What Chemicals Do I Need To Open My Pool For The First Time
If the pool is new, and the water fresh, use only a minimum of chlorine and condition the water with CLEAN & CLEAR. It will last all season and you will not have to worry about water balance or algae because it automatically prevents algae growth. Use just enough chlorine to sanitize the water.
Freshwater from a municipality is already carefully balanced and potable . There is no need to disrupt this balance by adding chemicals other than chlorine and CLEAN & CLEAR as a stabilized mineral treatment. These additives merely continue the sanitation and balance levels already existing.
Balance Your Pool Water
Testing your pool water can help you decide to adjust your levels accordingly. But how do you regulate these levels? It happens by balancing the pool water chemistry. There are three crucial parts to your pool water chemistry.
Knowing these three levels is vital in balancing your water. There are chemicals you can add to your pool to create a safe balance of cleanliness in your water.
Summary For Chemically Starting Up An Above Ground Pool Filled With Well Water
1 If the well water looks more than mildly cloudy when the pool is filled, then take a water sample to a pool store Buy whatever they sell you. It may be some stuff you dont really need, but this is a one-time thing and you want to get the pool ready to swim. Getting metals out of a pool can take some time so dont screw around and do what it takes to get results.
2 Shock the pool A one-pound bag of granular shock is good for up to 10,000 gallons. If your pool has more than 10k gallons, use two bags.
3 Adjust the PH if needed This may be more important with well water as it may be way high or low.
4 Drop a 3 chlorine tablet or two in a floating or inline chlorinator.
5 If the pool water is completely clear, wait an hour and go swimming If not clear due to something in the well water that hasnt been taken out yet, wait until clear before using.
WARNING WARNING WARNING!
WHENADDING GRANULAR SHOCK TO A VINYL ABOVE GROUND SWIMMING POOL, COMPLETELY DILUTE THE SHOCK IN A 5 GALLON BUCKET OF WATER BEFORE POURING INTO THE POOL.
Just pouring in granular shock will result in damaging the pools liner. The granulars of the chlorine will sit on the bottom of the pool which will bleach out the liner and cause it to get brittle.
Dan writes with the knowledge of having 35 years in the above ground pool industry.
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Do Weekly Shock Treatments
Laurie Wilkins, founder of , recommends giving your pool a weekly shock treatment like HTH Super Shock. A shock treatment involves using a powdered form of chlorine to kill algae, bacteria and other contaminants. A shock treatment once a week will oxidize the contaminants, freeing up the chlorine and letting it do its work in cleaning up the water, he says.
Intex Pool Filters: How To Cure Cloudy Water
Intex pool filters may not prevent the water from getting cloudy: many customer reviews state that the filter quality is often sub-par for the size of the pool. It is possible to boost the efficiency of an Intex pool filter by adding diatomaceous earth . DE can be purchased at any local DIY store or pool supply store and will help to keep the water in an Intex pool sparkling and clear.
A small amount of DE is needed: approximately 1/4-1/2 cup of DE will help clear a large Intex pool from cloudy residue. Too much DE will cause the pool filter to clog and malfunction. To add the DE to the Intex pool filter:
Electric heaters should never be used with an Intex pool. The danger of an electrical short is high and can cause death to any person inside the pool.
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The Secret To Great Water Is Finding The Right Balance Of Pool Chemicals
Pool chemicals are used to sanitize swimming pools, and chlorine and bromine are commonly used chemicals in pools. The pool chemicals you use play an important role in the maintenance, health and longevity of your pool and pool accessories. When you have a pool with balanced pH levels you spend less time on pool cleaning and maintenance. With the right combination of chemicals working to keep your pool clean and safe you’ll notice your swim wear lasts longer, you’ll experience less irritation to your eyes and skin, and you’ll find your hair will be healthier after prolonged pool use.
If you have a pool then you need pool chemicals to disinfect and sanitize your water and control the growth of harmful algae and bacteria. For many new pool owners pool chemicals come with a steep learning curve. Pool Supplies Canada is here to help you find the right balance of pool chemicals to keep your pool water clean and safe while remaining gentle on your skin, eyes and hair. Our chemical experts have created a variety of pool chemical kits which include all the chemicals you need to keep your pool’s water pH balanced, all for one convenient low price.
