If your pool water looks cloudy, green, or just off, don’t panic. You’re not alone. In Memphis, our heat, humidity, and unpredictable storms can throw off even the most balanced pools.
That’s where pool shock comes in.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to use pool shock, when to use it, what kind to buy (spoiler: we highly recommend Poolife TurboShock), and how to keep your water clear all season long in the Mid-South.
What Is Pool Shock and Why Do I Need It?
Pool shock is a high dose of chlorine (or a chlorine alternative) that quickly raises your pool’s sanitizer levels to kill:
- Bacteria
- Algae spores
- Organic contaminants (from sweat, sunscreen, and rainwater)
- Chloramines (what causes that strong “chlorine” smell)
It’s basically a reset button for your pool’s water chemistry, and it’s one of the most important tools you can use to keep your water safe, clear, and clean.
How Often Should I Shock My Pool in Memphis? Here in the Mid-South, we recommend shocking your pool:
- Once a week during summer (May through September)
- After heavy swimmer use (like pool parties)
- After rainstorms (which can dilute chlorine)
- Anytime the water looks cloudy, green, or smells strong
- Any time the free chlorine level is below .5 ppm add 1# of Turbo shock per 10,000 gallons of water.
Memphis Pool Tip: Shock at night, when the sun won’t burn off the chlorine before it can work.
What’s the Best Pool Shock to Use?
We recommend and stock Poolife TurboShock, one of the strongest, fastest-working shocks available.
Why we love Poolife TurboShock:
- 78% available chlorine, high concentration for powerful results
- Fast-dissolving formula
- Great for both regular maintenance and green pool cleanup
- Compatible with vinyl, plaster, concrete, and saltwater pools
If you need to fix cloudy water fast or just stay on top of routine care, TurboShock is our go-to for Memphis summers.
How Do I Use Pool Shock?
Step-by-Step: How to Shock Your Pool
- Test your water. Make sure pH is between 7.2 and 7.6, that’s the sweet spot for shock to work best.
- Measure the right amount. Follow the instructions on the label (and ask us if you’re unsure, we’re happy to help).
- Pre-dissolve if needed. For vinyl liner pools, dissolve the shock in a bucket of water first to avoid bleaching.
- Pour it in slowly. Walk around the pool as you add it evenly into the deep end. 5. Keep your pump running. Circulate the water for at least 8–12 hours. 6. Wait before swimming. Most chlorine-based shocks require you to wait until chlorine levels drop below 5 ppm. (We’ll let you know how long based on the product.)
Why Is My Pool Still Cloudy After Shocking?
If it’s been more than 24–48 hours and your water still looks cloudy, here are a few possible reasons:
- Your pH might be off.
- Your filter may be dirty or undersized.
- You need a clarifier or flocculant to bind small particles.
- You might not be running your pump long enough (aim for 10–12 hours/day in summer).
Still stuck? Bring us a water sample, we’ll test it for FREE and show you exactly what to do next.
Does Memphis Weather Make Pool Shock More Important? Absolutely. Between:
- High heat (which burns off chlorine faster),
- Humidity (which fuels algae),
- and storm runoff (which adds debris and bacteria)…
…you’ll need to stay a little more on top of shocking here in the Mid-South than you might elsewhere. But with the right routine, it’s totally manageable.
When Should I Call for Professional Help?
If you’ve shocked and cleaned your pool but your water still isn’t clear, it’s time to call in the Memphis Pool team.
We offer:
- Expert water testing
- Cleaner and filter repair
- Green pool recovery
- Weekly and seasonal maintenance service
We’ve been keeping Memphis pools clear since 1952, and we’re happy to help you get yours back on track.
Where Can I Buy Poolife TurboShock in Memphis?
Right here at Memphis Pool! We stock Poolife TurboShock, along with everything else you need to maintain a crystal-clear pool, including:
- Water test kits
- Clarifiers and algaecides
- Filters, pumps, and cleaners
- Brushes, skimmers, and accessories
Stop by any of our locations in Memphis, Germantown, or Collierville, or visit memphispool.com to learn more.
Final Takeaway
Shock weekly. Clean consistently. Test often. That’s the secret to keeping your pool water clear, even in Memphis heat.
Need help? We’re always just a call or visit away.
Visit MemphisPool.com or stop by your nearest store today.
