How To Put Chemicals In Your Pool For The First Time
First time opening your pool? Congratulations! You’re about to have endless summers of fun and enjoyment. Before you can get to swimming, follow these steps to put chemicals in your pool for the very first time:
Pro Tip: Be sure to check your filter and return lines for damage, cracks, or leaks. If you have a sandfilter, add sand if needed. If you have a cartridge filter, check the cartridge and clean/replace asneeded.
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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.
How Often To Change The Water In An Inflatable Pool
If youre using a saltwater system or chlorinating your pool water, you will not have to change the water at all. For smaller inflatable pools not being sanitized in some way, youll want to drain and refill the water every 2-4 days to prevent bacteria from growing that could harm the swimmers.
If youre on town water, there will already be a certain amount of chlorine in your water to sanitize it. If thats the case, you may be able to go 5 days or up to a week before changing out the water depending on the amount of added chlorine it has in it.
When changing out the water, its a good idea to wipe the pool down with something like Lysol sanitizing wipes or a rag soaked in water with a little bit of bleach in it. Check out my How To Clean An Inflatable Pool article for a step by step guide on that process.
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Pool Chemicals 101 For Above Ground Pools
While a sparkling in-ground pool with a diving board and spacious deck make for a glorious backyard, not everyones yard space is conducive to such a large structure. Above-ground pools have become more popular as their styles, sizes, and cleaning systems has broadened and improved.
However, most pool care companies dont service above-ground pools, leaving the owner in charge of the maintenance. This can be a daunting task! Hazardous chemicals and fairly strict care regimens are necessary to maintain a healthy and safe above-ground pool.
If you find your eyes crossing with all the different products to use, weve got you covered. Lets take a look at the most common pool care chemicals, their ideal levels, and what exactly they do.
Water Problem Solving Chart
Are you having problems with your pool water? If so check out the problem and symptoms in the table below.
| SYMPTOM | ||
| Green / Cloudy Water / Slippery Sides | Algae | Shock dose with chlorine and add Algaecide |
| Too much chlorine | Allow time to naturally dissipate or buy a chlorine reducer | |
| PH hard to control | Seek advice on how to raise total alkalinity | |
| Can’t maintain chlorine levels | Chlorine demand of water too high up start up, after holidays or due to excess contamination or neglect | Shock dose with chlorine . Repeat after 24 hours if necessary |
| Cloudy water | Poor chemical control or inadequate filtration | Clean cartridge, check chemical levels with Dip Test Strips and adjust if necessary . If problem persists buy a Pool Clarifier to remove small particles |
| Rough pool sides / edges | Scale formation due to high calcium levels in water | Ensure PH levels are correct using Dip Test Strips and use a Pool Scale Inhibitor to stop calcium precipitating out of water |
| No colour change on test strip dip test | Too high chlorine leading to bleaching of indicator pads | Check expiry date on Pool Test Strips. Wait for chlorine level to drop and re-test |
| Foaming | Detergent present from incorrect cleaning products or excessive algaecide use. | Reduce water level and top up with fresh water. Avoid domestic household cleaners. |
- Store chemicals well away from children and pets
- Store in a secure,cool and dry place
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Saltwater Pool: Ensure You Have The Right Pool Alkaline Levels #
Before using your pool, test the alkaline levels in your pool. If they are too high, add muriatic acid to lower the pools alkalinity. On the other hand, if you have low pH levels, use sodium bicarbonate to increase the alkalinity. The most accurate and effective way to check your pools alkaline levels is by using a test strip. Ensure that your pH comes to a level of 7.4.
The Importance Of Swimming Pool Chemicals
Swimming pool chemicals are something that you cannot just do away with. They are important in keeping your pool clean and safe to swim in. These pool chemicals are necessary for regular maintenance and are quite handy during emergency situations such as an algae invasion or a dirty pool water after the storm.
Now that you have learned about swimming pool chemicals, you are a step forward in keeping your pool clean and safe to swim in. Finding the best swimming pool chemicals can be tough without knowing what it is for and how to use it. With this guide, hopefully you can find the best swimming pool chemicals to keep your pool sparkly clean.
Splash PerfectPure Water Authority for Pools and SpasMidwest Wisconsin
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Stain & Scale Prevention:
For pool owners that want to protect their pool surfaces from metallic stains and mineral scale. Sequestering agents lock minerals and metals in solution, to prevent stains and scale.