Here Are 10 Above Ground Pool Maintenance Tips To Help Keep Everything In Good Shape
Above ground pools are less expensive, easier-to-install alternatives to in-ground pools. And if that werent enough, theyre also usually easier to maintain. There are a few things youll want to do to keep your above ground pool in good working condition. Here are 10 key tips for above ground pool maintenance.
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Algaecidal Application Is Crucial
If you would prefer water without algal blooms, then you should think about using algicide. These chemicals kill them on the spot.
Without That, Blooms Are Only a Matter of Time
Unfortunately, pool water without these chemicals is a great growth medium for algae. Therefore, without preventing their growth, youll see them before too long.
Luckily, With the Right Algicide, Preventing Blooms Is a Cinch
As long as you follow the directions, any common algicidal chemical should suffice. Depending on the one used, youll have to apply it every so often. Ensure that the directions are followed strictly.
Otherwise, You Run the Risk of Skin Irritation:
Since the chemicals can be harsh, you dont want to use them excessively. If you do, things might not be as fun inside of your pool for guests. Harshly treated water tends to irritate the skin.
Pure Water Without Toxic Chemicals
You are always in the oxygen mode unless your water test tells you to flip a switch to ionize for one day. NO constant introduction of metal to your pool, NO silver to cause stains
Replaces 11″ of PVC Pipe, on the return line of your pool, easy to install.
Automated users can program oxygen, ionize and CO2 pH control.
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Start With Total Alkalinity
While most startup pool chemical guides suggest starting with pH, we recommend balancing total alkalinity instead.
And heres why: alkalinity is what stabilizes your pH.
Alkaline prevents your pH from fluctuating, which makes balancing your water MUCH easier. So by getting your Total Alkalinity levels right first, youll be able to adjust your pH faster.
Proper levels for Total Alkalinity range between 80 to 120 ppm.
To increase your waters Total Alkalinity: Use an alkalinity increaser . Baking soda also works for increasing alkalinity, although its not as effective.
To decrease your waters Total Alkalinity: Use an alkalinity decreaser . In emergency situations, small doses of muriatic acid can also be used for lowering pH.
Once your alkalinity is within the 80-120 ppm range, its time to start adjusting pH.
Best Chemicals For Your Pool
5 Best Chemicals for Your Pool
When it comes to your pool or spa, you want the best water you can get. That makes perfect sense, you are going to swim in it! To get the best water, it needs to be cleaned and controlled with the right chemicals. There are so many spa and pool chemicals to choose from, let us give you a good place to start.
At Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas, we know how important proper pool maintenance is, and are here to help. The five best-rated and regarded chemicals to keep your spa or pool clean!
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What Is The Best Way To Clean Above Ground Pool
Youll need a pool skimmer, clean filter, and scrubbing brush to properly maintain your swimming pool. These minimal tools will remove leaves from the surface of the water as well as other debris that might have found its way into it and make sure that the water is clear for all when you go for your next swim.
Learn More About Above Ground Pools
Ready to learn more about above ground pools? If so, be sure to read our articles answering questions like Whats the Best Way to Level an Above Ground Pool?, Can Above Ground Pools Be Heated? and Can Above Ground Pools Be Converted to Salt Water? Youll also want to learn important basic information like how much to fill an above ground pool as well as how to empty an above ground pool. Or perhaps youre curious if above ground pools can have different depths or if above ground pools can be buried. Weve got all the answers to those questions and more.
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How Do You Store Intex Pool Chemicals
The containers that your pool chemicals are in were designed specifically to store the chemicals safely, so transferring them to another container would not be a good idea.
A clean and dry place is the best location to store your pool chemicals. They should be stored separately from one another to prevent contamination if there is a spill. This is because the concentrated chemicals can react if they are mixed.
Chlorinating An Intex Pool
The best option is to purchase the Intex saltwater pool system. This pool system effectively removes all bacteria and algae from the water, without the high levels of chemical required with a traditional chlorine chemical system. The saltwater system does not create an ocean-like saltwater environment: the level of salt in the water is only 1/10 of that in the sea. The only negative to the saltwater pool system is the cost: at almost $200, it is nearly as expensive as the pool itself!
The more traditional method to chlorinate an Intex pool is to purchase Shock: this is a heavy level of chemical chlorine, which will kill bacteria quickly. The downside of this method is that the pool is unusable for a couple of days until the chemicals dissipate. A floating chlorine dispenser is not enough to keep bacteria levels down: occasional shocks are required to keep the water clean.
