Chemicals For Intex Pools Buying Guide
Intex produces some of the best above ground pool sets, and for this reason, getting supplies and accessories for this brand isnt that difficult. Whether you have an inflatable Easy Set, or simple Intex Kiddie pool set, or even the bigger framed pool sets like the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Set, here are the pool chemicals that should help clean and sanitize your swimming pool.
Can A Reusable Face Mask Be Worn Inside
Some reusable face masks come with filter cartridges that can be used inside the mask for extra protection. Alternatively, you can choose a mask with built-in filters, commonly referred to as P2 or KN95 masks. These filters require special care, replacement and replacement, especially when washing the mask.
Do I Need To Use A Winter Pool Algaecide
Many good algaecides for summer use may not perform as well as our Winter Algaecide, which is formulated to hibernate until water temperatures rise again next spring. Copper algaecides should be avoided as overuse can lead to staining, and other summer algaecides are not long lasting. Algaecide 60 Plus is a lone exception, the polymer is a good alternate choice to our Winter Algaecide.
Also Check: Las Vegas Private Pools
Keep Your Water Clear
Keeping your pool water clear can become a massive task if you dont take care of it before it happens. You want water that you can see through, and at the very least, you dont want your pool water to be colored with a green or brown tint. Any tint of yellow, brown, green, or even shades of blue can be a sign of algae formation, and you will have to purchase additional algaecides to remove already-formed algae.
The best thing you can do is get a pool clarifier liquid that you add to your pool to help maintain its clarity and clearness. These pool clarifiers help remove substances like hairspray, makeup, natural oils, and lotions so that algae and other bacteria dont form as quickly.
If you already have a formation of algae in your pool, you will have to use an algaecide to get rid of the algae and wait until the algae is removed before entering your pool safely again.
Reasons For Cleaning Your Pool
Its beneficial to understand why you need to clean your pool. Before discussing everything you can do to keep your above ground pool clean, here are the top 5 reasons for cleaning your pool:
Also Check: Vdara Las Vegas Pool
Do I Need To Lower The Water Level For Winter
In most cases, yes lower the water level several inches below the tile line and skimmer. Floating Winter Covers typically lower 4-6 below the skimmer, and Safety Covers typically lower the water 9-12 below the skimmer. You can use your pool filter pump if you have a main drain, or a submersible pool Cover Pump. Vinyl pools can also use the Skimmer Plug, which seals up the front opening of the skimmer, to avoid lowering the pool water.
Below is a Guide to Pool Closing Chemicals, maybe more information than you want!
Chemicals Needed To Open Your Pool
-pH level. The first thing to address chemically is the pH level of your Northville or Macomb MI pool because if its off in any way, theres nothing you can add or substitute that will get it to work properly. The proper pH level is firmly between 7.2 and 7.6. Chlorine is exponentially more effective at sanitizing the water in your pool when your pH level is at a proper amount.
Its unlikely that your pH level will be stable as soon as you add your water. Because most pool water contains so much alkaline, which calls for small doses of muriatic acid or dry acid. This will help to balance out the pH level. Once you added the amount called for in the instructions, keep an eye on it the next few days to make sure the pH level isnt fluctuating.
Also Check: How To Clean Pool Waterline Tile
Install The Pool Pillow
Knowing how to close an above ground pool means mastering the mystical art of the inflatable. In cold climates, placing a pool air pillowalso known as an ice compensator because it compensates for the pressure of the snow and ice on top of the coverunder the cover protects the sides of the cover and the walls of your pool from damage.
Even if you dont live in a cold climate but you close and cover your pool, you can use an air pillow to keep water and debris off to the side of the pool for an easy spring clean-up.
The secret to winterizing success lies in inflating the air pillow to around 50% or 60% of its capacity. This allows the pillow to compress without immediately popping after the first substantial snowfall.
Blow up the air pillow and place it in the middle of the pool. You can use a thin rope to secure it to either side of the pool so that it stays in the middle, or use an accessory designed to center your pillow automatically. Some pillows also come with built-in grommets to allow you to secure them on all four corners for easy centering.
