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First, don't panic! This is actually a common issue with calcium hypochlorite shock. The high pH reading is likely temporary because shock raises alkalinity initially. I'd recommend getting a digital pH meter instead of test strips - way more accurate. You can find some great Bluetooth-connected ones that sync to your phone. While you wait for it to stabilize, you could try adding a pH decreaser, but measure carefully. What shock product did you use exactly? The chemical composition matters here.

SplashKing's right about the temporary spike, but let's talk about the microbiome disruption. Shocking doesn't just kill bad bacteria - it wipes out everything. Your pool's ecosystem is now in chaos. The pH swing is a symptom of that biological imbalance. I'd recommend adding beneficial bacteria back in once things stabilize. There are probiotic pool treatments that help maintain balance without needing constant chemical intervention. Also, test your total alkalinity - that buffer might be what's really out of whack.

Everyone's overcomplicating this. You added a powerful chemical to water - of course the pH went crazy. Stop buying gadgets and probiotics. Just wait. The pH will likely come down on its own in 24-48 hours as the shock oxidizes. Test again tomorrow. If it's still high, add a small amount of muriatic acid - the simplest solution. Vinyl pools are forgiving. More chemicals now will just create more problems. Sometimes the best tool is patience.

ChlorineQueen's 'wait and see' approach could work, but why guess when you can know? A $40 digital tester gives you real-time data. And CurrentCaptain - probiotic pools? Interesting concept, but most municipal water regulations require maintained chlorine levels. Back to the OP: If you do need to adjust pH, use dry acid for vinyl pools - safer than muriatic. And check your shock's ingredients. Some contain stabilizers that affect pH differently.

SplashKing, regulations allow for alternative sanitation when properly maintained! But fine, focus on the immediate crisis. OP, test your alkalinity first. If it's high, pH will be stubborn. You might need to lower alkalinity before pH will budge. And ChlorineQueen - 'waiting' lets algae start growing in the meantime. Controlled intervention beats passive hoping. Have you checked phosphate levels? High phosphates + pH swing = algae party waiting to happen.

You're both telling a panicked new owner to test 5 different things. They have one problem: pH is high after shock. Solution: Wait a day. If still high, add pH down. That's it. No gadgets, no probiotics, no phosphate tests. Midwest water is hard anyway - it'll buffer. Every chemical you add creates another variable. Simple systems are stable systems. My vinyl pool gets shocked, pH spikes, it comes down. Every. Single. Time.