The term describes the process of adding a large dose of sanitizer, typically chlorine or a non-chlorine alternative, to pool water. This action raises the sanitizer level significantly to eliminate contaminants such as bacteria, algae, and chloramines. An analogy is a deep cleaning for the water, quickly addressing issues that regular sanitization might not fully resolve.
The practice is important for maintaining water quality, clarity, and hygiene. Its benefits include preventing the spread of waterborne illnesses, removing unpleasant odors, and improving the overall swimming experience. Historically, methods for pool sanitization have evolved, but the concept of a periodic, intensive treatment to combat accumulated contaminants has remained a cornerstone of pool maintenance.