15 Best Pool Shocks in 2024

There is nothing more enjoyable than having a great time on the water with your family in your own pool. This makes your summer not “hot” anymore.

Your swimming time will be more perfect if your water pool is sparkling and clean. You’ve had your pool cleaning system but you’d like to have a stronger shock treatment for your pool. With that in mind, you may want to find the best pool shock for both pool cleaning and maintenance.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help! After a thorough investigation, I have found out the list of best pool shocks for your reference. You can find all the useful information in this article before choosing your best one.

Let’s get started!

My Top Picks

With my own experience and lots of research, I have found a list of 15 suggested best pool shocks as below.

• Best Overall: In The Swim Chlorine
  “The most powerful pool shock with chlorine, fast-dissolving, and clarifying water quickly.”
• Best Budget: Leisure time RENU2 Renew Non-Chlorine
  “Compatible with your hot tub, powerful enough to destroy algae and contaminants, making the water clear.”
• Best for Vinyl Liners: Clorox XtraBlue
  “Designed with easy-open and pour bottles, increasing filter performance.”
• Best for Salt Water Pool: Clorox 81006CLX Chlorine-Free
  “Chlorine-free shock sanitizer doesn’t raise chlorine level while killing algae and creating crystal clear water.”
• Best for Algae: Clorox 4-in-1 Plus
  “Keep your pool water crystal blue clear, strongly killing all algae, ready to swim in only 15 minutes.”
• Best for Pool Opening: In The Swim Cal-Chlor
  “Really fast-acting Calcium Hypochlorite Cal-Chlor chlorine, effective sanitizing the pool.”
• Best for Fiberglass Pool: In The Swim Di-Zap Multi-Shock
  “3-in1 formula that works perfectly for pool shock with fast results, and can be used during the sunlight.”
• Best for Green Pool: HTH 52009 Super Green to Blue
  “Reducing odor, contaminants, and killing algae, can directly pour it into the pool with fast results.”
• Best Value for the Money: Aqua Chem Xtra Blue
  “Reducing chlorine odor, creating sparkling clear water, a little expensive but worthy.”
• Best for White Water Mold: DryTec 1-1901 Cal Hypo Chlorinating
  “Fast-acting sanitizer with very high calcium hypochlorite content, world great for controlling algae.”
• Best for Above Ground Pools: Pool Essentials Shock Treatment
  “Economic shock comes in a 6-pack design, can clear cloudy water and eliminate odor.”
• Best for Chlorine Pools: Leslie’s Power Powder
  “Powerful for killing algae thanks to its super-chlorinator, it can keep water crystal clear.”
• Best for Intex Pool: HTH Pool Super Shock Treatment
  “Works great for Intex pools for not fading vinyl lining, quick-dissolving for fast results in 24 hours.”
• Best for Hard Water: Zappit Cal Hypo 50lb
  “Granular formula comes with very strong chlorinator which can kill all algae, bacteria, contaminants, and eliminate odors.”
• Best for Pool Closings: Liquid Chlorine
  “Perfect for sanitation, don’t need to mix with water, can clear cloudy water with fast results.”

Comparison Chart

You can take a glance at the table down below for your ease of making decisions. It is the summary of the 15 best pool shocks that I’m going to review in this article.

The 15 Best Pool Shocks Reviews

After taking a glance at the comparison table, it’s time to have a closer look at my detailed review of the 15 best pool shocks!

1. In The Swim Chlorine

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

See the Price on Amazon

It can’t be denied that In The Swim Chlorine Pool Shock is so popular with lots of people. This pool shock is famous for its ability to clear all the bacteria, algae, and even contaminants fast.

Moreover, it is known as one of the most powerful pool shocks on the market. It is suitable for regular maintenance and for all types of pools.

2. Clorox XtraBlue

(Best for Vinyl Liners)

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If you’re worried that chlorine dispensers will destroy your vinyl liners, Clorox XtraBlue Pool&Spa Shock will be definitely the perfect choice. It works hard but doesn’t raise your pH level or fade liners, which will boost your pool filter performance.

Another outstanding feature of this pool shock is that it has crystals that remove algae and bacteria. This will make your pool look sparkling and clean.

See Also: 8 Best Above Ground Pool Liners

3. Clorox 81006CLX Saltwater Chlorine-Free

(Best for Salt Water Pool)

See the Price on Amazon

Your salt pool may contain more contaminants than other types of pool. With this chlorine-free formula, Clorox 81006CLX Saltwater will eliminate all contaminants, making your pool clear and sparkling.

Not only organic contaminants, but this pool shock also has the ability to clear all types of contaminants and algae, which makes your water not cloudy anymore.

4. Clorox 4-in-1 Plus

(Best for Algae)

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With 4-in-1 formula, Clorox 4-in-1 Pool & Spa Shock Plus is considered the best shock treatment for killing even the most resistant algae and improving filter performance.

It also has the ability to dissolve fast in the water and doesn’t impact pH, so you can swim back in your pool only after 15 minutes.

