STARTING UP YOUR POOL 

Well, you have been to the local pool supply store and gotten home with everything you need, right? OK. Let's assume that the pool water murky, but you were lucky and no leaves got into the pool (right). Also, we will assume you have started the pool filter equipment and have successfully circulated the pool water. (Note: check the pH before circulating the water. If it is below 7.0 adjust the pH first or equipment damage may result) The pool water tests show that you need to raise your alkalinity, increase the pH, shock the pool (with chlorine), and add stabilizer. Which do you do first? Following is the order of application. It is very important that you follow this order or staining of the pool could result.

1. A stain and scale preventative 2. Total alkalinity (increase or decrease) 3. pH (increase or decrease) 4. Chlorine 5. Algacide 6. Stabilizer

Allow at least four hours between applications of chemicals so that the levels can stabilize. Too much too fast can cause inaccurate test readings and problems later on. A note about stabilizer: backwash the filter before adding stabilizer to the water. When you do add it mix it into a slurry and poor it through the skimmer. Allow the filter to run at least 72 hours continuously before turning off the filter or backwashing. The chemical is very slow to dissolve and may take this long to dissolve into the pool.

After you have completed step 4 and added the chlorine you can also begin using you tablets or granular chlorine. Remember, by taking your time and correctly balancing the pool your summer will be much more enjoyable.

GETTING STARTED | PROPER WATER BALANCE | OFF TO A GOOD START | ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

SHOCKING YOUR POOL | CHEMICAL HANDLING AND STORAGE | SOLAR COVERS | POOL VIDEO | MAIN PAGE