Test for metals before shocking well water.

Yes, test for metals first. Well water often carries iron, manganese, or calcium, and dumping in chlorine without checking can turn your pool brown or black overnight.

If your water looks clear but smells metallic, grab a metals test kit. If iron or manganese shows up, use a metal sequestrant (like Jack’s Magic or a generic stain remover) before you shock. Then shock, balance pH (usually well water runs high), and check alkalinity. Hardness from calcium can be an issue too — if it’s over 400 ppm, you might need a flocculant or a partial drain with softened water.

Skip that step and you’ll be scrubbing rust stains for weeks. Save yourself the headache.