You can shock a pool with high pH, but it reduces chlorine effectiveness significantly. Lower pH to 7.2-7.4 first for optimal shock treatment, or use 25-50% more chlorine if shocking immediately is necessary.
Cloudy pool water can be dangerous to your health as it often indicates the presence of harmful bacteria, parasites, and contaminants. Never swim in cloudy water - clear it first using proper shock treatment.
Pool algae is typically green, but white growths in pools are usually white water mold, pink slime bacteria, or biofilms rather than true algae. These require similar shock treatment but may need additional scrubbing and filtration.
Yes, pool algae can be brown. This typically indicates mustard algae (yellow-brown) or dead/dying green algae that has turned brownish. Treatment requires proper identification and targeted chlorine shock treatment.
Wait times depend on chlorine type and amount added. For liquid chlorine at normal doses, wait 15-30 minutes. For shock treatments, wait 8-24 hours until chlorine drops to 1-4 ppm.
Yes, Lowe's carries a wide selection of pool chemicals including chlorine, pH adjusters, shock treatments, and algaecides both in-store and online year-round.
