
What chemicals are needed for a pool?
Required Pool Opening Chemicals
- Alkalinity increaser
- pH increaser
- pH decreaser
- Cyanuric acid or cya is also known as a chlorine stabilizer
- Pool shock
- Chlorine pucks or the sanitizer of your choice
- calcium hardness increaser
How to clean your pool without chemicals?
- Make sure you have a telescopic pole. Most pool cleaning supplies attach to a pole like this, so having one available helps. ...
- A leaf skimmer or skimmer net is an important pool cleaning tool. This is a small net that attaches to the telescopic pole. ...
- Make sure you have a pool brush. ...
How to use less chemicals in your pool?
They are:
- Use a saltwater pool
- Install a UV light filtration system
- Opt for an Ozonator (or Ozone system)
- Be smart in how you use your pool
How to put chemicals in pool for first time?
Tips for Adding Start-Up Pool Chemicals
- Add Stain & Scale chemical first, especially for new plaster.
- Try PoolCalculator.com for amounts of start-up chemicals
- Add one chemical at a time, using a pool brush to distribute.
- Run filter pump while adding chemicals to circulate.
- Re-test the pool water after 8 hours of filter run time.
- Add chlorine shock when the sun is not directly overhead.

Do I have to put chemicals in my pool to close it?
0:042:25The Chemicals You Need to CLOSE Your POOL | Swim UniversityYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd calcium levels are properly balanced because a properly balanced pool will protect you fromMoreAnd calcium levels are properly balanced because a properly balanced pool will protect you from corrosion. And scale buildup that can occur during the winter. Number two make sure your chlorine.
Are pool winterizing chemicals necessary?
You really only need one chemical (algaecide) to properly winterize a swimming pool. You need some other stuff to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions, but only one chemical to add when closing.
Should you put chlorine in pool before closing?
Shock and Chlorinate Your Pool We recommend shocking a few days before you close the pool. Even if that's not possible, at least treat the water with 1–2 pounds of Fresh 'N Clear non-chlorine shock per 10,000 gallons of water during the closing process.
Should I put algaecide in my pool when closing?
You'll definitely want to use an algaecide in your water chemistry routine during your pool closing. Opening your pool to algae blooms in the spring will not be fun and will cost you money and time to correct. It is best to take preventative measures with a good, quality algaecide.
What to put in pool before closing?
Before closing your pool, you need to make sure that the pH level in the pool is between 7.6-7.8, the pool alkalinity is 80-100 and the calcium hardness is 150-250. You also need to shock your pool with a chlorine shock to bring the chlorine level to 10-12 ppm.
What chemical do you use to winterize a pool?
Chlorine levels need to be at 1-3ppm (parts per million) in your pool for the cold winter months. Most pool supply stores recommend using a Chlorine or Non-Chlorine Shock treatment before you close the pool to balance the water and make sure that it's ready to sit all winter.
How much shock is needed to close a pool?
The best time to add these chemicals is the night before you close your pool and then let the filter run overnight to circulate them. "Backwash" your filter thoroughly in the morning before you move on to step 3. The Proper Chemicals: -Add 1 lb Granular Shock OR 1 gal. Liquid Shock per 5,000 gallons of pool water.
How much liquid chlorine do you need to close a pool?
The most important factor though is the size of the pool. You'll need about 52-104 oz of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of water. This amount should get the chlorine level to between 5 and 10 ppm.
How much shock Do I need to winterize my pool?
Several days before closing, shock the pool with a chlorine shock or non-chlorine shock, using at least 2 lbs per 10,000 gallons (follow package directions). Allow the chlorine level to return to 1.0-3.0 ppm before adding any winter algaecide or your pool cover.
Should you shock your pool before winterizing it?
1:288:467 Common POOL CLOSING and WINTERIZATION MISTAKESYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhile a pool heater can extend your pool season by a month or. So you should plan on closing yourMoreWhile a pool heater can extend your pool season by a month or. So you should plan on closing your pool before temperatures start to fall below freezing at night mistake number two draining your pool.
What happens if you close your pool with algae?
