Every week our Pool Techs visit pools right across Sydney, from the Eastern Suburbs to the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Inner West. And we hear all kinds of questions.
- How do I look after my pool between visits?
- What does my filter actually do, and how often should I clean it?
- How much water does my pool hold, and does that change how much chlorine I need?
- Is my pool running on salt, chlorine or both?
No question is ever too small. Pools can be tricky, and that's why we're here. But one question comes up more than any other.
"When can I, or the kids, jump back in after the pool's been serviced?"
It's a fair question. Nobody wants to waste a sunny afternoon waiting around. You also don't want to swim in water that isn't ready.
Quick answer: how long to wait before swimming
| Treatment | When you can swim |
|---|---|
| Regular pool service | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Acid or pH adjustment | 2 to 4 hours |
| Algaecide or clarifier | 12 to 24 hours |
| Adding salt | 24 hours |
| Shock treatment | 24 to 48 hours |
| Green pool recovery | 3 to 5 days |
These are general guides. Every pool is different, so check with your Pool Tech before they leave.
Why wait times vary
Water chemistry, temperature, pool size and the treatment used all change how long you should wait. Your Pool Tech may use different products or doses depending on what your pool needs that day.
If you're not sure, ask your Pool Tech before they leave, or send them a text after the visit. They'll tell you exactly when it's safe.
How long after a regular pool service can you swim?
A regular pool service covers a vacuum, a brush, a water test and a small chemical top up.
Safe to swim: after 30 minutes to 1 hour, once the water has circulated and is balanced.
How long after shocking a pool can you swim?
A shock is a strong dose of chlorine that kills bacteria and algae.
Safe to swim: once chlorine drops below 5 ppm, usually after 24 to 48 hours.
Sunlight, filtration and pool size all play a part, so test the water before anyone gets in.
How long after green pool recovery can you swim?
A green pool needs heavy treatment with strong chlorine, algaecide and flocculant to clear the water.
Safe to swim: once the pool is crystal clear, filtered and rebalanced. This can take 3 to 5 days.
Swimming too early can irritate skin and eyes, and undo the recovery work.
How long after adding acid can you swim?
Acid is used to bring down pH or alkalinity.
Safe to swim: after 2 to 4 hours with the pump running, once the pH has settled.
How long after adding salt can you swim?
Salt needs time to dissolve and pass through your chlorinator before it turns into chlorine.
Safe to swim: after 24 hours with the pump running the whole time.
How long after algaecide or clarifier can you swim?
These products vary in strength and purpose.
Safe to swim: usually after 12 to 24 hours, or as your Pool Tech advises.
How to tell your pool is safe to swim
- The water is clear and you can see the floor and main drain.
- A test strip shows chlorine and pH back in the normal range, around 1 to 3 ppm chlorine and a pH of 7.2 to 7.6.
- The pump has run since the last chemicals went in.
- Your Pool Tech has given you the all clear.
Frequently asked questions
Can kids swim straight after a pool service?
After a regular service, give it 30 minutes to an hour. After a shock, salt or green pool treatment, wait for the times above. Kids' eyes and skin are more sensitive, so if in doubt, wait a little longer.
What happens if you swim too soon after shocking a pool?
High chlorine can sting your eyes, irritate your skin and fade your swimwear. It can also slow down the treatment, so the pool takes longer to come right.
How long should the pump run after adding chemicals?
Keep the pump running until the wait time is up, so the chemicals mix through the whole pool. After adding salt, run it for a full 24 hours.
Not sure? Ask your Pool Tech
The Pool Service Co. looks after pools across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Northern Beaches and Inner West. Every visit includes digital water testing, a service report and clear advice, so your pool stays safe, balanced and ready to swim.
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