Liquid bleach works in a pinch.

Yes, but it’s not a perfect substitute. Household bleach (typically 6% sodium hypochlorite) can raise chlorine levels, but pool shock is usually 10–12% and often has stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to protect chlorine from the sun.

The main problems: you need to use more bleach to get the same effect, and you have to watch for additives like scents or thickeners that can mess with your water chemistry. Also, if your pool is already struggling with algae or combined chlorine, bleach alone won’t cut it — you really want the higher concentration and stabilizer that comes with proper shock.

If you’re just bumping up chlorine for maintenance, it’s fine. For a full shock treatment, spend the few extra bucks on pool-specific shock. Your filter will thank you.

Keep the real stuff around for when it matters.