Note: While you dont absolutely need the pillow to stay centered all winter, doing so protects your pool cover and walls from ice more effectively.
You can prolong the life of your pool pillows by sealing the seams and valves with duct tape once youve inflated the pillows. This will reduce air loss due to leaks and bolster the pillows strength.
What Chemicals Are Needed To Open An Above Ground Pool
Some choose to drain your above ground pool for the winter, while others simply cover it. No matter which method you prefer, its important to know what chemicals you need when it comes time to open it back up for the spring.
When comparing inground and above ground pools, or pools that have or havent been drained for the winter, there is a lot of overlap between products and processes. However, the small difference can make or break the task of establishing a swim-ready pool.
Because people who own an above ground pool are more likely to do their own pool maintenance, its good to have a working understand of the various chemicals that keep your pool water healthy and stable.
If you would rather have the professionals take care of your spring pool preparations for you, Sun Valley Pool Service is happy to send out our experienced pros to assist with Pool Cleaning Service.
You May Like: When Does The Ymca Outdoor Pool Open
If You Have A Lot Of Calcium In The Water Use A Water Softener
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.
We hope our guide and tips going over what chemicals you need for your above ground pool and also how to put chemicals in your swimming pool for the first time have been helpful to you.
Whenever you are about to add a new chemical to your swimming pool, we always recommend reading the chemicals instructions carefully and making exact measurements.
Cover Your Above Ground Pool
Place the winter pool cover over your pool and secure it in place by threading the cable through the grommets, loops, and/or winter cover clips. Use the winch that came with the cover to tighten it into place.
If your above ground pool has a walk-around deck, place water bags on top of the cover and around the edge of the pool.
Only fill water bag weights approximately ¾ full if you over-fill them, they may split apart as the water inside freezes and expands.
NOTE: Never use concrete blocks, bricks, stones etc. to weigh down your cover. They can damage your pool cover or, if they fall into your pool, the vinyl liner, floor, and walls of your above ground pool too.
Here are some above ground pool cover options if you dont already have a winter pool cover.
Don’t Miss: Do I Need A Pump For My Above Ground Pool
Salt Water Pool Start Up
Salt water pool startup chemicals are not that much different from any other pool opening procedure. You still need to balance your water chemistry, you still need a Stain & Scale chemical, and will benefit from using a Clarifier and Algaecide.
Start the pool filter and circulate the pool water for 24/7 for a few days, but dont turn on the salt cell yet. For a salt water pool start up, leave the salt cell off until you establish good water conditions.
Step 1 – Water Balance First! To improve the efficacy of your chlorine and reduce the workload required of your salt cell, test and adjust pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness levels. A minimum level of 40 ppm of Cyanuric Acid prevents the sun from depleting the chlorine rapidly, which also protects your salt cell from over work.
Step 2 Check Salt Levels: Many saltwater chlorinators have a sensor to measure salinity level in the pool, and will alert you when additional salt is needed. Sensors should be cleaned regularly to prevent a false reading, and can be calibrated by using Salt Test Strips. Most salt pools will need to add make-up salt each spring. Be sure to use only salt labeled as Pool Salt.
Step 4 Shock the Pool: Many saltwater chlorinators have a shock feature, but they are slow to raise chlorine level, and it puts a strain on the salt cell. For this reason, many salt water pool openings use pool shock for salt pools during pool opening, closing or for algae blooms.
Create A Maintenance Schedule
As you learn more about your pool and how to care for it, your to-do list might start to seem a little intimidating. Creating a pool maintenance schedule makes it easy to stay organized and make sure important tasks dont slip through the cracks.
Not only will you be able to stay on top of basic upkeep, but youll be able to plan ahead for more advanced pool maintenance tasks like closing your pool, caring for it during the off season, or getting your swimming pool ready to roll when pool season returns.
Also Check: How To Take Calcium Off Pool Tile
Clean Your Pool Filter
There will be times where you will need to clean your pool filter. This filter cleaning is also known as backwashing your filter. Because the filter is used to remove small debris and substances from circulating in your pool, an excess of these substances in your pool could mean your filter is full. You can check the pressure gauge of your filter to see if you need to clean the filter. Use the numbers and advice from your filters instructions to determine whether or not you need to clean your filter.