Closing a pool that is green with algae, or dirty with debris or with water that is unbalanced, leads to heavy staining and saturation of the water with dead algae cells, which makes it easier for subsequent generations to grow.
Should I use shock or algaecide first?
While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.
Do I need to add chlorine to my pool in the winter?
Inground Pool Winter Tips and Guidelines Once the cold weather arrives and decides to stick around, you won't need to add any more liquid chlorine to your pool until temperatures start to warm up in the end of winter and early spring.
How much shock Do I need to winterize my pool?
Several days before closing, shock the pool with a chlorine shock or non-chlorine shock, using at least 2 lbs per 10,000 gallons (follow package directions). Allow the chlorine level to return to 1.0-3.0 ppm before adding any winter algaecide or your pool cover.
Should you put chlorine in your pool in the winter?
Add Chlorine to Your Pool to Ensure a Clean Opening In the fall, make sure to add chlorine and algaecide to your pool for over the winter. Don't add too much chlorine though. If the chlorine level is too high over the winter, you can bleach the liner.
What chemicals do I need to close my above ground pool?
Gather Your Pool Closing Essentials Winterizing chemical kit or pH increaser, Alkalinity increaser, Calcium hardness increaser, Pool shock, and Algaecide. Clarifying enzyme supplement (optional, but recommended)
What chemicals do I need to close my pool?
Other chemicals needed to close a pool work specifically to keep pool water clean during winter months. After you analyze your pool chemical levels and conditions, you may need to add some or all of these chemicals:
How long should you keep pool chemicals in the winter?
There is usually no need to test the water in a covered pool. Pool closing chemicals should last for at least six months, unless you have additional water accumulating in your pool. A few weeks before you plan to open your pool, pull the cover back and test the water. If chemical levels are out of range, you can shock the pool and add additional algaecide.
How to get rid of winter algaecide?
Add to water one day before closing your pool. Winter algaecide lies dormant until temperatures rise in the next spring season. Either completely blow out pool lines in an inground pool or add antifreeze if you live in a cold climate. Consult a pool professional for help.
What is the GLB pool closing kit?
The GLB® Pool Closing kits has three components: * Oxy-Brite® non-chlorine shock oxidizer * Algimycin® Winter algaecide * GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent
What to do after a pool test?
After you test your water, add chlorine and acidic or alkaline substances to get chemical levels in the desired range. Before adding winter pool chemicals, be sure to vacuum, remove leaves and debris, and scrub your pool thoroughly in order to assist chemicals in working effectively.
How to keep water from turning green in winter?
Add a winter algaecide to prevent your water from turning green over the winter.
Why do you need to test salt levels before closing a pool?
You want salt levels at the low end of the normal range because salt could react with contaminants over the winter months, staining your pool.
How many chemicals are in a pool kit?
You can also order the specific chemicals based on your pool size and requirements. Most kits contain just three to four chemicals and a couple of simple steps.
What happens if you don't balance your pool water?
If you do not balance and treat your water before closing up for the winter, you risk uncovering your pool in the spring to a mess that could take some serious work to clean up! We list several winter pool closing chemical kits and the pool closing chemicals mentioned below in our Winterizing Pool Chemicals section.
What happens when your pool water is unbalanced?
Keeping Your Pool Water Balanced All too often we see the damage that unbalanced water can cause. Water can corrode surfaces or deposit a white film or crusty, coarse substance called scale. Find out how to prevent the two types of unbalanced water conditions, corrosive and scaling.
Can you use Camco antifreeze in an inground pool?
If you're taking this route, the first chemical needed would be an antifreeze. We suggest the Camco Non-Toxic Concentrated Antifreeze. Do not use automotive antifreeze as it is very toxic to humans and pets. Inground pools will require at least two quarts to be administered into the skimmer and down to the main drain. With underground pipes for inground pools, a pint or two into the plumbing while it is being blown out is a good practice.
Can you reopen a pool in the winter?
Good news! Retiring your pool for the winter is not a complicated procedure. Many D.I.Y pool owners successfully do this year after year and reopen in the spring with great success. They key to successfully winterizing your swimming pool is preparing your pool water. If you do not balance and treat your water before closing up for the winter, you risk uncovering your pool in the spring to a mess that could take some serious work to clean up!
