The average amount of chlorine required for pool shocking is 3 1/2 quarts per 10,000 gallons of water. Clean Pool and Spa recommends raising the chlorine levels 10 times for every part per million of free chlorine when shocking a pool.
Raising the chlorine levels to shock the pool rids it of chloramines, which are the result of organic waste particles coming into contact with the chlorine in the pool. The chlorine kills the bacteria in the waste products, resulting in gas emissions and an unpleasant smell.
Chloramines may cause health problems if the pool is used before they are properly eliminated. Maintaining proper water chemistry, while using chlorine as a shock when necessary, is essential to the cleanliness of the pool.