5. In The Swim Cal-Chlor

(Best for Pool Opening)

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Your pool is all of the algae, bacteria, contaminants, and even organisms? And you’re finding a pool shock product to solve this problem, you must choose In The Swim Cal-Chlor Pool Shock.

This shock treatment can clear even the most contaminated water, which is really ideal for your pool opening. It is made using a non-stabilized formula, therefore, you don’t need to worry about bleaching your vinyl liners if using it every day.

6. In The Swim Di-Zap Multi-Shock

(Best for Fiberglass Pool)

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In The Swim Di-Zap Multi-Shock Pool Shock is considered one of the strongest oxidizers. Despite this, it is still gentle for gelcoat and will not bleach your fiberglass pool.

Having a 3-in-1 formula that can be used to shock even under the sunlight. Thanks to its boost of chlorinating, In The Swim Di-Zap Multi-Shock is also ideal for pool maintenance.

7. HTH 52009 Super Green to Blue

(Best for Green Pool)

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Get rid of green algae from your pool with HTH 52009 Super Green to Blue Pool Shock. This shock treatment is designed with an increase of chlorine which makes sure your pool looks blue and clean.

It is also easy to use, you just need to pour it into your pool with a skimmer or even directly pour it into the pool. However, it only works if your pool is designed with a vacuum.

8. Aqua Chem Xtra Blue

(Best Value for the Money)

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With Aqua Chem, your pool will be free of all algae, bacteria, and even contaminants very quickly and effectively. You can feel safer and more hygienic when swimming in your clear and clean pool.

Due to its powerful, outstanding features, Aqua Chem costs more than other available products. However, if all you care about is the value, not the money, then this pool shock is a great option for you.

9. DryTec 1-1901 Cal Hypo Chlorinating

(Best for White Water Mold)

See the Price on Amazon

DryTec 1-1901 Cal Hypo Chlorinating Pool Shock dissolves in the water really fast and its effect is also quick, only in 24 hours since you apply it to your pool.

DryTec 1-1901 is made from 68% calcium hypochlorite, which makes it perfect for killing bacteria, preventing algae from blooming and destroying even contaminants and resistant white water mold in your pool.

10. Pool Essentials Shock Treatment

(Best for Above Ground Pools)

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Pool Essentials Shock Treatment, the most popular pool shock brand, is ideal for your above ground pool. You can easily use a skimmer to pour it into the pool or apply it directly into the water without damaging your pool.

This pool shock is really fast-dissolving and produced with 48.6% more chlorine than other brands so that you can use it at any time of the day, regardless of the sunlight.

11. Leslie’s Power Powder

(Best for Chlorine Pools)

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This Leslie’s Power Powder Pool Shock comes in a very strong chlorinator with 73% available chlorine. It is powerful enough to kill all algae, eliminate odors and contaminants, making your water clear and sparkling.

You have to mix Leslie’s Power Powder with water before applying it into your pool. Sometimes, it may have some leftovers at the bottom of the pool, so you have to use a vacuum or brush to clear it.

12. HTH Pool Super Shock Treatment

(Best for Intex Pool)

See the Price on Amazon

If you own an Intex pool, this HTH Pool Super Shock Treatment is uniquely made for you. It may be because this pool treatment will not over-stabilize your pool.

Besides, this HTH Pool Super has the ability to clarify water quickly. Your pool will be free of contaminants within 24 hours after applying it.

It also kills unsightly, black, and green algae and bacteria. In order to maximize its effect, you can use chlorine tablets to make your swimming pool more sparkling.

See Also: 17 Best Pool Chemicals

13. Zappit Cal Hypo 50lb

(Best for Hard Water)

See the Price on Amazon

If you’re finding a really strong pool treatment, this Zappit Cal Hypo 50lb Pool Shock is perfect for you. It is considered one of the most potent products available out there.

This product features 70% chlorine and 73% Calcium. It will be the fast-dissolving option that quickly removes algae, bacteria. Meanwhile, it also effectively sanitizes your pool.

14. Liquid Chlorine

(Best for Pool Closings)

See the Price on Amazon

This pool shock comes in refillable containers and liquid form, which is very convenient for you because you don’t have to mix it with water like granular shock.

Another advantage of Liquid Chlorine Pool Shock is that it can kill algae and contaminants without leaving any remains. So you don’t need to brush the leftover afterwards.

15. Leisure time RENU2 Renew Non-Chlorine

(Best Budget)

See the Price on Amazon

Leisure time RENU2 Renew Non-Chlorine is really effective. It can kill all algae, reduce swimmers’ contaminants, which makes your pool look clear.

This chlorine-free pool shock is also designed with a free sanitizing system. This system can help improve filter performance while keeping your pool clean by removing odor.

How to Choose the Right Pool Shocks?

Having a closer look at the 15 best pool shocks that I have reviewed but you’re not still deciding which one you should pick. Don’t worry, I will introduce you to some vital factors that you need to consider to choose the best pool shock for your pool.

