Do I need granular shock with a Salt Cell?

[Quickstep192]

I’ll be opening my pool soon. I have a solid cover, so my water is always (usually) crystal clear when I remove the cover in spring. I’ll need to add some water which will be city water.

Do I need to shock with granular shock, or can I just set the Salt Cell on 100% for a day?

 

[Griswald]

Why do you feel you need to "shock"?

 

[Newdude]

We don't blindly shock here.

Overnight Chlorine Loss Test and if you fail, SLAM Process.


SLAM is with liquid chlorine, unless your CYA / CH needs a boost. Then you can use granular shock accordingly. (Trichlor/Cal-hypo).

 

[Quickstep192]

Why do you feel you need to "shock"?

Always did for spring startup before I had a salt cell and a solid cover in order to kill all the mung that had accumulated over winter. I’d be thrilled to skip that step.

 

[AUSpool]

You really want to start with a full set of test result so don’t overdo the FC. Too much FC will mess with some of your test results. I would start with liquid chorine and a calculated dose to 5-7ppm, get a full set of test results and go from there.

 

[darkrider]

As others have mentioned, you shouldn't need to shock. However, if your water is in the 55-65F range, you will likely see reduced Chlorine production out of your SWG. That said, there are no issues augmenting with liquid Chlorine to raise your FC to target levels until your SWG is at full production. This is a better alternative than trying to work your SWG harder in cold water. The good news is that Chlorine demand should also be relatively low in water that cold.