Safety First And Always
To ensure everyones safety in and around your pool, take a few more steps before using your inground pool for the first time after youve opened it.
- Spray your pool deck down thoroughly with a hose to rinse away any chemicals that may have spilled where swimmers could step in them.
- Test your water again to ensure chlorine levels are appropriate and water chemistry is balanced. Swimmers could get sick or develop rashes if your water chemistry and sanitizer levels are wrong.
- Just like you should test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, be sure to test all the safeguards around your pool area, such as gate locks and door alarms. If anything isnt working properly, fix it as soon as possible.
- Put your winter cover somewhere animals or children cannot climb in and get trapped. Storing it in a strong container and out of sunlight will ensure it works effectively next winter, too.
- Store your chemicals safely, and out of reach of children and pets so they wont become a health hazard. Keep them in a cool, dry place in their original packaging. Be sure the containers are closed properly.
Get Your Clear Comfort Pool System Ready
If you are using a Clear Comfort AOP pool system for additional protection from chlorine-resistant bacteria, pathogens and viruses, please check the blue air tubing and gray one-way air check valve connections. Clear Comforts AOP pool system is designed to be powered on when the pump isoperational and powered off when the pump is down.
When your Clear Comfort AOP system is operating, make sure your systems green LED indicator light is illuminated to ensure the system is working properly. If your systems light is illuminated yellow or red, it is time to exchange your cartridge. To order a new cartridge, please visit: clearcomfort.com/cartridge
For additional help, take a look at these quick guides:
Preparation Before Adding Pool Opening Chemicals
Once the pool cover has been removed, cleaned and stored, you need to get a sense of the pool’s condition before you do anything else. If there are any stains, leaks or cracks, you’ll want to have those repaired first.
You should also keep an eye out for any algae that may have formed in the pool water. If necessary, remove any large debris in the pool – though hopefully your pool cover will have kept everything out.
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Remove Plugs And Ice Compensator
When you closed your inground swimming pool for the winter, you blew out the pipes and installed winterizing plugs to prevent water from getting back into them and freezing. Youll need to walk around the pool and remove all those plugs.
You should see some bubbles as the pool water flows back into the pipes. This is normal. Whether you used an ice compensator or a soda bottle, youll need to remove it and the winterizing plugs from your skimmer.
Do I Need To Use A Special Pump With My Saltwater Pool
If you own a saltwater pool, its good that you are concerned with how this will impact your pool filtration equipment including your pump. Thats because salt can be corrosive but then again if you do not have a saltwater pool, you are probably using even more corrosive chlorine as a sanitizer.
Most swimming pool pump manufacturers are aware of the conditions that their pumps are typically exposed to and build them accordingly. Some have even used more plastic in them than ever before to make them more resistant to salt, chlorine, and other forms of corrosion.
So, you can use any pump that meets your requirements as far as the pool flow rate goes. If by chance you do get a large amount of chlorinated water or saltwater on your pump while performing maintenance on it, then take some time to wipe it down with a damp cloth just in case.
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Chemicals You Need To Open Your Pool
- Blog Hot Tubs
- Blog Above Ground Pools
Pool opening season is almost here and it will be soon time to prepare your backyard pools for the upcoming pool season. The most technical part of the pool opening is the addition of chemicals into the swimming pools in the right quantity. Though knowledge of basic chemistry helps, the usage of pool chemicals at the end of the day is a simple following of basic rules governing pool opening.
So, there are 3 chemicals for pools that will definitely be needed for your pool opening and 3 chemicals that will be conditional given certain conditions for the water presently in your pools.
Here is the complete list and guide on how to use them.
Clean Up Debris And Check For Wear And Tear
Before you open your pool, take some time to survey the area around your pool. Trim overgrown trees and hedges. Sweep away nearby leaves. Check your for damage, wear, and tear and address any issues before you open your pool for the season. Be sure to clean and repair any deck furniture so that it is safe for use. You should also check pool equipment like safety rails, slides, rescue equipment, ladders, and diving boards.
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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.
Pool Chemicals Guide For Opening Your Pool
At the end of a long winter you never know what you are going to find when you remove your pool cover. During all of those months of sitting dormant, chances are your pool water has gone out of balance and built up some contaminants. To open your swimming pool the right way, there are several different chemicals you need.
After you have removed your pool cover, replaced your winterizing plugs, cleaned the skimmer baskets and main drain, thoroughly checked and reconnected your pool equipment, and started up your pool pump, its time for the chemicals. This handy guide will walk you through exactly which pool chemicals you need to start off on the right foot and get your pool ready for swim season. For complete instructions on how to open your pool, check out our comprehensive pool opening checklist.
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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.
How Many Chemicals Do You Need To Start Up Your Pool
Once you know the state of your pool prior to start up, you can start to add and adjust the chemicals in your pool. The amount of chemicals for pool start up that you need to use is going to depend on what state your water is in.
Each chemical that you add to your pool needs to be doing something to the water to help it reach those targets. However, you need to be careful of chemical interactions and not overload your pool all at once.
These are the chemicals that you might have to add to your pool to get it in working order.
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What Pool Chemicals Do I Need To Open My Pool
Being a new pool owner is exciting. I mean, think about the unlimited entertainment and fun you are about to experience with the pool. Nonetheless, there are some things you should know as a new pool owner. When opening your pool, there are several things you need to do before jumping into the pool. In particular, you have to add certain pool chemicals when you open a pool.