1. Pool Type

As I reviewed above, even though pool shock has very strong chemicals, it doesn’t cause problems for your pool. Still, there are some cases you need to pay attention to.

If you don’t want your vinyl liners to be faded, you should avoid pool shock with chlorine. The smart option is non-chlorine pool shock.

If you have a fiberglass pool, there is nothing to worry about which type of pool shock you should pick. The reason is that this pool type is very tough, and difficult to be affected by pool shock.

2. Pool Size

The size of your swimming pool will decide how much pool shock you’ll need. Normally, you will need 1lb of a shock for every 10,000 gallons for each time of shock. However, with some stronger pool shocking treatment, you may need a small amount of shock while its effect remains the same.

Type of Pool Shock

Basically, there are three main types of pool shock, including calcium hypochlorite, sodium di-chlor, and potassium peroxymonosulfate. Although its purpose is all to shock your pool, there are still some small differences between these pool shock types.

1. Calcium hypochlorite

Calcium hypochlorite comes with 65 to 75% of active chlorine, which is really strong. This is considered the most common pool shock for almost all types of pool.

Due to its sensitiveness to the sun, you should shock your water in the evening and can swim back in the next day.

2. Sodium di-chlor

Having a stabilizer ingredient in it, Sodium di-chlor is really perfect for regular pool maintenance. Although this shock type dissolves slower than calcium hypochlorite, you can pour it directly into your pool without mixing it with water beforehand or feed it via skimmer.

3. Potassium peroxymonosulfate

This is really a fast-dissolving pool shock which means you can swim back quickly after pouring it into your pool. Besides, it is a kind of non-chlorine pool shock, you can use it for shock at any time of the day without being affected by the sunlight.

How to Shock a Pool?

The most crucial thing to note when shocking your pool is protecting yourself from injuring and avoiding damaging your pool. So it’s very important for you to wear gloves and eyeglasses.

According to different brands, pool shock comes in different packaging. However, remember to add pool shock to water. Never do the opposite of this way if you don’t want it splashes onto you.

After that, slowly pour this mixture into your swimming pool. Remember to read the instruction carefully before usage. The reason is that, with each pool shock brand, you will have to mix it with water with a different ratio, or even don’t need to mix with water.

Sometimes, in order for your pool shock process to be more effective, you will need to use a water test kit to measure the quality of water in your swimming pool.

For more detail, check the video down below.

Related: How Long After Shocking a Pool Can You Swim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about pool shocks.

What Is Pool Shock?

Pool shock is a concentrated chemical used for shocking your swimming pool. In the pool openings, pool closings, or pool maintenance, finding the best pool shocks for killing algae and bacteria, clearing contaminants is always necessary.

Is Chlorine and Shock the Same Thing?

Generally, chlorine and shock have similar active chemicals to sanitize your pool. However, shock is far stronger than chlorine. If chlorine is used more to keep your pool clear and healthy, a shock is popularly used to raise the chlorine level fast.

When Is the Best Time to Shock a Pool?

This depends on the pool shock type that you use. If you use chlorine-based shock, the perfect time for shocking your swimming pool is in the evening. The reason is that, in the day time, the chlorine level will be reduced due to the sunlight, which is not good for your water. Otherwise, you can shock your pool at any time of the day if you use non-chlorine shock.

How Often Should You Shock a Pool?

Normally, the best frequency you should shock your pool is once a week. However, sometimes you need to do it more often than normal, like twice a week or even every day. This depends on the number of swimmers, lots of rain, or stubborn algae.

How Long Do You Have to Wait to Swim After You Shock a Pool?

It is recommended that you can swim again after shocking your pool when the chlorine level is around 5ppm. Or to be safer for your skin and health, you can wait after 24 hours since your last shock.

Can You Over Shock a Pool?

Technically speaking, you can’t shock your pool too much because it may harm your skin. Too high chlorine levels will burn your skin out if you’re outside. Besides, you will have to wait for a long time to swim back if you use a large amount of pool shock.

Can You Pour Shock Directly Into Pool?

It depends on the pool shock types and brands. You can pour shock directly into your pool with non-chlorine shock and some of lithium hypochlorite shock without mixing it with water beforehand. However, for your safety, I’d like to recommend dissolving it before you pour shock into your pool.

Swim Network Overview

Now, everything about pool shock is clear. I believe that you have chosen your best pool shock for your own swimming pool.

It is obvious that In The Swim Chlorine Pool Shock is the best choice for all. It can meet almost all basic needs to shock your pool.

For those who don’t have lots of money for pool treatment but still need to clear the pool, Leisure time RENU2 Renew Non-Chlorine Pool Shock can be a perfect pick.

If you care for your family’s health and your Intex pool as well, so HTH Pool Super Shock Treatment is an ideal option.

I hope you will find a propriate pool shock for your swimming pool through this article. If you find the review helpful, don’t forget to share it for your friends’ consultation.