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. … Now it’s time to keep the water hardness in check, otherwise known as alkalinity.
What chemicals do I need to add to a freshly filled pool?
- 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.
How do I treat my pool for the first time?
- Turn on the pool pump and filtration system. …
- Test the pool water for pH, chlorine and total alkalinity. …
- Adjust the pH until it is between 6.8 and 7.2. …
- Add a sequestering agent according to package directions. …
- Allow two days for the pool balance to settle.
When should I first shock my pool?
In general, you should shock your pool when: Algae begins to grow in your pool. The free chlorine level of your pool measures zero. The chloramines or combined chlorine level rises above 0.5 parts per million (ppm).What do you do when you fill your pool for the first time?
Follow these steps… Test and correct the pH level to 7.2 – 7.6. In the early evening, add 2 cups of HTH® Granular for every 10 000 liters of pool water. Filter continuously for 24 hours. After 12 hours test and correct if necessary.
Is it OK to shock pool on a cloudy day?
Most people wait until they have a cloudy pool or pool algae to shock their pool. … Once you’ve shocked your pool, it’s important to wait for recommended time – usually about eight hours for shock treatments that are based on chlorine.
How soon can I swim in my new pool?
After the pool is full it usually takes up to 1 week before the pool is ready for you to swim. The shortest timeline we have seen for swimming after filling a plaster pool is 5 days.
How much chlorine do I add to my pool for the first time?
If the water is clean and clear, then add about 3 oz of liquid chlorine per 1000 gallons of water – while the pool filter is running. This should give you a chlorine level of about 3 ppm.Do I need to shock my pool if I use chlorine tablets?
Chlorine tabs (placed in a chlorinator, floater, or skimmer basket) maintain a chlorine residual in the water. You do need to use both tabs and shock. Without tabs, the chlorine shock will dissipate quickly out of the water; without shock, the chlorine level will not get high enough to fully sanitize the water.
What happens if I swim after shocking pool?BUT, if you have to shock your pool during the day in broad daylight, you can still swim after adding shock. It’s recommended that you wait one hour after adding shock with the filter running, and then test the water to confirm the pH and chlorine are in the proper range before letting anyone enter the pool.
Article first time published onHow do you start a new pool?
- When starting in the spring, re-install pool components removed for the winter, close drain valves and refit drain plugs. …
- Fill the pool until the water level is in the centre of the skimmer opening.
- Fill the pumps filter basket housing with water.
Why does my pool pump not fill up with water?
If your pump basket does not fill with water, you’ll have to prime the pump. … Remove the pump lid and clean any debris from the pump basket, then fill it with water using a garden hose. Once done, replace the pump lid and set the pool return to open on the diverter valve so water can return to the pool.
How often should I shock my pool?
How Often Should I Shock My Pool? Shocking your pool regularly will help to keep the water clean and free of contaminants. You should aim to shock your pool about once a week, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.
How long after I shock the pool can I add chlorine?
You should wait one hour per pound of shock product added, and then test the water to confirm the pH and chlorine are in the proper range before letting anyone enter the pool. As a reminder, you want your pH to be between 7.2 and 7.8ppm and your free available chlorine to be 1-4ppm for safe swimming.
What chemicals should I balance first in my pool?
Total Alkalinity (TA) is the first thing you should balance in your pool water. TA refers to the amount of alkaline material in the water. And since alkaline is a pH stabilizer, the number of alkaline substances in water will affect the pH balance. The ideal Total Alkalinity range for pool water is 80 – 120 ppm.
Is liquid chlorine the same as shock?
Liquid chlorine and granular shock have the same active chemical that sanitizes your pool, what changes is the strength and the way you use it. Liquid chlorine is less costly, unstabilized and comes in liquid form. Granular shock is stabilized and comes in a solid form that dissolves in your pool.
Why is my pool filter filling with air?
Air bubbles in your pool mean that air is being sucked into the line on the suction side of the pump. … The pool water level is too low. The strainer pot lid isn’t on tight or its O-ring is loose/absent/compromised. The union between the valves and the pump isn’t tight or its O-ring is loose/absent/compromised.
Why is my pool gurgling?
Air may be getting in the system from different sources. It may be as simple as filling the pool. If your water level is low, the skimmer will draw air into it as well as water. You will hear the motor run dry until the suction is built up enough to draw water in and then the cycle repeats itself.
