Pool maintenance can be a chore, but using the right chemicals makes it much easier. Two popular shock products for pools are burnout 73 and smart shock. While both effectively sanitize pool water, they have some key differences in how they work and when to use them.
This article provides a detailed comparison of burnout 73 and smart shock to help you decide which is right for your pool needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Burnout 73 | Smart Shock |
| Sanitizing Ingredient | Chlorine | Monopersulfate |
| Provides Residual Sanitizer | Yes | No |
| Ideal Use Case | Periodic heavy shocking | Routine weekly shocking |
| Harsh on Swimmers/Equipment | Yes | No |
| Safe for Saltwater Pools | No | Yes |
| Speed of Action | Quick but slower dissolve | Quick dissipation |
| Contains Stabilizer | Yes | No |
| Byproduct Removal | Mediocre | Excellent |
What Is Burnout 73?
Burnout 73 is a chlorine pool shock product made by Arch Chemicals. It contains 73% available chlorine in a stabilized dichlor form. The high levels of chlorine work to oxidize contaminants and bather waste in pool water.
Some key things to know about burnout 73:
- Provides a quick shock to sanitize cloudy or contaminated water
- Higher chlorine concentration than regular pool chlorine
- Dissolves slowly over 24-48 hours to provide a longer sanitizing effect
- Stabilized formula helps maintain chlorine levels longer
- Works best for periodic shocking rather than weekly maintenance
Burnout 73 is an ideal shock treatment if you need to give your pool a heavy-duty sanitizing boost, such as after heavy bather loads, weather events, or other contamination issues.
What Is Smart Shock?
Smart shock is a non-chlorine pool shock product made by SeaKlear. Rather than chlorine, it uses potassium monopersulfate as the active sanitizing ingredient. When dissolved in water, it forms peroxymonosulfate which breaks down contaminants.
Key attributes of smart shock include:
- Provides oxidative shock to oxidize organic contaminants
- Chlorine-free formula, can be used with saltwater pools
- Works quickly but does not provide residual sanitizing
- Safer for swimmers and equipment than chlorine shock
- Ideal for weekly maintenance shocking
Smart shock is a good choice for routine shocking each week to maintain clean and clear pool water. It is also safer for pool surfaces, swimmers, and equipment since it does not use harsh chlorine.
Burnout 73 Vs. Smart Shock: Key Differences
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each shock product, let’s compare some of the key differences between burnout 73 and smart shock:
Sanitizing Ingredient
- Burnout 73 uses chlorine
- Smart Shock uses monopersulfate
Sanitizing Approach
- Burnout 73 provides high levels of chlorine to quickly sanitize water and provide residual effects
- Smart Shock oxidizes contaminants but does not provide lasting sanitizing residual
Ideal Use Cases
- Burnout 73 great for periodic heavy-duty shocking
- Smart Shock better for routine weekly shocking
Effects on Swimmers and Equipment
- Burnout 73 can be harsh on swimmers and equipment with prolonged exposure
- Smart Shock is gentler and safer for swimmers and pool surfaces
Use With Saltwater Pools
- Burnout 73 not recommended for saltwater pools as it can deplete chlorine generator cell
- Smart Shock is safe for use with saltwater chlorine generator pools
Speed of Action
- Burnout 73 acts quickly but takes 24-48 hours to fully dissolve
- Smart Shock also works quickly and dissipates faster
Stabilizer
- Burnout 73 contains cyanuric acid stabilizer
- Smart Shock does not contain stabilizer
Dealing With Byproducts
- Burnout 73 chlorine can form chloramines if contaminants present
- Smart Shock helps destroy chloramines and other byproducts
So in summary, the main differences come down to the sanitizing ingredient, how quickly they work and dissipate, effects on swimmers/equipment, and ideal use cases.
When To Use Burnout 73 Shock
Here are the best instances when you’ll want to reach for burnout 73 to shock your pool:
- After heavy bather loads from parties or gatherings
- Following rainstorms or wind events that can blow in contaminants
- If there is a noticeable chlorine odor indicating low levels
- To treat cyanuric acid buildup (burnout 73 has stabilizer)
- When pool water appears cloudy, green, or otherwise contaminated
- Periodically before the swim season begins as a deep clean
- In public pools or other high bather load pools
The key is to use burnout 73 when you need a strong chlorine shock to quickly blast away contaminants or give a boost after significant bather usage.
Follow dosage instructions based on pool size and current chlorine levels. Broadcast over the water surface and allow to fully dissolve over 24-48 hours. Test chlorine levels afterward and adjust as needed to maintain ideal 1-3 ppm free chlorine.
Also watch the video!
When To Use Smart Shock
Smart shock is ideal for the following pool shocking needs:
- Weekly maintenance shocking
- After normal or moderate bather loads
- In saltwater chlorine generator pools
- If pool has noticeable chloramine odors
- To help prevent algae growth
- In pools where swimmers use the water frequently
- For spa hot tubs shocking needs
The key with smart shock is to use it routinely each week to maintain clean water, especially after typical bather usage. The non-chlorine formula makes it ideal for pools where swimmers are frequently present.
Follow dosage directions weekly or as needed to provide a quick oxidizing shock. Test water chemistry afterward to ensure pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels are ideal. Add chlorine or cal hypo as needed to maintain the ideal 1-3 ppm free chlorine residual.
Also Read: Comparison Between Zodiac and Dolphin
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main difference is that burnout 73 uses chlorine as the sanitizer while smart shock uses monopersulfate. Burnout 73 provides residual sanitizing effects while smart shock works quickly but does not leave lasting chlorine.
Use burnout 73 for periodic heavy-duty shocking when the pool needs a strong chlorine boost after heavy contamination or bather loads. It’s ideal before swim season or after rains, parties, etc.
No, burnout 3 has only 3% available chlorine while burnout 73 has 73%. Burnout 73 provides a much stronger chlorine shock.
Burnout 73 is a dichlor chlorine pool shock product designed to provide heavy-duty sanitization when pool water needs an aggressive chlorine boost to oxidize contaminants.
Can you use smart shock with saltwater pools?
Yes, smart shock is safe to use with salt chlorine generator pools since it is chlorine-free. Burnout 73 is not recommended for salt pools as it can damage the chlorine cell.
Also Read: Comparison Between Pool Perfect Plus Phosfree And Perfect Weekly.
Conclusion
To wrap up, burnout 73 and smart shock offer two different approaches to effectively shocking pool water. Burnout 73 brings heavy-duty chlorine power to periodically blast away contaminants. Smart shock uses chlorine-free monopersulfate for routine weekly shocking that is gentler on swimmers and equipment.
Consider the needs of your specific pool and choose the right shock product to keep your water clean, clear and healthy all season long. With the proper shocking regimen using one or both products, you can minimize maintenance work so you can enjoy that nice cool dip in a clean pool.
