To Shock or not to Shock

I recently found an article by Scott Downing, from AquaCheck about their new product call AquaChek ShockChek


"To Shock or not to shock", that is the question (real creative if you ask me ) that is on the minds of many pool owners when trying to determine when they should shock their pools and spas. Many retailers have reported that consumers do not shock enough simply because they do not understand the concept of why or when to shock their pool or spa. To help overcome this AquaChek, launched ShockChek in 2013, through SCP and SPP distributors.

ShockChek is a new type of testing for the consumer. It is designed to help the pool and spa owner easily identify when a pool or spa needs shocking. The test results simply indicate that yes, the pool or spa needs shocking or that the water is "okay" using the test strips will help the pool and spa owner maintain sparkling blue, crystal clear water and help the retailer increase shock chemical sales, and to have happier customers. Although the results may speak for themselves, the message should always be clear that shocking does not replace the need for continuous chlorinator.

Education is the key to successful pool and spa maintenance, and despite the industry's best efforts, most pool and spa owners do not shock often enough. And if/when they DO shock, they probably do not use enough shock products. Although it is recommended that shocking should be performed on a weekly basis, as water conditions change, shocking may be required more often.

Chloramines are formed by the reaction of free chlorine she organic substances. Chloramines, compared to free chlorine, are both less effective as a sanitizer and may be more irritating to the eyes of swimmers. Chloramines are also responsible for the reported "chlorine" smell of pools and spas.

The Decision to shock is both a qualitative and a quantitative one. If a pool or spa is cloudy or has a visible algae it is obvious that the pool or spa needs to be shocked. But when a pool or spa is clear, many consum
ers think the pool or spa does not need shocking. Clear pool and spa water can be deceiving and can have bacteria growing or combined chlorine present, thawing off the water balance. All other pool and spa test have specific quantitative measures and corresponding corrective actions. For instance, when the pH measures 6.4 it is fairly easy to determine how much pH increaser product needs to be added t bring the pH back into balance. That is not the case with shocking. As a result, pool and spa owners can become confused when determining when or when not to shock.

AquaChek  ShockCheck eliminates the guesswork with its unique testing procedure and results interpretation which provides for a very positive user experience. Instead of the consumer trying to calculate the difference between free chorine and total chlorine to determine combined chlorine, ShockChek does that for you and provides the consumer with a simple shock or no-shock results. In fact, the color chart on the ShockChek doesn't even include numerical values. If shocking is required, make sure you point out that the shock product label directions should be followed carefully.

Testing pool and spa water for free chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, etc. should be performed twice a week using AquaChek test strips. ShockChek test strips should be used twice a week as well. Pool and spa maintenance should not be difficult or complicated. Pool and spa owners bought their pool and spa for enjoyment, family togetherness, and the ultimate backyard vacation. By adding ShockChek to your customer' list of testing products, you will not only increase customer satisfaction but sell more shock as well. AquaChek helps the customer satisfaction but sell more shock as well. AquaCheck helps the owner enjoy their pool and spa more and work less. ShockChek is another addition to the AquaChek family of pool and spa water test strips!!!