs](https://www.aopools.com/faq) - [Contact Us](https://www.aopools.com/contact-us) [Uncategorized](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/uncategorized) [Pool Maintenance](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/pool-maintenance) [pool shock](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/pool-shock) # The Different Types of Pool Shock and Their Benefits By: [Alpha Omega Pools](https://www.aopools.com/blog/author/admin) Mar 28, 2013 2:21:32 PM 2 Minutes Read When people search for a [swimming pool cleaning service](https://www.aopools.com/pool-cleaning/), they often want to know how to use chemicals properly so their pool won’t turn green. Pool shock is a common term in the pool industry, but there are different forms and pros and cons to each of those types. I’ll explain the most common types and identify the benefits of each and hope it will aid in keeping your pool clean. ## Four Types of Pool Shock   ![Crystal Clear Pool](https://www.aopools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/pool-filter-cleaning.jpg?width=458&height=306&name=pool-filter-cleaning.jpg)   ### Liquid Chlorine First, [liquid chlorine](https://www.aopools.com/what-is-better-chlorine-or-bromine/) is used because it is fast-acting, but the downside to using this product is that is has a high pH, which requires the use of more muriatic acid to lower the pH to maintain the proper level (i.e., between 7.2 and 7.8).   ### Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal-Hypo) A second type of shock available is Calcium Hypochlorite, or Cal-Hypo for short. This product is very good at [killing algae](https://www.aopools.com/pool-cleaning/pool-algae-removal/) if you are having problems with that. One drawback for this, however, is that it also has a high pH and requires the use of muriatic acid to keep the level balanced. A second problem using Cal-Hypo presents is that it doesn’t dissolve very quickly, and it’s raises the hardness of the water, which is already very hard here in Henderson and the rest of Southern Nevada. Your pool will be even more likely to develop a buildup of calcium around the water line, or around the spillover from a spa.   ### Tri-Chlor A third kind of shock that’s commonly used for pools is tri-chlor. The benefits of this is that it’s probably the most effective at killing algae. There are a couple of downfalls associated with this product, however. One is that the pH of this is very low, around 3, so you may actually have to increase the pH at some point. I personally find that most pools tend to develop a higher pH naturally over time, so it’s not really an issue in my experience. Trichlor also doesn’t dissolve immediately, although it is a lot more soluble than the Cal-Hypo previously mentioned.   ### Dichlor Finally, a 4th type of shock typically used for [pool maintenance](https://www.aopools.com/pool-maintenance/) is dichlor. The benefits of using this are that it’s pH is almost neutral at 7, and it dissolves very quickly. It’s also recommended if you have a pebble tech pool or a painted pool. The issue with this product is that is costs more than the liquid chlorine or Cal-Hypo, but in my opinion the fact that I’m not having to use acid to lower the pH after adding it is worth the extra money.   If you would rather not worry about the chemical balancing and wondering if you are maintaining the correct levels of chlorine,pH,alkalinity, etc, then please give Alpha and Omega Pools a call, or submit your information via the request form on this page. Thank you! ## [Call for Free Estimate! 702-560-7665](tel:+17025607665) ![contact AO pools](https://www.aopools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/contact-us-ao-pools1-1.png?width=300&height=184&name=contact-us-ao-pools1-1.png) To request service or receive a free estimate, please fill out the form below and we will get in touch with you shortly.   ![click here for an online pool cleaning estimate](https://www.aopools.com/hubfs/aopools-free-estimate-1.png "click here for an online pool cleaning estimate")   ![2016 Best of Henderson Awards for Swimming Pool Repair & Service.](https://www.aopools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2016BestofHendersonAwards-3.jpg?width=300&name=2016BestofHendersonAwards-3.jpg "2016 Best of Henderson Awards for Swimming Pool Repair & Service.") ![Thumbtack Best Pro of 2015](https://www.aopools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/thumbtack-2015-1.png?width=380&height=380&name=thumbtack-2015-1.png "Thumbtack Best Pro of 2015")   ![Calvary Chapel Green Valley](https://www.aopools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/calvarylogo-min.png?width=328&height=68&name=calvarylogo-min.png "Calvary Chapel Green Valley") **We Are Licensed and Insured! Nevada State Business License: NV20091621874 Insurance License: #0510559** ## Recommended For You [![Why Does My Pool Level Keep Dropping?](https://www.aopools.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/09292017-AOPoolLevelQuote.jpg)](https://www.aopools.com/blog/pool-evaporation-pool-level-dropping) [Pool Maintenance](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/pool-maintenance) 4 Min Read ### [Pool Evaporation: Is This Why My Pool Level Is Dropping?](https://www.aopools.com/blog/pool-evaporation-pool-level-dropping) [Alpha Omega Pools Sep 29, 2017 5:40:28 PM](https://www.aopools.com/blog/author/admin) [![](https://www.aopools.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/07272016-AOPoolsSafetyNet.jpg)](https://www.aopools.com/blog/top-6-key-advantages-of-pool-safety-nets) [Pool Safety](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/pool-safety) 2 Min Read ### [The Top 6 Advantages of Using Pool Safety Nets](https://www.aopools.com/blog/top-6-key-advantages-of-pool-safety-nets) [Alpha Omega Pools Aug 12, 2016 4:14:02 PM](https://www.aopools.com/blog/author/admin) [cost of pool maintenance](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/cost-of-pool-maintenance) [Pool Blog](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/pool-blog) [Uncategorized](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/uncategorized) [Pool Maintenance](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/pool-maintenance) [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.aopools.com/blog/tag/frequently-asked-questions) 2 Min Read ### [Cost of Pool Maintenance](https://www.aopools.com/blog/cost-of-pool-maintenance) [Alpha Omega Pools Feb 20, 2013 7:53:49 PM](https://www.aopools.com/blog/author/admin) --- ### **Service Area** Serving Henderson, Green Valley, Silverado Ranch, Seven Hills, McCullough Hills, Black Mountain, Paradise Hills, Highland Hills, and Mission Hills. ### **Services** Filter & Tile Cleaning Acid Wash Algae Removal Weekly Pool Maintenance Pool Draining ### **Location** We Are Licensed and Insured! Nevada State Business License: NV20091621874 Insurance License: #0510559 **© COPYRIGHT AOPOOLS 2023** ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Alpha Omega Pools", "url" : "https://www.aopools.com/blog/author/admin" }, "dateModified" : "2023-04-17T16:41:12.335Z", "datePublished" : "2013-03-28T18:21:32.000Z", "headline" : "The Different Types of Pool Shock and Their Benefits", "image" : [ "https://www.aopools.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/pool-filter-cleaning.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.aopools.com/blog/pool-shock-the-different-types-of-pool-shock-and-their-benefits", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "AO Pools" } } ```