Question 1

What chemicals do I need to open my pool?

Accepted Answer

To open your pool, you will need to use a combination of chemicals including shock, balancers, calcium and stabilizer. Algaecides, clarifiers, and mineral chemicals may need to be used based on the condition of your water.

Question 2

What are the ideal ranges to have balanced pool water?

Accepted Answer

It is important to all swimmers and to the pool to have balanced pool water. Unbalanced pool water can cause damage to the pool and equipment and can also have negative effects on swimmers. Below are the ideal ranges:
Calcium hardness 200-400 ppm *
Alkalinity 80-150 ppm
pH 7.2 – 7.8
Chlorine Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid) 30-100 ppm
Free / Total Chlorine 1-3 ppm
Bromine 3-5 ppm
*Depending on manufacturer’s recommendations.

Question 3

How do I test the chemical levels in my pool?

Accepted Answer

You can use test strips or a liquid test kit to test the chemical levels in your pool. Dip the test strip or use the liquid test kit according to the instructions provided and compare the results to the recommended levels for each chemical.

Question 4

What chemicals do I need to maintain my pool?

Accepted Answer

The chemicals you need for pool maintenance typically include chlorine, pH balancers, alkalinity, calcium hardness and chlorine stabilizer. The specific chemicals you need may vary depending on your water test results.

Question 5

How often should I add chemicals to my pool?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of adding chemicals to your pool will depend on various factors such as pool usage, weather conditions, and water quality. Generally, it is recommended to test the pool water at least once a week and adjust the chemical levels as needed.

Question 6

Why do I need to shock my pool?

Accepted Answer

Pools are shocked for a few different reasons. One is to remove combined chlorine molecules, aka chloramines, from the water. Another common reason to shock a pool is to remove excess bather waste and bacteria after heavy pool use, contamination events, or to treat visible algae in the water. Shocking your pool raises chlorine levels high in order to get rid of contaminants.

Question 7

How often should I shock my pool?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that people should superchlorinate (shock) their pool every 7-10 days in order to make sure the pool remains clean and clear. The best time to shock your pool is at night when the sun has gone down. To shock your pool, calculate the amount of shock required for your pool size and add the shock directly to the pool.

Question 8

How long should we wait to swim after shocking the pool?

Accepted Answer

Most chlorine shocks require 8-10 hours of circulation before anyone can swim in the pool. Monopersulfate shocks allow swimmers to resume swimming 15 minutes after being used.

Question 9

Can I swim in my pool after adding chemicals?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to an hour after adding chemicals to your pool before swimming. Follow the instructions on the chemical label for any specific waiting times.

Question 10

How can I prevent and treat algae growth in my pool?

Accepted Answer

The best way to prevent algae in pools is with consistent chlorine levels of 1-3ppm, with long, effective daily filter runs, good water balance, and weekly use of a good pool algaecide. Shocking every 7-10 days will also help prevent algae from forming. Concentrated algaecides will help eliminate algae growth in the even that it should occur.

Question 11

What’s causing my pool water to be cloudy?

Accepted Answer

There could be a few contributing factors that can lead to cloudy water. The most common causes are, inorganic contaminates, poor filtration, or possibly high pH and/or Alkalinity. To figure out how to clear the pool water you should test and balance the water, shock the pool if needed, and check the filter to see if it needs to be cleaned. If needed you can add a concentrated clarifier to aid in clearing up your water.

Question 12

What do I do if I have metals in my pool?

Accepted Answer

If you do have metals in your swimming pool water, you will need to use a small amount of a metal remover (sequestrant) to prevent stains from forming. A metal remover will bind to the metals in the water and prevent them from depositing, preventing unsightly stains. Metal removers slowly break down in the pool, which means that adding a weekly or monthly dose of metal remover will need to become part of your routine pool maintenance.

Question 13

Can you add all pool chemicals to the pool at once?

Accepted Answer

You should not add all pool chemicals at the same time. You should never mix pool chemicals together.
Some chemicals such as balancers can be added within 1-2 hours of each other.  Shock should be added alone and no other chemical should be added within 8-10 hours of shocking the pool.

Question 14

Is it safe to mix different pool chemicals?

Accepted Answer

You never want to mix different pool chemicals together. Improper mixing can result in hazardous reactions or damage to the pool. You always want to ADD chemicals to pool water and NOT water to chemicals.

Question 15

How should I store pool chemicals?

Accepted Answer

Store pool chemicals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. We recommend that you ensure proper labeling and that packages are secured properly.

Question 16

Can I use last season’s pool chemicals?

Accepted Answer

Pool chemicals typically last if kept in the proper conditions. Dry chemicals have a 7 year shelf life before expiring. Liquid pool chemicals will last just as long, but if the chemicals freeze we recommend replacing them. Make sure you keep your pool chemicals stored in a warmer place during the winter to ensure a safe and clean pool.