Some filter systems have backwashing modes that can handle cleaning in the push of a button, but many filters will require you to empty or replace the filter to be able to continue using it effectively. A dirty or full filter system could turn into the equivalent of not having one at all, so make sure it is clean at all times before you use your pool.
Chemical #: Chlorine To Shock The Pool
Saving the best for last, the chlorine. You will want to add double of the amount you would use for a regular shock. This will oxidise the pool, killing any bacteria, algea and other organics that would have grown over the winter. If you use granular chlorine, do
mix if first thoroughly, given that the water is cold and the quantities are large. If you are using liquid chlorine, pour a little all around the pool and the reminder near the water return.
Note: Do not splash the chlorine on yourself or your clothes, it will bleach.
Recommended Reading: Why Is My Dolphin Pool Cleaner Floating
A Beginners Guide To Pool Maintenance
Your swimming pool needs regular upkeep. Thats why it pays to develop a strong basic understanding of pool maintenance essentials.
When you know how your pool works, the best ways to care for it, and how to plan for it, youll be ready to solve just about any potential pool problem that floats your way.
Not Covering Pool In Winter: Pros And Cons
Most pool owners in mild climates dont close or cover their pool in the winter. Some of the more common reasons people leave pools uncovered in winter include:
- Many people dont like how pool covers look.
- Some pool owners dont have space to store a pool cover.
- Other pool owners like to have the option of being able to just run and jump into the pool on those rare warm winter day.
- Some pool owners dont want the added hassle of having to roll off their pool cover.
- If you have a saltwater pool, you may go through more salt if you cover your pool.
- It can be difficult to find a suitable cover for irregularly-shaped pools.
- Covers are costly.
- Some pool owners want to use their pool year-round.
Do keep in mind that one warm winter day wont be enough to change your water temperature to make it comfortable for a dip. If you do decide to take the plunge, be prepared to feel more like a polar bear than a summer swimmer.
Standard pool covers, which range in price from $75-$250, are typically made of a tarp-like material, which means that if someone tries to walk on top of it, they will get wet or even worse, trapped. Rainwater can also get trapped on top.
The decision about whether or not to cover a pool in winter generally depends on the homeowner, what the specific needs are and how often the pool is used year- round. If you do decide to leave your pool open for the winter, there are some pool maintenance tasks you will need to perform during the winter.
You May Like: How Many Btu Do I Need To Heat My Pool
Where To Buy Intex Pool Chemicals
We highly recommend getting your Intex pool chemicals from Amazon.com. They carry the widest array of pool supplies that you can likely find online.
One of the best reasons to buy pool chemicals from Amazon is the capability to use the subscribe feature. By subscribing to a product on Amazon, you can set up a recurring order at the interval you choose. So, for example, if you know you need chlorine tablets each month, you can just set a subscription and your chlorine tablets will arrive each month on the day you choose. Its very convenient for pool owners since you don t have to drive up to your local store to get your pool supplies.
HEREis a link to some of the best pool chemicals on Amazon right now.
Halogens Bind To Free
When the halogens are free, they bind things quite easily. Since they are so reactive, they tear through the pool water. Nevertheless, once they encounter something, they become inert.
Consequently, Youll Notice the Water Is Cloudy:Once enough of it is deactivated, you can see it in the water. To the naked eye, it will appear as if there are clouds in it.
Also Check: Why Is Pool Chlorine So Expensive
Do I Need A Winter Stain & Scale Treatment
Stain and Scale treatments are sequestering agents, used to prevent metals like copper and iron from oxidizing and staining pool surfaces. They also prevent salts and calcium minerals from mixing with contaminants to form dirty scale. Stain & Scale also prevents the winter bathtub rings found on many pools after opening. Especially useful for pools with high calcium hardness levels, saltwater pools, and those with safety pool covers.
Intex Pool Care: 7 Tips
Recommended Reading: Should I Convert My Chlorine Pool To Saltwater
