Best Way to Shock a Really Dirty Pool Pool shock is a chemical treatment that helps breakdown contaminants—like debris, dirt, leaves, and even oils from your skin—that can slowly build up in your pool water. Did you know that shocking your pool should be part of your pool maintenance routine to help keep the water balanced and clean? If you are a beginner to pool shock, you may have many questions about how to shock your pool. Thinking about which shock treatment is ideal for your pool? This article will help you answer that. What Does It Mean to “Shock”