{"id":100906,"date":"2025-05-27T17:21:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T17:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/?p=100906"},"modified":"2026-03-19T20:11:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T20:11:36","slug":"how-to-shock-pool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-shock-pool\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Shock a Pool"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Shocking a pool involves adding a large dose of chlorine or non-chlorine oxidizer to quickly eliminate contaminants, algae, and chloramines. To shock your pool, test the water, calculate the amount of shock needed, pre-dissolve the chemicals, add the solution to your pool while the pump is running, and wait 24 to 48 hours before swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, I&#8217;ll walk you through the exact steps to sanitize your pool. You&#8217;ll discover how to tackle cloudy water, eliminate that strong chlorine smell, and keep a pool that becomes the pride of your backyard, even after heavy use, rainstorms, or when you notice cloudiness developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Project difficulty: <\/strong>Intermediate; requires careful handling of chemicals and precise measurements<br><strong>Estimated time to complete:<\/strong> 30 minutes (wait time can be up to 48 hours)<br><strong>Project cost: <\/strong>$30 to $50 for shock treatment and supplies<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-60053f55-a1dd-4fe5-bc31-afa047351287\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-shock-pool\/#0-what-you-need\" style=\"\">What You Need<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-shock-pool\/#3-step-1-test-the-pool-water\" style=\"\">Step 1: Test the Pool Water<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-shock-pool\/#4-step-2-pre-dissolve-pool-shock\" style=\"\">Step 2: Pre-Dissolve Pool Shock<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-shock-pool\/#5-step-3-add-the-shock-to-your-pool\" style=\"\">Step 3: Add the Shock to Your Pool<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-shock-pool\/#6-step-4-wait-and-retest\" style=\"\">Step 4: Wait and Retest<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-shock-pool\/#7-faq-about-pool-shock\" style=\"\">FAQ About Pool Shock<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-shock-pool\/#8-mastering-pool-shock\" style=\"\">Mastering Pool Shock<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-shock-pool\/#9-related-reading\" style=\"\">Related Reading<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-you-need\">What You Need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before starting, gather all your supplies and safety gear. Remember: Pool shock contains powerful chemicals that can irritate skin and eyes, cause breathing problems if inhaled, and create dangerous gases if mixed improperly. <strong>Handle with care.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-safety-first\">Safety First<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chemical-resistant gloves: <\/strong>Protect your hands from chemical burns and irritation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safety goggles:<\/strong> Shield your eyes from splashes and fumes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Long-sleeved shirts and pants:<\/strong> Minimize skin exposure to chemicals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closed-toed shoes:<\/strong> Protect your feet from accidental splashes or spills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-pool-shocking-supplies\">Pool Shocking Supplies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pool shock treatment:<\/strong> Choose from calcium hypochlorite (cal-hypo), sodium hypochlorite (liquid), lithium hypochlorite, or dichlor\/trichlor (stabilized).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>5-gallon bucket:<\/strong> Use a plastic one to safely pre-dissolve shock chemicals before adding them to the pool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water testing kit:<\/strong> Always test your pool water before and after shocking to ensure everything is where it needs to be.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pool brush:<\/strong> Helps distribute shock and break up algae, if needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pool pole:<\/strong> Extends the brush, making it safer to use in hard-to-reach areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quick tip: <\/strong>Wait until evening to shock your pool since UV rays from sunlight quickly break down chlorine, reducing effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-step-1-test-the-pool-water\">Step 1: Test the Pool Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a handy pool shock calculator that lets you determine how much shock you&#8217;ll need. Just plug in the readings from your test. Below that, I&#8217;ve included instructions on how to do the calculations manually, if you&#8217;d like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!DOCTYPE html>\n<html lang=\"en\">\n<head>\n  <meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n  <title>Pool Shock Calculator<\/title>\n  <style>\n    .psc-container {\n      font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;\n      max-width: 600px;\n      margin: 30px auto;\n      background: #f4f4f4;\n      padding: 20px;\n      border-radius: 10px;\n      box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n    }\n\n    .psc-title {\n      text-align: center;\n      color: #0077b6;\n      font-size: 1.75rem;\n      margin-bottom: 20px;\n    }\n\n    .psc-label {\n      font-weight: bold;\n      display: block;\n      margin-bottom: 5px;\n    }\n\n    .psc-group {\n      margin-bottom: 15px;\n    }\n\n    .psc-input, .psc-button {\n      width: 100%;\n      padding: 10px;\n      font-size: 14px;\n      border-radius: 5px;\n      border: 1px solid #ccc;\n      box-sizing: border-box;\n    }\n\n    .psc-button {\n      background-color: #0077b6;\n      color: white;\n      border: none;\n      cursor: pointer;\n      font-weight: bold;\n      margin-top: 10px;\n    }\n\n    .psc-button:hover {\n      background-color: #023e8a;\n    }\n\n    .psc-result {\n      margin-top: 20px;\n      font-size: 16px;\n      font-weight: bold;\n      text-align: center;\n      color: #023e8a;\n    }\n  <\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n  <div class=\"psc-container\">\n    <h1 class=\"psc-title\">Pool Shock Calculator<\/h1>\n\n    <div class=\"psc-group\">\n      <label for=\"psc-pool-volume\" class=\"psc-label\">Pool