Test Pool Water Chemistry Using Pool Test Kits
Pool testing kits require users to collect small samples of pool water, which change color depending on their alkalinity, pH and chlorine levels when mixed with a reagent. To use one, follow these instructions:
Prevention Of Stain & Scale
These two chemicals perform just as their names imply; however, typically, they will need to be purchased separately. The stain remover will work on organic and metal stains, whereas the scale will prevent the accumulation of calcium scaling and buildup. Typically each product has a lifespan of approximately six months, and it is suggested you follow the manufacturers instructions for dosage.
Drinking Out Ofthe Pool
Itâsnever a good idea to let your dog or pet drink out of the pool. Ingesting thesepool chemicals can be a major cause of concern. If your pet swallows a smallamount of pool water, it shouldnât affect their health, but itâs important tokeep an eye on your pet when theyâre near the pool so they donât accidentallydrink too much.
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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.
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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How Much Does It Cost To Open A Swimming Pool
Above ground, pools should cost no more than $40 if it is DIY.
;Inground pools should cost between $60 to $70 if it is DIY. If professionals are involved the cost will clearly escalate. Also, if CLEAN & CLEAR is used at the beginning of the season, that is enough to last the entire year. It just needs to be topped off periodically. So it is a bit misleading. The initial cost is really the cost of the year. That cost is $50 for above ground pools and $100 for in-ground pools. But that replaces all the chemicals, except some chlorine, for the entire year.
Chemicals For Your Pool Water
Water is not complex. Over the winter, outdoor swimming pool water becomes contaminated because of environmental factors where most pool owners will turn to chemicals to maintain their pool water. These must be corrected in order to restore your water to its natural state. Water that appears clean and clear is naturally more appealing to swim in. The fewer chemicals are the better. The more natural the better. And safer for the whole family. Thats why I recommend a simplistic and proven combination of liquid chlorine and CLEAN & CLEAR from C*Pool and Spa. Not only is it the cheapest , but it is the safest way to open pools. Yes, you could use a wheelbarrow full of chemicals, but they would not produce a better result and would cost a lot more.
If CLEAN & CLEAR by C-Pool & Spa is unavailable in your region, I recommend the following chemicals and process when opening an outdoor pool.
The target levels of chemicals as determined by testing:
pH 7.0 to 7.7
Total Alkalinity 80 120 ppm
Calcium 100 400 ppm
Chlorine 1 4 ppm
Calcium hardness add calcium chloride
To decrease:
Alkalinity; add liquid or dry acid
Calcium hardness add Flocculant keep pH and alkalinity in the proper range
Chlorine, time and sunlight will deplete CL levels
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How To Set Up An Intex Metal Frame Pool
The first thing you need to do before setting up an above ground pool is to level the ground where it will be placed. Dont worry. Its not as hard as it sounds!
Most of the time, you can find fairly level ground to place it on. And keep in mind that it doesnt have to be perfect. A little sand in some low spots and a shovel to chip away any high spots and youre probably all set.;
Also, try to rake the ground and make sure there are no sharp objects or rocks that could cause lumps in the bottom of the pool.
Next, place the ground cover your pool came with or a tarp large enough to cover the area on the level ground. Spread it out evenly and then place the pool directly on top.
Youll also need to spread the pool liner out evenly. It helps to let it sit out in the sun for a couple of hours to warm it up and make it more pliable.
Now youll just follow the instructions for inserting all the supports into the tee joints and fasten them with the provided pins and washers. Youll do this around the entire parameter of the pool.
Once those are all connected, youll attach the metal frame supports to them. Its important in this step to make sure youre passing the vertical supports through both the belt and lower rope as shown here in this pic from Level Ground Pool:
Photo credit:
All thats left to do now is to fill it up with water, attach the pump, and add your chemicals .
Pool Skimmers And Returns
If your pools filter is its liver, then your skimmers and returns are its veins and arteries. Your skimmersnot to be confused with a net skimmer, the cleaning tool attached to a telescoping polepull water into the filter for cleaning, while the returns push the cleaned water back into your pool. And like your veins and arteries, they work best when theyre clean and clear of obstructions.
No two pools are alike, and youll no doubt encounter pool maintenance challenges specific to your pool as time goes on. But if youve got a firm grasp on these four pool components, youll be well equipped to face down most upkeep challenges.
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What Chemicals Do You Need To Close An Above Ground Pool
To close an above-ground pool, you need many of the same chemicals needed to close an inground pool. Test and balance chemical levels, using chlorine, alkalizers or acids. Keep in mind these differences for above ground pool closing chemicals:
- Use a non-chlorine pool shock in above ground vinyl pools or plaster pools. The vinyl or plaster can corrode from harsh chlorine pool shock.
