what chemicals do i need to start my pool

The Perfect Chemical Balance for a Pool Start Up

• pH – 7.2-7.6
• Alkalinity – 80-120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness – 180-220 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid – 30-50 ppm
• Chlorine – 1-3 ppm

Full Answer

What chemicals are needed to start a pool?

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.

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What are the best pool chemicals?

To attain proper water balance, here are the keys to that:

• pH level: 7.1 – 7.8
• Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 180-220 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): 30-50 ppm

How to put chemicals in pool for first time?

Adding chemicals to your pool. Before you start make sure the pump is running whenever you add chemicals. Buffer. Mix the Buffer in a bucket of pool water. Broadcast directly onto surface of your bather-free pool. Spread around evenly. IMPORTANT. If you need to add buffer as well as acid, add buffer day 1 and acid on day 2. Acid

How much/which chemicals needed in newly filled pool?

For a clear but hazy pool, 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons is usually sufficient. For a dark green pool however, 3-4 lbs. (or more) per 10,000 gallons may be needed. If the pool water is still green-ish, more pool shock is needed. The chlorine level should be high from the pool shock for the first few days.

How do you start a pool for the first time?

3:416:38How to OPEN An ABOVE GROUND POOL in 11 Steps | Swim UniversityYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first you want to add back all the plugs to the drains. And the pressure gauges to your poolMoreSo first you want to add back all the plugs to the drains. And the pressure gauges to your pool filter system pump and other equipment. Now you'll need to attach your system's hoses to your equipment.

What chemicals do you need to start your above ground pool?

Once the pool is opened and the floor and walls have been brushed the first chemical you should add is chlorine to shock it. It's recommended you add a gallon of liquid chlorine or pound of granular chlorine for every 5,000 gallons of water in the pool. You can also add more chlorine at the end of the opening process.

Should I shock my pool when I first fill it up?

At first you'll add chlorine in what's called “shock” levels – an extra heavy dose to start your pool off. A shock dose coupled with extra circulation will ensure that all the water gets treated properly in the beginning.

What chemicals do I need to put in my pool?

What Chemicals Do You Need for a Pool?CHLORINE: Probably the best-known pool chemical, chlorine is a sanitiser that keeps algae and bacteria at bay. ... SHOCK: ... BROMINE: ... CYANURIC ACID: ... CALCIUM CHLORIDE: ... ALGAECIDE: ... CLARIFIER: ... FLOCCULANT:

What chemicals should I balance first in my pool?

Total AlkalinityTotal Alkalinity (TA) is the first thing you should balance in your pool water. TA refers to the amount of alkaline material in the water. And since alkaline is a pH stabilizer, the number of alkaline substances in water will affect the pH balance. The ideal Total Alkalinity range for pool water is 80 – 120 ppm.

What to do when you first fill your pool?

What Do You Do After an Above Ground Pool Is Filled With Water?Step 1: Learn about how to prevent drowning and pool chemical injuries. ... Step 2: Turn on the filter. ... Step 3: Vacuum and skim off debris. ... Step 4: Test the water, and then test it again. ... Step 5: Enjoy your pool, but safely!

How much chlorine do I add to my pool for the first time?

If you're adding chlorine for the first time, add the amount of product required to achieve a free available chlorine level of 2 to 3 ppm. The instructions will let you know how much to use to raise levels by 1 ppm per 10,000 gallons (38,000 L) of water.

Do I add chlorine or stabilizer first?

Open your pool under normal procedures, and let the filter run with its normal amount of chemicals. When all the other chemicals, such as chlorine. pH and alkalinity, are balanced, add the chlorine stabilizer. Add the stabilizer only after the filter has been backwashed to ensure it is cycled through a clean filter.

Can you swim in a brand new pool?

Chlorine/non-chlorine chemicals – When adding chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals to “shock” your pool after a fill-up, wait about 24 hours or until levels are approximately 5 ppm. If you'll only be adding liquid chlorine, it's generally safe to swim after about 4 hours or until levels are 5 ppm or lower.

Is shock the same as chlorine?

Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly. Chlorine tabs (placed in a chlorinator, floater, or skimmer basket) maintain a chlorine residual in the water. You do need to use both tabs and shock.

What chemicals should I put in my pool weekly?

Add chlorinating tablets or granules weekly to maintain a clean and clear pool. For salt pools, add high purity pool salt as well as chlorine products. Always maintain 1 – 4 PPM of Free Chlorine.

Do you need chemicals with a sand filter pump?

You need chemicals with a sand filter because they require sanitization, phosphate removal, pH adjustments, and alkalinity alterations.

What order do you put chemicals in a pool?

Total Alkalinity helps stabilize, and prevent fluctuations in pH. Adjusting TA first, makes adjusting pH easier later

SANITIZERS

When it comes to sanitizing your pool water, you have a few different options:

WATER BALANCERS

One pound of sodium bicarbonate increases Total Alkalinity by 10 ppm, per every 10,000 gallons. And the ideal range for Total Alkalinity is 80 – 120 ppm.

Closing thoughts: Which pool chemicals do you need, and how much

Here’s a quick recap of which pool chemicals you need to run your pool, and how much:

Test the Water Levels

When you test your water you’ll want to test for the following levels:

Adjust Pool Water Chemistry

Now, it’s time to start balancing your water here’s the order we recommend adjusting your water chemistry.

How to treat pool water?

The first step when treating your pool's water is to adjust the pH. This is important because pool chemicals are formulated to work at specific pH levels. If the pH isn't where it needs to be, any other chemicals you add won't give the right results.

What does it mean when a pool is hard?

Water hardness refers to the calcium content of the water. When calcium is present in high levels, it can cause scaling of the pool's surface over time. Adding an anti-scaling product is helpful, but because water can also be too soft, it's important to test for hardness and adjust it when necessary.

