Top 5 Pool Shocks

  • Best Multifunction Shock: HTH Super Shock Treatment
  • Largest Quantity: NAZUHA Zappit Pool Shock
  • Best Packaging: DryTec Chlorine Shock Treatment
  • Best Liquid Cleaner: Austin’s Pool Tech Shock
  • Best Water Clarifier: Robarb Super Blue Clarifier

Best Multifunction Shock: HTH Super Shock Treatment

Key Features

  • Comes with 12 one-pound bags
  • Treats 13,500 gallons of water per bag
  • Uses calcium hypochlorite as the active ingredient

What Customers Are Saying

Customers liked the amount of pool shock that they got for the price. They also said that the product dispersed easily. However, those who didn’t care for this pool shock claimed that it didn’t fully dissolve in their pool and that it occasionally leaked from the bag.

Compare Top Pool Shocks

HTH Super Shock Treatment

  • $80
          Prices taken at time of publishing.

This pool shock is sold in bulk, with one order including 12 one-pound bags. It’s compatible with all types of pools, including pools with saltwater systems and liners. Additionally, this shock is fast-working, clearing your water within 24 hours of application. 

Largest Quantity: NAZUHA Zappit Pool Shock

  • Comes with a 50-pound bucket
  • Treats 40,000 gallons of water per pound
  • Uses calcium hypochlorite as the active ingredient

Satisfied customers liked how quickly this pool shock’s powerful formula treated their large pools. On the other hand, those who left negative reviews for this pool shock claimed that it didn’t dissolve all the way. Others struggled to open the bucket’s lid.

NAZUHA Zappit Pool Shock

  • $190

If you have a large in-ground pool, this shock is for you. Each pound of fast-dissolving granules in this 50-pound bucket treats 40,000 gallons of water. With a concentration of 73% calcium hypochlorite, it both shocks and chlorinates your pool.

Best Packaging: DryTec Chlorine Shock Treatment

  • Comes with 24 one-pound bags
  • Treats 10,000 gallons of water per pound
  • Uses calcium hypochlorite as the active ingredient

Customers praised this pool shock’s formula, stating that it was strong, fast-acting, and long-lasting. Some customers did have to use multiple packages to treat their entire pool, though.

DryTec Chlorine Shock Treatment

  • $111

Because this pool shock takes effect within 30 minutes, it’s a solid option if you need to treat your pool right before a party or any other time where your pool will get a lot of use. Once it’s dispersed, it raises the chlorine level and kills any bacteria and algae.

Best Liquid Cleaner: Austin’s Pool Tech Shock

  • Comes in a one-gallon jug
  • Uses sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient

Customers were impressed with how easy this pool shock was to use and how quickly it cleared debris from their pool. Others liked that it was tightly wrapped and did not leak out easily from the jug. On the other hand, some customers had issues with the weakness of the shock, claiming that it required at least a quarter of the bottle to work effectively. Several other customers also felt this product was overpriced for what it provided.

Austin’s Pool Tech Shock

  • $28

This liquid cleaner is easy to use and doesn’t require waiting for tablets to dissolve or mixing powders together. This cleaner, which works on pools and spas, comes in a convenient one-gallon jug. Additionally, it uses sodium hypochlorite as its active ingredient, reducing scale buildup.

Best Water Clarifier: Robarb Super Blue Clarifier

  • Comes with a 32-ounce bottle
  • Treats 5,000 gallons of water per ounce
  • Uses a non-toxic, non-irritating, biodegradable formula

Those who gave this product positive reviews said that it was able to clean even the dirtiest of pools. They also mentioned it working in pools of various sizes. However, dissatisfied customers thought that the formula was watery and the instructions were difficult to follow.

Robarb Super Blue Clarifier

  • $50

Each ounce of this product clarifies 5,000 gallons of water, giving you enough to treat your entire pool. It’s also effective at a range of temperatures and with a variety of chemicals, allowing you to use it with most pools regardless of their location or chemical composition.

Buyer’s Guide

Pool shock keeps your pool water clear by eliminating bacteria and algae. This buying guide will help you select the best pool shock to keep your pool swim-ready all summer long.

Shock Type

Pool shock can use one of three active ingredients.

Calcium Hypochlorite

This is the most common type of pool shock on the market. It’s strong and fast-dissolving, but it can damage vinyl pool linings.

Sodium Dichlor

This pool shock isn’t as strong. It slowly raises the pH of your pool, so you have to wait some time for it to dissolve before you can swim.

Potassium Monopersulfate

This is a non-chlorine pool shock that removes bacteria and algae by oxidizing the water. You can use it when you don’t want to raise the chlorine level of your pool.

Amount

Generally speaking, you need about one pound of pool shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Before you purchase pool shock, determine how much comes with the order. Some manufacturers sell pool shock in bulk to cut down on the number of orders you have to place during the swimming season.

Dissolve Speed

Pool shock comes in quick-dissolving and slow-dissolving formulas. If you need to use your pool shortly after shocking it, choose a quick-dissolve version.

Pool Type

Most pool shocks are designed for chlorinated indoor or outdoor pools. However, certain types of pools may require specialized pool shock. These types include:

  • Fiberglass-lined pools
  • Hot tubs and spas
  • Saltwater pools
  • Vinyl-lined pools

Functions of Pool Shock

All pool shocks keep your pool clear. However, some specialize in certain functions. Common specializations include:

  • Removing algae
  • Removing bacteria
  • Removing chloramine
  • Raising free chlorine levels
  • Enhancing blue water color
  • Clearing storm debris
  • Preparing for winterization

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Shock

Does pool shock contain chlorine?

Pool shock is made with calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichlor, or potassium monopersulfate. Of these chemicals, only potassium monopersulfate is chlorine-free.

How often should I put pool shock in my pool?

Shock your pool once a week during the active swimming season as well as at the beginning and end of the season. You may also wish to shock your pool following heavy rainstorms, as the added water can upset the chlorine balance. You can also shock your pool if you notice that the water is cloudy or tinted green.

What does it mean if my pool shock is stabilized?

Stabilized pool shock has protection in it that prevents it from burning in the sun. Any pool shock with sodium dichlor is considered stabilized.

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