I Just Filled My 18ft X 4ft Above Ground Pool Do I Put In Chlorine Or Shock It?
by Diane
I read that HTH that gives a four step process and first is to cleanse, stabilize, shock, algae. So, I don't know what to do? There is just plain fresh water in the pool and I would like to swim in the pool tomorrow what are the steps I need to do to make this possible? Thanks so much Diane Thanks for the question Diane The firs thing you need to do is get a good test kit. I've always used and recommend a Taylor FAS-DPD K-2006 test kit. Pool Water Testing Water Testing Kit Next is to test the fill water for pH, alkalinity, and hardness. No need for chlorine because there's probably little if any in the water. By knowing the fill water, you'll know where to start. Here are some links to help you get started: My First Pool..How Do I Add Chemicals & Make Adjustments? Above Ground Pool..Need To Know About Chemicals & What To Do.. What Is A Swimming Pool Conditioner & Stabilizer? Your chemical levels should read: Chlorine 1.5ppm - 3.5ppm pH 7.6 - 7.8 Alkalinity 80 - 100ppm Calcium Hardness 150 - 250ppm Cyanuric Acid (chlorine stabilizer) 30 - 50ppm This is why you need to test the fill water first, to know what the levels are so you can make the right adjustments. I would encourage you first to shock the pool with Dichlor chlorine. While Dichlor does add pool chlorine it will also increase your CYA (cyanuric acid/stabilizer) level while lowering your pool water pH level. Take care in using Dichlor as your CYA can get out of hand very quickly. For every 10ppm of chlorine added with Dichlor, you'll raise the CYA by 9ppm. For every 10ppm of chlorine added with Trichlor tabs you'll raise the CYA by 6ppm. Trichlor tabs can be used in a floater to keep the CYA and chlorine levels up throughout the week. Never put tabs in the skimmer. Shock the pool with Dichlor in the evening, then retest the chlorine in the morning. Make another adjustment if needed. Keep filtering 24/7. Once the stabilizer reaches 30ppm, switch over to liquid chlorine. Don't worry about algaecides, they're used for preventative maintenance only. Read this post about algaecides and phosphates: High Phosphates Over 1000 & Cloudy Water And about using bleach to chlorinate your pool, along with using baking soda and 20 Mule Team Borax for the pH and alkalinity: Do You Really Need All These Chemicals For A Pool Or Are They Just Trying To Get Your Money? To post a reply, or if you have a similar question, you can see your post (I Just Filled My 18ft X 4ft Above Ground Pool Do I Put In Chlorine Or Shock It?) on the Q&A page in the "Start Up/Opening A Pool" category. Swimming Pool Questions and Answers Check back to this post for answers. Hope this helps and have a great Summer. Robert |