Volume (gallons):<\/label>\n      <input type=\"number\" id=\"psc-pool-volume\" class=\"psc-input\" placeholder=\"e.g. 15000\">\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"psc-group\">\n      <label for=\"psc-total-chlorine\" class=\"psc-label\">Total Chlorine (ppm):<\/label>\n      <input type=\"number\" id=\"psc-total-chlorine\" class=\"psc-input\" placeholder=\"e.g. 3\">\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"psc-group\">\n      <label for=\"psc-free-chlorine\" class=\"psc-label\">Free Chlorine (ppm):<\/label>\n      <input type=\"number\" id=\"psc-free-chlorine\" class=\"psc-input\" placeholder=\"e.g. 1\">\n    <\/div>\n\n    <button class=\"psc-button\" onclick=\"pscCalculateShock()\">Calculate Shock Needed<\/button>\n\n    <div id=\"psc-result\" class=\"psc-result\"><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <script>\n    function pscCalculateShock() {\n      const volume = parseFloat(document.getElementById('psc-pool-volume').value);\n      const total = parseFloat(document.getElementById('psc-total-chlorine').value);\n      const free = parseFloat(document.getElementById('psc-free-chlorine').value);\n      const result = document.getElementById('psc-result');\n\n      if (!volume || !total || !free || total < free) {\n        result.textContent = 'Please enter valid chlorine levels and pool volume.';\n        return;\n      }\n\n      const cc = total - free;\n      const shockNeeded = (10 * cc * volume) \/ 10000;\n\n      result.textContent = `Combined Chlorine (CC): ${cc.toFixed(2)} ppm\\nYou need approximately ${shockNeeded.toFixed(2)} lbs of shock.`;\n    }\n  <\/script>\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n<p>Before adding any chemicals, like chlorine shock treatments, to your pool, always test the water first:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Test these key levels with test strips or a liquid test kit:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free chlorine (FC): Active sanitizing chlorine that should reach 10 to 12 parts per million (ppm) after shocking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total chlorine (TC): Sum of free and combined chlorine, target range is 1 to 3 ppm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pH: The ideal range for shocking is between 7.2 and 7.4.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alkalinity: Should be between 80 and 120 ppm before you shock the pool.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Calculate the combined chlorine (CC). <\/strong>This shows how much chlorine is currently in the water. Use the following formula to figure out the combined chlorine in your pool.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>CC = Total Chlorine - Free Chlorine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Calculate the shock needed<\/strong> to know how much product to add. Use the formula below to determine the amount of shock to add.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>(10 x CC level x pool volume in gallons) \/ 10,000 = pounds of shock needed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shock Treatment Reference Guide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pool Size (gallons)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>CC level 0.3<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>CC level 0.5 ppm<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>CC level 1.0 ppm<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5,000 gallons<\/td><td>1.5 lbs<\/td><td>2.5 lbs<\/td><td>5.0 lbs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>10,000 gallons<\/td><td>3.0 lbs<\/td><td>5.0 lbs<\/td><td>10.0 lbs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>15,000 gallons<\/td><td>4.5 lbs<\/td><td>7.5 lbs.<\/td><td>15.0 lbs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>20,000 gallons<\/td><td>9.0 lbs<\/td><td>15.0 lbs<\/td><td>30.0 lbs<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Liquid vs. Granular Measurement: <\/strong>Liquid shock comes in gallons or quarts, while granular shock comes in pounds. Always check product labels for specific dosing instructions, as concentrations vary by brand. Use the following conversion rate as a guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>1-gallon liquid shock (12.5%) = 2 pounds granular shock (65%)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-step-2-pre-dissolve-pool-shock\">Step 2: Pre-Dissolve Pool Shock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, put on all your safety gear (goggles, gloves, and protective clothing) to protect yourself from the chemicals. Then, start mixing the shock treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Add pool water<\/strong>: Fill a clean 5-gallon bucket \u00be full with pool water. Keep the bucket on a flat surface away from children and pets.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Safety tip:<\/strong> Never use tap water or hose water as their minerals can react with shock chemicals and create dangerous fumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Add shock to bucket:<\/strong> Using the amount you calculated in step 1, slowly pour the shock into the water. <strong>Never pour water into shock.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mix the solution: <\/strong>Using your pool pole, stir gently until completely dissolved and keep the pole submerged to prevent splashing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quick tip: <\/strong>If you see undissolved particles, don't add them directly to the pool. Instead, dip your bucket back into the pool water and gently swirl until fully dissolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-step-3-add-the-shock-to-your-pool\">Step 3: Add the Shock to Your Pool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"492\" src=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gutter-in-heavy-rainfall-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/roof-styles-illustration-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3418-1-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pantone-colors.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Anthony-Brooks-150x150-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/shocking-pool.jpg\" alt=\"A person opens a yellow chemical container next to a swimming pool, preparing to shock the pool water.\" class=\"wp-image-100918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/shocking-pool.jpg 800w, https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/shocking-pool-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/shocking-pool-768x472.