Intex Pool Start Up Chemicals
Intex pools are small aboveground pools, but they still need startup or opening chemicals as any other pool. Perhaps you arent as concerned about staining and scaling as an inground pool owner, but you certainly want clean and clear water, without any signs of algae.
If you are starting with a freshly filled intex pool, consider screwing on a pre-filter to your garden hose before filling the pool, to remove excess solids and minerals, and reduce the workload for your pool filter.
Step 1 – Water Balance First! As usual, start by balancing pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness levels to the chart above. Calcium is not as critical in a vinyl Intex pool, but maintaining a minimum level of 150 ppm is still a good idea. Your pool water pH level is best in the 7.2-7.5 range, and to hold the pH steady, the waters Alkalinity should be around 100 ppm. Intex pool chemicals startup would not be complete without cyanuric acid ), to protect your chlorine from the sun. Add 1 lb per 2500 gallons, to raise CYA levels to 40 ppm.
Step 2 Add Clarifier: Most Intex pool filter systems are decidedly small, and can use a helping hand. Swimming pool water clarifiers coagulate suspended material into larger clumps that are more easily filtered.
Step 5 Add Algaecide: Following label instructions for dosage, treat your Intex pool with a good quality pool algaecide, as a supplement to your chlorine treatment, to prevent algae growth.
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How Much Chlorine Does It Take To Shock A Pool
There are two types of chlorine shock products, granular and liquid. While the liquid chlorine can be added directly to the pool water, the granular chlorine must first be dissolved in lukewarm water before adding to the pool. This will ensure the granular chlorine circulates properly and wont damage the pool walls or liner.
The amount of chlorine shock you will need will depend on the amount of water in your pool. Here are the guidelines to shock your pool effectively:
- 65g of granular chlorine per 10,000L of pool water
- 1L of liquid chlorine per 10,000L of pool water.
After adding the chlorine to the pool, wait 10 minutes, and test the water again. If the chlorine is still below 1.0 ppm, repeat the shock. If your swimming pool is green or black, its advised to raise the chlorine level a bit higher between 5 to 10 ppm. Its highly recommended to avoid swimming while bringing back a green or black pool.
Freshly Filled Pool Chemical Guide
What start-up chemicals are needed for a new pool, or for a pool that has been drained and refilled with fresh water?
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.
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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.
Chemical #: High Concentration Algeacide
This kind of algeacide removes most of the oxygen from the water that is necesary for organic material to survive. This will help kill the existing algea, as well as help prevent any new algea from growing. We suggest a minimum of over 20% concentration, 40-60% as a recommendation.
Note: 5% or 10% will not cut it here, even if you add high quantities. Also, if you did do it with low concentration products, it would end up costing you more.
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How Long Does It Take To Empty A Swimming Pool
The time it takes to empty a swimming pool will depend on the sump pumps speed, the total size of the pool, and the municipality laws. For example, if you pump out a 25,000-gallon pool at 30 gallons/minute, it will take about 14 hours to empty your pool.
Since you will be pumping water directly into the municipal sewer system, you need to follow the laws set out by your municipality carefully.
Pool Maintenance: Winter Tasks For Pool Owners
The majority of pool owners in warmer climates continue their pool service throughout the winter. Some switch to every other week instead of every week because of less frequent pool use. The decision about whether your schedule should change can depend on the potential for falling leaves and other debris to accumulate in your pool during the colder parts of the year.
If this is your first winter with a pool, or if you arent sure whether you have been performing proper winter pool maintenance, consider these guidelines:
If you follow these few maintenance tips, your pool will be ready when temperatures climb and you want to enjoy a swim more frequently.
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What Does Baking Soda Do For A Pool
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity. Many commercial pool products for raising alkalinity utilize baking soda as their main active ingredient.
How Do I Open My Pool For The Season
Steps for opening your pool:
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Learn More About Pool Maintenance
Dive into an array of resources, tips and tricks to properly care for your vinyl liner pool or fiberglass pool.
Methods For Testing Water Chemistry
Balancing your pools water chemistry is essential to keeping water clear, preventing damage and getting the most enjoyment out of your pool. Get tips for creating the right chemical environment for your pool.
How Do You Open Up A Pool For The Summer
Having a checklist reminding you how to open your pool can help you get it ready for swimming as quickly as possible. It’s important to follow the steps exactly without missing anything to ensure a safe, healthy swimming environment. Screenshot or print out this step-by-step guide so that you’re prepared come summertime:
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Balance The Alkaline Levels In Your Pool #
Before using your pool, ensure you test your pool chemistry. You can do this using a pH test strip. Note that if your pH is low, it means that your pool water is too acidic. On the flip side, if you have a high reading, it means that water is too alkaline. It would help if you kept the pH balanced by bringing your pool water to a neutral state of about 7.4 pH. Thus, whenever you notice that the water is too alkaline, add muriatic acid to lower the pH levels. When the pH is too low, add alkaline pool chemicals like sodium bicarbonate to solve the issue. On average, the alkaline level should be about 80 ppm to 120 ppm. Balancing water chemistry in your pool helps you avoid many common pool issues like stains and algae. Also, it prevents wear and tear of the liner and boosts the durability of your pool.