A pool water monitoring kit is necessary to adjust the chlorine and pH levels of the pool. Chlorine, alkaline pH adjusters, and acid are available at any local hardware or pool store.
A properly cared-for Intex pool will create a fun swimming environment for years!
Leah Lefler, 2021
The following pool accessories are necessary for maintaining an Intex pool:
- An above-ground pool vacuum
- Pool maintenance kit
- Pool cover to keep the pool clean/prevent evaporation of water
- Shock chemicals or a saltwater system
- Solar blanket to heat the water
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Choose Your Pool Filter Wisely
There are plenty of pool filters in the market, but the most popular consist of either sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth. On hindsight, most of these filters work in the same way. The only difference is the size of debris that they can filter. For example, if you are really worried about keeping microscopic particles away from your pool, then you should choose a diatomaceous earth filter rather than the other two. The most important thing is that your chosen product can thoroughly filter the pool water when your pump is on. This means turning on your filter together with your pump system for at least eight hours a day. For conveniences sake, you can set your pump and filtration system on automatic timer. While still on the subject of filters, you should also always remember to regularly clean it. Using a pool filter is useless if its clogged. However, its not enough to just wipe the grime off it you need to chemically clean it. You need to disassemble the filter and soak it in a suitable cleaning solution to remove any oil, grease, and dirt that stubbornly clings onto it. It is important to remember that some filter brands dont need disassembly but require regular spraying of chemical solutions to clean.
Heating Your Intex Pool
Warming up the water in your Intex pool is easier than you might think. Although options like gas heaters arent suitable, there are plenty of great alternatives.
Since Intex pools are MUCH smaller than inground and permanent above ground pools, theyre more affordable to heat.
The best ways to heat Intex pools are:
- Pool heat pumps
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What Are Their Ideal Ranges
When maintaining a pool, you can look at several indicators. Each of them tells you something else about the water. In the list below, weve included recommended ranges for some of the most common indicators. Follow along with them to ensure youve got quality water.
General Pool Water Indicator Guidelines
- Free Chlorine: 1.0-3.0 ppm
- Bromine: 1.0-3.0 ppm
How To Keep Above Ground Pools Clean: Tips For New Pool Owners
Owning an above ground pool comes with responsibilities, and the most significant responsibility is keeping your pool clean. After all, how can you enjoy fun & games in your pool if it is not clean?
Maintaining the cleanliness of your pool happens on a daily, weekly, and monthly period, and knowing how to keep your pool clean is vital to help avoid more expensive maintenance or dangerous swimming conditions. In this article, we discuss the main reasons for cleaning your pool and the variety of ways how to keep above ground pools clean.
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Get A Good Filter And Pump
Your filter and pump are critical parts of pool cleanliness. Without a filter and pump, you will be left with debris and possibly unsafe swimming conditions because of the chemicals that can be introduced to your water. A pump will circulate the water and will push the water through a filter that cleans your water before it enters back into your pool.
Your pool filter and pump should ideally be running 24 hours a day to maintain proper water flow and circulation. However, if you cant leave on your pump all night, consider keeping it on for at least 12 hours each day to maintain proper flow.
Tip: When installing your output jets, adjust them to help move the water in a circular motion around your pool. This adjustment further helps with pool water circulation.
Dont Forget To Check Your Pools Water Hardness Levels
Water hardness is defined as the total amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in it. The simplest way to determine whether you have hard water flowing through your faucet or not is to wash your hands with soap. Washing your hands with hard water will often leave a slippery film residue on your hand, which makes cleaning your hands with soap difficult. As a result, youd need more soap to clean your hands. This little titbit seems unimportant to pool owners. After all, no swimmer in their right mind would bring soap and wash themselves whilst in the pool. The real problem starts when you use a pool heater as the heat reacts with the minerals in the water to yield solid deposits more commonly known as scaling or scum. Scaling can reduce your pool equipments life and clog your pipes and filter. It can also deteriorate your pools surfaces. If you live in an area where the only supplied water is hard and you dont have a water softener to correct it, you should regularly check your pools pH and total alkalinity levels. At the very least, youll know how much pool scale inhibitor you should add when you fill your swimming pool with locally sourced water.
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