What is superchlorination?

Superchlorination is defined as a more intense form of shock treatment used in swimming pools. This process involves adding a significantly higher dose of chlorine to the pool water than normally used for regular sanitation. The main purpose of superchlorination is to quickly raise the chlorine levels to eliminate contaminants such as chloramines, bacteria, and organic matter that regular chlorination may not fully address.

By temporarily increasing the chlorine concentration, superchlorination effectively oxidizes these unwanted substances, thereby helping to ensure that the water remains clean and safe for swimmers. This method is particularly useful after heavy pool usage, following rainfalls, or when the water appears cloudy or has an unusual odor.

Other options do not accurately describe superchlorination. A mild form of chlorination would imply a less effective treatment, while adding algaecides specifically targets algae rather than general contaminants. Additionally, balancing calcium hardness refers to a completely different chemical process aimed at maintaining water balance and preventing scaling or corrosion in the pool.