What to do if pH is higher than 7.6?

If the pH is higher than 7.6, use muriatic acid or a granular acid to reduce it. If the pH is lower than 7.4, an alkaline product, such as granular soda ash (sodium carbonate), increases it. It's also important to retest the pH after adding each additional chemical.

What is the alkalinity of water?

Alkalinity measures the concentration of free alkaline substances in the water , and generally should be between 80 and 120 ppm. When alkalinity is outside this range, it's difficult to control the pH of the water. To raise alkalinity add sodium bicarbonate to the water; to reduce it, add muriatic acid or granular acid.

How far below the surface of the pool should you test your pool water?

It's best to test your pool's water in several spots a couple of feet below the surface of the water. This way, you can average out your results to take into account any variations in your readings. The amount of each chemical you need will vary based on the size of your pool and the results of your water tests.

Is it better to prevent algae in pool?

Don't wait until you actually have an algae problem to carry out this step; in this case, prevention is definitely better than the cure. Choose a low-foaming algaecide, as these are less likely to influence your pool's chlorine requirements.

How to add stain and scale to pool?

Add Stain & Scale chemical first, especially for new plaster. 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.

When to add chlorine shock?

Add chlorine shock when the sun is not directly overhead. Add algaecides last, after chlorine level drops below 3 ppm. See our Pool Start-Up Kits for all the chemicals needed. Once the pool is opened, you will need to circulate, filter, clean and treat the pool water - every day.

What is granular chlorine?

Granular chlorine (pool shock) is most often used to quickly raise the chlorine to levels high enough to oxidize (destroy) any contaminants, pathogens and combined chlorine molecules. Follow label directions for dosage and treatment guidelines for freshly filled pools.

How to find the water balance of a pool?

To find out the water balance of your source water, just use a pool test kit or test strips. Be sure that your kit or strips are fresh, last years supply may produce inaccurate results.

Does tap water stain pool?

That depends on the water balance of your source water - some tap water makes excellent pool water, while other sources need major adjustment, for water balance that works well with chlorine and won't stain, scale, fade or corrode your soft and shiny pool surfaces.

Can you use a garden hose to fill a pool?

Most people opt for the garden hose pool filling method, often using two hoses where possible. If your water is from a well, or if your source water contains silty dirt, minerals and metals, or high levels of chloramines or phosphates, you can filter the water as you fill the pool. Pleatco's pool fill pre-filter handles up to 40,000 gallons, ...

Does cyanuric acid build up in pool?

Cyanuric Adjustments: Any body of water will always have a testable level of pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness, whether low or high, but on a newly filled pool, cyanuric acid (aka stabilizer) levels are usually zero. Chlorine tablets contain stabilizer, but it can take years for levels to build-up.

What chemicals are used in above ground pools?

The Most Common Above Ground Swimming Pool Chemicals. Chlorine and Bromine: Either of these will neutralize bacterial growth. That way, when you are in the pool, all the water is sanitary. Cyanuric Acid: When included with your chlorine, its useful lifespan extends.

What is the pH scale in a pool?

Balancing the pH Level of Your Pool. So, with all water, there is a scale called the pH scale. This measures how acidic or basic the water has become. If it goes out of balance, then it could cause issues.

How often should I apply algicide to prevent blooms?

As long as you follow the directions, any common algicidal chemical should suffice. Depending on the one used, you’ll have to apply it every so often. Ensure that the directions are followed strictly.

What to expect after becoming an above ground pool owner?

After becoming an above ground swimming pool owner, you will have a lot of responsibilities on your plate. To fulfill them, you’ve got to learn what is required, otherwise, you’ll be lost in the dark.

How often should I test my water pH?

At least three times each week, test the pH level of your water. As long as you test it that often, it shouldn’t go out of balance by too much.

Why is water hard?

Water becomes hard when there are too many free-floating calcium ions. These can leave scale on the walls of your pipes. Thus, creating maintenance problems. To soften your water, use a water softener.

Does pool shock give electrons?

Since Pool Shock Oxidizes the Water, It Donates Electrons for the Halogens: However, to unbind those halogens, you can add some pool shock. Once you do, the pool shock donates a few electrons. Afterward, the halogens are free to continue their work.

What to use to check pH in pool?

Here’s what you’ll need to get the job done right: A good test kit or test strips for checking your pool’s pH, calcium hardness, total alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Chlorine granules or tablets. Shock treatment. Increaser/decreaser chemicals for alkalinity, calcium, and pH. Algaecide.

What to do when your pool is pre-opening?

Here are a few essential things to put on your to-do list: Remove drain plugs or winterizing plugs from the surface skimmers and wall returns, and restore directional fittings.

How to remove calcium scale from pool?

Check your tile and remove calcium scale and stains with a household tile cleaner or baking soda and a tile brush. For tougher stains, try using a pumice stone. Inspect the interior of your pool for damage and make repairs as needed.

What to do if your pool is closed all winter?

If your pool has been closed all winter, you’ll need to do a little prep work to get your pool ready for another season of fun. Don’t worry, though. Opening an inground pool is easy. Follow a few easy steps and you’ll be perfecting your cannonball in no time!

How to prolong the life of a pool cover?

You can prolong the life of your pool cover by storing it safely away from insects, rodents, and the elements. Once your swimming pool cover is clean and dry, tightly roll it and store it indoors or in a garage.

Can a fiberglass pool have a hairline?

Hairline cracks are normal in fiberglass pools. Because fiberglass pools have a gel coating, these small cracks typically won’t affect the integrity of your pool. However, if your fiberglass pool has large cracks or holes you should call a pool repair specialist right away.