Quote Originally Posted by jrv331
is it just "pool store hype" that you should shock every week?
Well. It's hype. Sorta.

Most folks wouldn't know CC if it came up and bit 'em. Most of the (cheap) test kits only have the OTO test, which can't measure how much CC you've got. In the absence of good information (and most likely a desire to line their pockets) the pool stores tell you to shock weekly. Now, that's not entirely bad advice, because it would keep the CC down to a minimum...and since they don't know the conditions of your pool, it is erring on the side of caution. However, it's generally unecessary, and it's a great way to stop throwing away money. I too was amazed when I first became a pool owner and read this site how little shocking was actually needed. The bottom line is that without CC or some other outbreak/bio-accident shocking is simply not warranted.

A wise man once told me "where there's confusion, there's profit." Know your pool, don't be confused!

Michael