Product evaluated: Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Shock XTRABLUE® Plus, Kills Bacteria & Algae in Swimming Pools, Swim-Ready in 15 Minutes, (12-Pack)
Related Videos For You
How To SHOCK a Swimming POOL
Data basis: This report synthesizes feedback from dozens of recent buyer reviews and video demonstrations collected between 2024-02 and 2026-01, with most feedback coming from written reviews and supported by videos.
| Outcome | Clorox XTRABLUE (this pack) | Typical mid-range shock |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to swim-ready | Often slower—cloudiness or residue commonly reported after recommended wait times. | Usually faster—most mid-range formulas clear within expected window. |
| Odor & handling comfort | Stronger odor and more handling complaints than typical. | Milder smell with fewer safety-handling notes. |
| Consistency of results | Inconsistent—results vary across uses and storage conditions. | More predictable performance under normal conditions. |
| Hidden prep needed | Yes—extra pre-dissolving or special handling appears repeatedly. | No—most alternatives tolerate direct broadcast dosing. |
| Regret trigger | Delayed swim from cloudiness is a higher-than-normal category risk. | Occasional delay but less likely to cause multi-day interruptions. |
Why is my pool still cloudy after shocking?
Regret moment: You expect clear water in one night but see persistent cloudiness the next day.
Pattern: This is the primary issue and appears repeatedly in buyer feedback.
Usage anchor: Cloudiness often shows up after first use or when treating heavy bather load and high organic waste.
Category contrast: This feels worse than typical because many mid-range shocks clear faster under the same conditions.
Do packaging and granule clumps ruin dosing?
- Early sign: Visible clumps or uneven granules on opening are commonly reported.
- Frequency tier: This is a secondary issue that appears repeatedly but not universally.
- Cause: Clumping worsens after humid storage or rough shipping.
- Impact: Uneven dissolution can leave residue and reduce effectiveness.
- Attempted fixes: Buyers report extra stirring, straining, or pre-dissolving to get acceptable results.
Could this shock cause strong smell or irritation?
- Health signal: Strong chemical odor and handling discomfort are commonly reported.
- When it happens: Odor peaks during application and in warm weather.
- Condition worsening: High temperatures and enclosed equipment areas make the smell worse.
- Hidden requirement: Proper PPE and pre-dissolving are often needed but not obvious from pack labeling.
- Fixability: Moving treatment to windy conditions or pre-dissolving reduces smell but adds steps.
- Category contrast: This is more irritating than typical mid-range shocks which are often milder to handle.
Is this worth the price compared with other shocks?
- Value signal: Per-ounce cost looks reasonable, but practical value is reduced by added prep and inconsistent results.
- Edge-case reports: Packaging damage in shipping is less frequent but persistent for some buyers.
- Hidden cost: Extra time for pre-dissolving, retreating cloudy pools, and safety gear adds to real cost.
- Buyer trade-off: You may need to buy test strips and spend extra pool time troubleshooting.
- Repair attempts: Replacement packets or refunds are reported but add friction and wait time.
- Category contrast: This product requires more hands-on care than most mid-range shocks, increasing regret risk.
- Practical impact: For busy owners, the time and re-treatment make this feel less cost-effective.
Illustrative excerpts
Illustrative: "Pool still cloudy next morning after using as directed." — primary.
Illustrative: "Packets arrived clumped and some spilled inside the box." — secondary.
Illustrative: "Strong chemical smell during application made us wait to use the pool." — secondary.
Who should avoid this
- Owners needing quick turnaround: Avoid if you require reliable same-day or next-day clarity; cloudiness is the main regret.
- People intolerant of odors: Avoid if strong chemical smell or handling discomfort is unacceptable.
- Low-maintenance buyers: Avoid if you don’t want extra prep steps like pre-dissolving or straining clumps.
Who this is actually good for
- DIY pool technicians: Good for users who accept extra prep because they can pre-dissolve and monitor results.
- Large backyard pools: Works if you have time for re-treatment and can tolerate stronger odor during application.
- Budget-focused buyers: Acceptable if you prioritize per-ounce price over convenience and faster clarity.
Expectation vs reality
Expectation: A shock should make pools swim-ready in one session, as is reasonable for this category.
Reality: Cloudiness and variable dissolution mean repeat treatments or extra prep are commonly needed.
Expectation: Packaging should allow straightforward dosing.
Reality: Clumping requires extra handling, which increases time and spill risk.
Safer alternatives
- Choose pre-dissolving-friendly shock: Look for products labeled for fast-dissolve to avoid clumps and residue.
- Pick low-odor formulas: Search for shocks with low-odor or consumer-specified mild handling notes to reduce irritation risk.
- Prefer consistent-packaging brands: Buy sellers with strong packaging reviews to avoid shipping damage.
- Buy slightly higher-midrange options: Pay a bit more for predictability if you need fast, reliable clarity.
The bottom line
Main regret: The product's most disruptive issue is cloudy water after treatment, which often delays swimming.
Why higher risk: Inconsistent dissolution and stronger odor make this worse than many mid-range shocks.
Verdict: Avoid if you need fast, low-fuss shock treatment; consider alternatives if clear, predictable results matter most.
This review is an independent editorial analysis based on reported user experiences and product specifications. NegReview.com does not sell products.