Initial Dosage: 16 oz. per 10000 gallons.Maintenance Dosage: 2 oz. per 10000 gallons, weekly.Example: Using our Super Stain Away, 48 oz initially, then 5 oz per week, for 20 weeks.Recommendation: 4 1 Qt bottles or save with our 4 x 1 Qt bundle. See also Natural Chemistry Metal Free or Scale Free.
There are other chemicals that may be needed, such as Filter Cleaner, or DE Filter Powder, and dont forget to replace your test kit reagents and strips!
Many of our customers like to buy our Chemical Value Packs, for spring start-up kits and summer chemical packages. You may find all you need in one box!
With over 100 different pool chemicals available, the choice can be overwhelming! Thats probably why I like to group pool chemicals into 3 bucketsSanitizers, Balancers and Specialty chemicals.
However, many pool owners only use 3 or 4 pool chemicals on a regular basis and another 2 or 3 chemicals less frequently. So you can just buy what you need.
Now is the time for stocking up on summer pool chemicals. Check our home page for specials later this week on our Top Chemicals for summer!
In The Swim Blog Editor
Pool Waters Vs Regular Water
When my parents moved to the city, my brother and I were rather young. We did not have a private pool, but my fathers friend, Mr. Collins did. We used to visit his place during the summers. I was in the same class with his son, and we were buddies.
Wondering why I am taking a stroll down memory lane? Well! You need to read a bit more to figure it out. As I said, I knew nothing about pool or pool water back then. One day, we were playing by the side of the pool. Yes! It is dangerous, but boys will be boys. Anyways, I felt thirsty and scooped up a glass of water from the pool.
As I was about to drink it, Mr. Collins stopped me. He was the first person who told me that pool water was far different from regular tap water. I did not understand what he meant back then, but now I do.
Regular tap water contains minerals, which are good for health. But pool water contains chemicals, which can upset your stomach if you swallow it. I regularly check the chemical balance in the pool to ensure safety and water quality. I empty my pool and refill it after every six months.
I attach a big hose to the fire hydrant and fill in the pool. It is less expensive. You can opt for water delivery trucks, or get water from a nearby well or lake. Make sure to filter pool water before you pour it in the pool.
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Stabilizers And Balancing Chemicals
Other important swimming pool chemicals include Water Balancing Pool Chemicals. Chemical levels in your pool water are affected by many factors, including sunlight, rain, evaporation and the presence of oils. This means that the waters chemical levels are always changing, which affects the waters pH levels and total alkalinity.
Balancing chemicals such as pH Increaser and pH Reducer allow you to keep pH and alkalinity levels in the right range and help maintain healthy and clean water. Water balancing pool chemicals also help enhance the performance of your sanitizer, reducing maintenance time and chemical use.
While bromine cannot be stabilized, or protected from the sun, chlorines life can be extended by using stabilizer, aka conditioner. Stabilizing pool chemicals provide protection for chlorine molecules, preventing them from becoming quickly destroyed by UV radiation from the sun. This allows your chlorine-based chemicals to last longer, which saves money and prevents rapid depletion on warm summer days.
Liquid Pool Shock: When To Shock A Pool
Shocking is important when opening a pool, though some may think that using a pool sanitizer is enough, that is not usually the case. Without using pool oxidizers or pool shock treatment, the effects of your sanitizer can dissipate easily. Shocking your water helps you maintain the cleanliness of the pool and should be done regularly.
You will need to shock your pool during impoundment or if there is very dirty water, for example after a storm.Pool shock should also be used if there is sudden invasion of algae. It is used for opening a pool and at the end of the season, before winter.
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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.
Things To Watch Out For When Using Chemicals To Maintain Your Swimming Pool
To keep your swimming pool clean and clear, the maintenance must be done regularly. Do not forget to store your pool chemicals away from your children and pets.
When you do all of the steps above, you can start by drying out the pool first before refilling it with fresh, clean water. Then, you can start testing the water with all the chemicals and equipment needed. This way can help you to keep your swimming pool clean all summer long.
