What chemicals do I add first to my pool?
4 min read
Asked by: Morgan Wallace
Chemicals Needed for Pool Start Ups
- Stain & Scale Preventer.
- Granular Shock Chlorine.
- Chlorine Tablets.
- pH Increaser and/or pH Decreaser.
- Alkalinity and/or Calcium Increaser.
- Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
- Algaecide and Clarifiers if needed.
- Complete Test Kit or Test Strips.
What order do I add chemicals to my pool?
First when you first fill up your pool or you're first beginning your water balance. You need to adjust your total alkalinity following that you need to adjust your pH.
What chemicals do you add first when opening a pool?
First if you need to raise your alkalinity. You can use an alkalinity increaser or baking soda if you add an alkalinity increaser you may also raise your ph.
Do I Adjust pH or alkalinity first?
Check Total Alkalinity (TA) first, then adjust for proper pH range. Proper TA will buffer pH, that is, it will help to prevent pH fluctuations. Use fresh, high quality test strips. Excessively high bromine or chlorine levels can result in false pH and TA readings.
Do I use shock or algaecide first?
While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.
Should I shock my pool when I first fill it up?
At first you’ll add chlorine in what’s called “shock” levels – an extra heavy dose to start your pool off. A shock dose coupled with extra circulation will ensure that all the water gets treated properly in the beginning.
How do I treat my pool for the first time?
At the very least, you should have the following chemicals on hand whenever we’re talking about treating pool water:
- Shock Chlorine Granules or pure liquid chlorine.
- Chlorine tablets or Stabilized chlorine (if not using a salt water chlorinator)
- pH Regulators (pH up and pH down)
- Cyanuric Acid.
- Calcium Up and Down.
Do I add chlorine or stabilizer first?
Open your pool under normal procedures, and let the filter run with its normal amount of chemicals. When all the other chemicals, such as chlorine. pH and alkalinity, are balanced, add the chlorine stabilizer. Add the stabilizer only after the filter has been backwashed to ensure it is cycled through a clean filter.
How long after putting shock in pool can I add algaecide?
24 hours
Your chlorine levels won’t return to normal right after you shock your pool anyway, so we recommend waiting at least 24 hours to add algaecide. When adding algaecide to your pool, make sure you add the correct amount.
Can I add shock and clarifier at the same time?
It’s not a good idea to use pool shock at the same time as clarifier. Some clarifiers are polymer based and the shock can act to break up the polymer causing the clarifier to be ineffective. It’s best to shock your pool before and wait a day or two before adding clarifier.
Is shock and chlorine the same thing?
SKIMMER NOTES: No. Chlorine and shock are not the same thing. Shock has a more intense chemical strength than the traditional chlorine sanitizers, and it also differs in how you should apply it to your swimming pool.
How many hours should you wait to swim after shocking a pool?
24 hours
After Shocking Your Pool
It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours. It is always best to test first!
How long can water sit in pool without chlorine?
I think the answer to your question is about 3-6 days. The problem is that the chlorine that you need to keep the bacteria in check is used up more quickly as the temperature rises, the activity increases, and as sweat and other body stuff is put into the pool.