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/how-shock-your-pool-chlorine-1438983074\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you shock your pool, you need to add the chemicals at the right time and keep your pool water moving. This helps the shock treatment spread evenly through all of your pool water and clean it properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Circulate the water:<\/strong> Turn on your pool pump so the chemicals can be distributed throughout the pool.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pour in solution:<\/strong> Walk slowly around the pool\u2019s perimeter, pouring the pre-dissolved shock solution in near the jets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintain circulation:<\/strong> Keep the pump running for at least 8 hours afterward to circulate the shock solution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Safety warning:<\/strong> Never add shock directly to your skimmer, as this can create dangerous chemical buildup and potentially damage your equipment or release harmful gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-step-4-wait-and-retest\">Step 4: Wait and Retest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for wait times between shocking and swimming, which is <strong>typically 24 to 48 hours<\/strong>. During this waiting period:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Run filter:<\/strong> Keep your pool pump running for at least 8 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test water:<\/strong> Use your testing kit to check free chlorine levels again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirm range:<\/strong> Free chlorine should be in a range of 1 to 3 ppm. Check that all the levels are in the safety ranges before diving back in.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div style=\"position: relative; width:100%;max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; overflow: hidden;\">\n  <iframe\n    src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vfYBEUKaeEM?si=nJ2jY9QPZl0RlWkZ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"     allowfullscreen style=\"display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16\/9; border: none;\"><br \/>\n  <\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-faq-about-pool-shock\">FAQ About Pool Shock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747888449911\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I pour shock directly into my skimmer?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Adding shock directly to the skimmer can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. The gases released by the reaction can damage pipes and the automatic chlorinator if applied directly to the skimmer. Stick to mixing your shock in a bucket and pouring it into the deep end around the return jets.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747888498301\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should I brush the pool before shocking?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, if you're dealing with algae. Brushing the pool walls and floor helps loosen algae and breaks their protective layer, letting the shock treatment work more effectively. Even without visible algae, a quick brush before shocking can help remove biofilm and improve results.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747888507450\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long does it take for shock to clear a green pool?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most green pools take 24 to 48 hours to clear with shock treatment, though timing varies with algae severity. If your pool remains green after 48 hours, retest the water and either add more shock or correct other water balance issues, such as low pH.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-mastering-pool-shock\">Mastering Pool Shock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular use of pool shock is essential for maintaining clean and safe water. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll enjoy crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. If you're struggling to find the right balance in your pool levels, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-related-reading\">Related Reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For more pool care tips and tricks, check out these helpful guides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gutter-in-heavy-rainfall-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/roof-styles-illustration-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3418-1-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pantone-colors.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Anthony-Brooks-150x150-1.jpgpool-care\/how-to-raise-pool-ph\/\">How to Raise Pool pH<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gutter-in-heavy-rainfall-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/roof-styles-illustration-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3418-1-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pantone-colors.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Anthony-Brooks-150x150-1.jpgpool-care\/how-to-lower-pool-ph\/\">How to Lower Pool pH<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Home Gnome writer Raven Wisdom contributed to this report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.homegnome.com\/?intent=poolCleaning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><em>skilled pool care services<\/em><\/a><em> and leave the rest to us.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/a-swimming-pool-has-white-water-due-to-shock-chlorination\/575068277\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marco Taliani<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To shock your pool, test the water, calculate the amount of shock needed, pre-dissolve the chemicals, add the solution to your pool while the pump is running, and wait 24 to 48 hours before swimming.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":100908,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[80],"class_list":["post-100906","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pool-care","tag-pool-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/shock-a-pool.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Cecilia Acevedo","author_link":"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/author\/cecilia-acevedo\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Shock a Pool<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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