What's the difference between Chlorine Shock and Non Chlorine Shock?
Calcium hypochlorite (Cal-Hypo) increases free chlorine, calcium hardness (CH), and pH levels in pool water. It acts as a sanitizer, with every 10ppm of free chlorine added it will also increase calcium hardness by roughly 6-7ppm. It is highly alkaline, which can raise pH and total alkalinity too. Regular use of Cal-Hypo can lead to excessively high calcium hardness, especially in areas with already hard water. Best used for pools that have been neglected or have an Algae problem. NEVER EVER mix calcium hypochlorite with other forms of chlorine (such as trichlor tablets) as it can cause a violent reaction.
Non-chlorine shock (potassium peroxymonosulfate) primarily oxidizes contaminants and breaks down chloramines to clear water without increasing chlorine, pH, or cyanuric acid levels. It mainly oxidises the water and increases the effectiveness of existing sanitizers by liberating combined chlorine, rather than raising chemical levels like Cal-Hypo does. For those who use Bromine as their main sanitiser, Non chlorine shock can help re-activate bromine ions in the water negating the need for more bromine.