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Come On In The Waters Finethanks To You
Owning a swimming pool is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy fun in the sun at home. Yes, it needs regular care, but that doesnt mean youll spend your life shackled to a vacuum or fiddling with your chemistry set.
In fact, when you know how your pool works, understand the care it needs and plan ahead, you might find yourself taking pride in your pool care prowess. Youll enjoy not just your swim, but the peace of mind that comes with regular and thorough pool maintenance.
Happy Swimming!
Use Ph Adjusters For Your Swimming Pool
Adjusting your pH is relatively straightforward.
While following normal pool maintenance routines, it should be taken care of. If not, then use one of the following.
Alkaline Tablets:Suppose the pH level has risen to high. If that is the case, then at an alkaline tablet. Afterward, it should lower quite a bit.
Pool Shock:On the other hand, if things have become too basic, then you should talk about the water. That way, its pH will rise.
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Tips For Adding Start
- 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.
- 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. Consistent water balance, constant chlorine levels and effective filtering is important to prevent water problems.
And, as the water temperature and pool usage increases through the summer, you will need more hours of daily filtering, and more chlorine tablets to maintain sanitation and clarity.
Pool Algae And Stain Cleaning Chemicals
Algaecides are chemicals that deal with algae in your pool. These work by killing off algae, which can save you a lot of hassle in repairing your pool.
Shock treatment for algae needs to be administered regularly to a pool. This prevents it from even forming.
Algaecide should be a part of your regular cleaning routine. However, if you develop an algae problem then you will need to use a harsher treatment.
Phosphate removers are also a useful tool in fighting Algea. They remove phosphate from your water. This is the substance that algae feeds on. Without it in your water, it will struggle to grow.
Stain removers and tile cleaning chemicals are also going to be used when cleaning your pool. These chemicals are pretty self-explanatory, you use then when physically cleaning the surroundings of your pool.
Like any other surface cleaning chemical, it is best to follow the manufactures instructions. However, you should be sure to test your pools chemicals after use.
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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.
What Chemicals Are Needed For An Intex Pool
Every summer, tens of thousands of Intex pools are set up and filled, with dreams of long afternoons spent splashing and relaxing in a private backyard pool. And then it hits you: How do I keep the water clean and clear? What chemicals do I need for my Intex pool? Help!?!
Not to worry! Youve come to the right place. Whether you have a small Easy Set pool or a big Ultra Frame pool, keep reading to learn how to balance, sanitize, and disinfect your Intex pool water.
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Get Your Water Checked Before You Go
Take a sample of your pool water to your local pool store and get it professionally checked.
Make sure when you get it checked that you correct any issues before you go. You want to make sure that your pH and alkalinity are properly balanced and your sanitizers levels are correct.
- pH: 7.4 to 7.6
- Alkalinity: 100 parts per million to 150 ppm, with 125 ppm being ideal
- Calcium Hardness: 175 ppm to 225 ppm, or 200 ppm to 275 ppm for concrete and plaster pools
- For Chlorine Pools: 1 ppm to 3 ppm
- For Bromine Pools: 3 ppm to 5 ppm
- For Biguanide Pools: 30 ppm to 50 ppm
- For Salt Water Pools: 0.5 ppm of chlorine
- For Mineral System Pools: 0.5 ppm of chlorine
Also, make sure your pool is clean and crystal clear before you leave.
Once Every Other Day Test The Water
At least three times each week, test the pH level of your water. As long as you test it that often, it shouldnt go out of balance by too much.
Depending on the Results, Use an Appropriate Treatment:
Lets say that the pH level was higher than usual. Then, you should try to lower it. Additionally, if the pH level is lower, then you should raise it.
Usually, We Suggest Using a Litmus Strip:
Perhaps, the litmus strip is among the easiest testing methods. With one of these, you just dip the paper into the water. Then, see what color it becomes. Depending on the results, youll have your answer
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When Would You Use Recirculate On Pool Filter
Have you checked the settings on the multiport valve on your pool sand filter? The 7 settings are Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, Recirculate, Winter & Closed. You may have never used the Recirculate setting. Why is it even there? When Would You Use Recirculate on Pool Filter?
The Recirculate setting is used to circulate the pool water without filtering it. You would need to use it if your pool has gone green with an algae bloom.
Circulation is required for shocking the pool but the filter would get overwhelmed by the extraordinary quantity of algae.
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