There are actually 4 different types of shocks. In this video I used sodium hypochlorite, but there's also calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, and potassium monopersulfate. All types except the last mentioned (potassium monopersulfate) contain chlorine. The last is used in salt water pools to free up chlorine molecules that have bonded with dirt, oils, hair, etc. I hope that helps!