Keeping your pool clean and clear is a top priority for any pool owner. When it comes to shocking your pool — a crucial part of maintenance — two main options rise to the top: liquid chlorine and calcium hypochlorite (cal hypo) granular shock. But which one is better? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and ideal uses of each, so you can make the right choice for your pool.
What Is Liquid Chlorine?
Liquid chlorine is a sodium hypochlorite solution, typically containing 10–12% available chlorine. It’s a fast-acting disinfectant that is commonly used by commercial pool operators and residential pool owners alike.
✅ Pros:
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Fast-acting and immediately mixes with pool water
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Doesn’t add calcium to the water (ideal for hard water areas)
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Easily dispensed with a pump or poured directly
❌ Cons:
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Shorter shelf life – loses strength over time, especially in heat
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Heavy and bulky to store and transport
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Less effective at killing stubborn algae unless dosed precisely
What Is Cal Hypo Shock?
Calcium hypochlorite (cal hypo) is a granular shock treatment that typically contains 65–75% available chlorine. It dissolves quickly and is one of the most widely used shock types for residential pools.
✅ Pros:
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Highly concentrated – powerful for killing algae and bacteria
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Longer shelf life than liquid chlorine
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Ideal for routine and deep shocks
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Often contains clarifiers or water enhancers
❌ Cons:
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Adds calcium to the water — not ideal if you already have hard water
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Must be pre-dissolved in some cases or carefully broadcast
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Can bleach vinyl liners if not properly mixed
When Should You Use Each?
| Scenario | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Heavy algae outbreak | Cal Hypo Shock |
| Regular weekly maintenance | Either |
| High calcium hardness in water | Liquid Chlorine |
| Cold storage environment | Cal Hypo (longer shelf life) |
| Need to boost chlorine quickly | Liquid Chlorine |
Why Poolife® TurboShock® Out-Performs Liquid Chlorine
If you’re looking for a powerful, reliable, and easy-to-use shock, Poolife® TurboShock® is the perfect solution. With 78% available chlorine, it’s one of the strongest cal hypo shocks available on the market — designed to kill bacteria, destroy organic contaminants, and eliminate algae fast.
Plus, TurboShock is formulated to:
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Work on all pool surfaces
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Help restore water clarity
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Provide fast-dissolving convenience with no pre-mixing required
Make the Smart Choice
Whether you're battling green water, cloudy pool issues, or simply staying ahead of the maintenance curve, Poolife® TurboShock® is your go-to choice for powerful pool sanitizing.
👉 Ready to supercharge your pool care? Get Poolife® TurboShock®!