What is the correct procedure for shock treating a pool?

Shock treating a pool primarily involves adding a large dose of chlorine or other oxidizing agent to the water, which serves to effectively eliminate bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. This process is crucial to maintaining water clarity and overall hygiene in the pool environment. When chlorine levels are elevated, they can rapidly break down organic matter and sanitize the water, thereby restoring its quality and making it safe for swimmers.

While adjusting pH levels is important for overall pool chemistry, it is not specifically part of the shock treatment itself. Maintaining a balanced pH is critical both before and after shocking the pool, but the act of shock treating focuses on the substantial addition of chlorine. Emptying the pool and scrubbing the sides can indeed help with cleaning, but it is not a necessary step in the shock treatment process. Changing the pool's filter elements is a maintenance task that supports overall water quality but does not address the immediate need to disinfect and clarify water through shock treatment. Thus, adding a large dose of chlorine is the most direct and effective approach to shock treating a pool.