- Clean your pool and prepare to cover for the winter. Remove ladders and rails so that your pool cover fits securely and prevents rain or snow from disturbing your winter pool chemistry.
Pool Closing Supplies
Pool closing supplies can help pool chemicals keep your pool in good shape through the winter. Youll want to have these things on hand for optimal off-season pool care: a safety cover to keep all unwanted intruders out of your pool, a pool cover pump to remove water from your pool cover, and an inflatable pool bubble to prevent ice from damaging your pool.
Youre A Pool Chemistry Wiz
Hey, no one ever said having a pool would be easy. But it also doesnt have to be difficult. Knowledge and the right pool chemicals make all the difference in the world.
Dont let your pool intimidate you. Youre supposed to manage it, not the other way around. Just remember that no one expects you to know everything overnight. Even more important than having the right tools is knowing where to find the right information. And youve already done that, so youre on your way!
Happy Swimming!
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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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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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Pool Water Chemical Levels
For the most accurate pool water testing, we recommend a titration test kit the Taylor K-2005 is the same test kit used by pool stores.
The ranges shown here are suitable for any pool surface or any type of pool sanitizer used.
Adjusting to the lower end of these ranges is best under most circumstances.
Step 2 – Add Stain & Scale and Clarifier: Before you shock the pool, which can disrupt other pool start up chemicals, add a Stain & Scale chemical to prevent staining by keeping minerals and metals locked tightly in solution. Follow up with a good pool clarifier, following label dosage information, to help your filter remove small suspended particles.
Step 3 – Filter the Pool! Run the filter overnight or for 6-8 hours to distribute water balance chemicals, and then backwash or clean the filter as needed, and empty the pump and skimmer baskets. Run your filter 24/7 if possible, for the first few days after opening the pool from its winter slumber.
Before adding your pool opening chemicals, test the water again to be sure your adjustments hit the mark, and all water balance levels are correct, preferably on the lower end of the ranges.
Step 5 – Add Algaecide: The final product in our pool start up kits is the algaecide. Add your algaecide only after chlorine levels have dropped below 3 ppm, which is usually a few days after shocking the pool. High chlorine levels quickly deplete pool algaecides, or render them useless.
Alkalinity Adjusting Chemicals For Pool Start Up
If your pools initial test shows an incorrect amount of alkalinity, then you need to add some chemicals to fix it. It doesnt matter if it was too high or too low, chemicals are going to be needed.
This should be the first chemical that you add to your pool during start-up. This one can really affect the pH level of your pool. Sorting this out first prevents you from ruining your hard work on your pools pH level by doing it afterward.
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Other Pool Chemicals Youll Need
If you only used chemicals to manage sanitizer, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness, you could theoretically keep your pool clean and healthy all season long.
But we dont live in a perfect world, and therell be times when you need to help your pool fight things like algae, cloudiness, and staining. Luckily, you have a variety of specialized pool chemicals at your disposal.
Chemicals Youll Need To Start Up Your Swimming Pool
Starting a pool up, either for the first time or for the season, is a big task. Between the cleaning and chemicals for a pool start-up, it is hard work for any pool owner.
Pools are seasonal in most areas of the world. Weather and climate sadly necessitate most being closed for certain periods of the year. This is bound to make start up difficult.
If you consider how much work goes into weekly pool maintenance and maintaining your pools chemical balance, it isnt surprising that a dormant pool requires quite a bit of work to be safe for use again.
Using the right chemicals when staring a pool up will get your water off to the right start. The rest of the season can go well, with only need maintenance work needed to keep your water in good health. However, if you get things wrong the entire start-up could drag out as you attempt to fix your pools water.
What chemicals you need for a pool start up is actually going to vary on a few things, like what water youre filling your pool with. However, testing your water should give you all the information to get things done right.
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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.;
The Key To A Clean Poolchemicals
Lets face it you could put fresh, clean water into your new pool and skim and vacuum it until the cows come home, and believe it or not, the water would still get dingy and dirty. Nature and pools are not a good combination, as anything and everything will end up in your waterleaves, twigs, bugs that have taken their last breath, and lets not forget about birds dive bombing it. YUCK!
There is also the fact that when we swim in our pools, we leave behind such items as hair, dead skin cells, shampoo, soap residue, and even body oils. Your pool will need several chemicals to maintain the proper balance to keep your water sparkling and clean.
The pool chemicals that you will need and that will need to be used in the proper order are:
- Total Alkalinity
- Sanitizer
- Cyanuric Acid
You are probably wondering why these particular chemicals, in this specific order, are even needed in your pool, right? Well, unless you like swimming in something akin to the black lagoon, you will need to maintain a specific chemical balance.
But, what does each of these chemicals do precisely? We are glad you asked!
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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.
Chemical #2: 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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