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No, shock and chlorine are not the same thing, though they are related and both are used for pool maintenance. Regular chlorine, often in the form of tablets, is a sanitizer used for routine, day-to-day maintenance to keep a steady chlorine level. Pool shock, however, is a highly concentrated dose of chlorine used periodically for a more intense cleaning. It rapidly raises chlorine levels to fix issues like cloudy water or algae growth and also eliminates chloramines, which are byproducts of regular chlorination. Because their purposes and concentrations differ, they are not interchangeable, and proper pool care typically requires using both.

Pool chemical levels should include a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 to 120 ppm, and chlorine from 1 to 3 ppm. The size and type of your pool determine additional chemical levels, such as stabilizers and pool shock, but you can get to know these numbers using our pool maintenance 101 guide.

No, you should not use an extension cord with an aboveground pool pump. In addition to being dangerous as a tripping hazard, use of an extension cord could void your pool pump’s warranty. This is because using an extension cord not rated for use with the pool filter pump could damage this equipment.

There are several affordable ways to chill your pool. A pool cover can help prevent the temperature of your pool from rising during the sun. You can also run your filter at night to help aerate the water. The next most wallet-friendly option is a DIY pool chiller or fountain that uses evaporation to cool your pool.