Can you close a swimming pool in the winter?
Thankfully, the chemicals needed to close your swimming pool for the winter won’t take a big bite out of your wallet. Most importantly on your to-do list is to test your water and balance it before you close for the winter. This should be easy, as it more than likely is in good shape from the end of the summer.
Can you use algaecide on copper?
For all of us, an algaecide is in order. Do not use anything with a metal ingredient like copper or silver as it may lead to staining of the pool surface. The Easy Care Winter Algaecide is a great product for all season use as well as a winterizing chemical. ClearView Quat Power Algaecide is another powerful algaecide, that is great for above ground or small inground pools.
What is pool closing chemical?
Pool closing chemicals are designed to work slowly over winter, and are formulated to stay viable in cold water temperatures.
Why use chlorine free shock in pool closing kits?
Why? Because it won’t destroy the other chemicals used in the pool closing process, and because we are not trying to kill spring algae growth, but trying to prevent algae growth during winter . Non-chlorine shock fits the bill perfectly, oxidizing and sanitizing the water, while not disrupting the algaecide and stain fighting chemicals.
How long should you shock a pool before closing?
If you use Chlorine Shock to close your pool – be sure to shock the pool 1-2 days before closing day, so that the chlorine level is reduced when the other chemicals are added.
How long before closing a pool should you adjust pH?
3-Days Before Closing: Adjust your pool pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness levels first, several days to a week before you plan on closing the pool. You need not worry about Stabilizer levels during winter. New plaster or pebble surfaces will continue to release carbonates, which will raise pH and Alkalinity through winter.
When to add algaecide to pool?
Add the Algaecide after you have lowered the water level in the pool, and just before putting on the pool cover. In this way you are not wasting any algaecide, and because it will mix itself without the pump circulating the chemical. Our Winterizer algaecide is formulated to go dormant at water temps of 50° or less, but for long and warm fall or spring seasons, more algaecide may be needed mid-spring.
What to use to close a pool?
Here's a helpful pool closing tip: if you live in an area with a lot of trees near the pool, a leaf net can help. Pool leaf nets are typically used in areas with milder climates. These are mesh pool covers that allow water to fully pass through the material, while blocking large debris, such as leaves and acorns, from entering the pool. They're commonly used along with a winter cover to keep the amount of leaves and debris from weighing down the cover.
How to prevent algae in pool?
Closing too early will run the risk of algae growth. 2. Brush and Vacuum To Remove All Debris. Cleaning your pool before closing for the winter prevents algae and makes your spring opening even easier.
How to winterize a pool?
Leslie’s Top 10 Pool Closing Tips will help you close a pool quickly and easily! 1. Begin Winterizing One Week Before Closing Your Pool. One week prior to closing your pool, add a phosphate remover to help keep algae out ...
How to keep algae out of pool?
1. Begin Winterizing One Week Before Closing Your Pool. One week prior to closing your pool, add a phosphate remover to help keep algae out and prevent any potential algae blooms. We recommend waiting to close your pool until the water temperature is consistently below 65 degrees.
How far below the pool should the skimmer be?
3. Manage Your Water Level. FREEZING AREA – Water should be 4-6 inches below: skimmer (vinyl-lined) or tile line (plaster)
How to inflate an air pillow in a pool?
Inflate the air pillow using an air pump and place in the center of the pool. The air pillow can be tethered to an anchor to keep it in place. Another option is the Pillow Pal, which creates a lock between the air pillow and bottom of your winter cover.
What is a safety cover for a pool?
Safety covers provide the highest level of protection against accidental intruders, as well as winter storm debris, since they are anchored into the surrounding deck.
When to close your inground pool
Figuring out the right time to close your pool, and how to do it, comes down to two factors:
What you need
Before we start going through the steps, take a few minutes to make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a supply list for closing an inground pool:
A quick recap
Congrats, if you made it this far, then you’ve successfully learned how to close your inground pool. Here’s a quick recap of everything:
