Treatment FAQ

what to add to my pool water treatment

by Sydney Jacobs Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If the balance or pH of the swimming pool water is too low, the usual treatment is to add sodium carbonate or soda ash at the rate of 10g per 1000 litres every day until the water reaches the correct levels.

Chemicals Needed for Pool Start Ups
  1. Stain & Scale Preventer.
  2. Granular Shock Chlorine.
  3. Chlorine Tablets.
  4. pH Increaser and/or pH Decreaser.
  5. Alkalinity and/or Calcium Increaser.
  6. Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
  7. Algaecide and Clarifiers if needed.
  8. Complete Test Kit or Test Strips.

Full Answer

How do you treat a swimming pool?

Chlorine and bromine are one of the most common chemicals used in sterilizing ponds. Chlorine is in a liquid form, or in the form of plates or granules, while bromine is found in the form of …

How do I Fill my pool with softened water?

Prepare a 5-gallon bucket and fill it with pool water half full. Pour the water softener into the bucket, please check how much softener you need as it is dependent on the size of your pool. …

How do you add chlorine tablets to a pool pump?

Jul 05, 2019 · Dichlor granules can be added directly to the water or dissolved in a 5-gallon bucket prior to adding it to the pool water. To add tablets to the water, use the pool skimmer (be sure …

What tools do I need to take care of my Pool?

Mar 29, 2022 · Sanitizer levels: The amount of chlorine, bromine, etc. in your pool water. Proper levels vary depending on which type of sanitizer you choose. Once you know your pH, alkalinity, …

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What chemicals should I put in my pool?

What Chemicals Do You Need for a Pool?
  • CHLORINE: Probably the best-known pool chemical, chlorine is a sanitiser that keeps algae and bacteria at bay. ...
  • SHOCK: ...
  • BROMINE: ...
  • CYANURIC ACID: ...
  • CALCIUM CHLORIDE: ...
  • ALGAECIDE: ...
  • CLARIFIER: ...
  • FLOCCULANT:
Apr 22, 2020

What chemicals do I need to keep my pool clean?

Here are the essential chemicals for keeping your pool clean and beautiful:
  • pH. ...
  • Calcium Hardness. ...
  • Total Alkalinity. ...
  • Metals. ...
  • Chlorine. ...
  • Bromine. ...
  • Shock Treatments. ...
  • Algaecide.

What is stabilizer for a pool?

What is a pool stabilizer? It is often referred to by several names—chlorine stabilizer, pool conditioner, chlorine pool stabilizer, among others—but basically, it is a chemical additive that functions to stabilize and extend the active life of the chlorine in the pool water.Mar 11, 2021

How do you make chlorine for a pool?

Chlorine is produced by the electrolysis of salt water. When electricity is passed through 2NaCl (salt) and 2H20 (water), the atoms dissociate into Cl2 (chlorine) + 2NaOH (sodium Hydroxide) + H2 (Hydrogen).

What is pool water treatment?

When it comes to pool water treatment for new pool water, you have to test the water to make sure its suitable for your pool.

Do you have to test your pool water for new water?

When it comes to pool water treatment for new pool water, you have to test the water to make sure its suitable for your pool.

What is the pH of a pool?

The pH of your water needs to lie somewhere between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pH of your pool water is off, you can either add more chlorine or pH increaser if the pH is too low or you can add a pH decreaser if the pH is too high. While the pH of your pool is really important, there are other chemicals that are needed in your pool.

How much calcium hardness is needed for pool water?

For calcium hardness, it needs to be between 180 and 220 ppm. Just adjust those levels when they are too low, you can use a calcium hardness increaser. Pool water has pretty high levels of calcium hardness, so getting them higher is usually not an issue.

How to raise chlorine levels in pool?

To raise the levels, you will use add a stabilizer. After all of the chemical levels have been checked and added, you will need to raise the chlorine levels. The fastest way to do this is to shock the pool, which just means adding more chlorine. Of course, if you use other water treatment options like ozone, bromine, or salt water, ...

What is the best way to keep your pool from slime?

Pool Water Treatment Options. In order to keep your pool protected against bacteria and slime, you need a good water treatment option. When it comes to pool water treatment, you have a couple of options to choose from. Bromine: If you are allergic to chlorine, bromine is a great alternative to chlorine. You don’t have to test your pool as much ...

Is bromine better than chlorine?

Bromine: If you are allergic to chlorine, bromine is a great alternative to chlorine. You don’t have to test your pool as much when you use bromine and the water balance should pretty much stay the same for longer periods of time. However, it isn’t best at oxidizing water and it is more expensive. Chlorine: The most popular pool water treatment it ...

What does it mean when your pool is hard water?

In layman’s term, hard water simply means that your pool water doesn’t have a balanced chemistry and the chlorine level is not stable . Water chemistry is important and you must take note of these three things if you want to achieve the perfect chemistry for swimming, namely alkalinity, pH level, and hardness. ...

What are the three things that are important for swimming?

Water chemistry is important and you must take note of these three things if you want to achieve the perfect chemistry for swimming, namely alkalinity, pH level, and hardness . The hardness of the water is caused by the high levels of calcium and magnesium present in the water.

Why is my pool water hard?

The hardness of the water is caused by the high levels of calcium and magnesium present in the water. The moment when white scale starts to form on your pool edges and on the pool equipment, this is an indication that the water is already too hard. Is it really dangerous?

Is hard water bad for your pool?

In all honesty, hard pool water has no serious health risks according to the World Health Organization. It is more of a nuisance. If the water is too hard, it causes your skin and hair to become dry. In addition, it messes with the pool pipes, especially in the parts that you can’t reach.

How long does it take for a pool to circulate?

Turn on the pool pump and allow the water to circulate for about 12 hours. After the circulation period, turn off the pool equipment again and conduct another hardness test to check if the water hardness is still higher than 300 parts per million.

The Importance of a Clean Pool

Having a swimming pool in your own backyard helps you cool off on those hot summer days. More important than the fun and recreation, though, is keeping it clean. Regular maintenance with cleaning keeps your water clear and inviting.

Water Circulation

Run the pump for about eight to 12 hours each day. Circulating the water helps prevent algae and bacteria growth, and running the water through the pool filter helps trap contaminants and other particles. Plus, good circulation mixes and disperses chemicals throughout the system.

How to Maintain Pool Water Chemistry

Clean water and balanced water chemistry are the keys to pool maintenance. Establish a weekly routine to clean the pool and add pool cleaner. A shock treatment solves and prevents many pool problems. Test the pH and the free available chlorine in the pool water and shock-treat if necessary on a weekly basis.

Pool Chemical Safety

While pool chemicals are available to solve almost all water problems, they can be dangerous to humans and animals if handled improperly. Chemicals can cause skin and eye damage and can be fatal if swallowed. To keep yourself and your pool safe, follow these pool chemical safety precautions:

How to Shock Pool Water

Pool shocking raises the pool’s chlorine level and is a necessary step in keeping the pool clear of combined chlorine molecules (also called chloramines). It treats cloudy water, destroys bacteria and kills algae blooms. Use shock at dusk or at night, as the sun will burn it off too quickly.

Pool Water Troubleshooting

Cloudy Water: Poor circulation, poor filtration and improper water balance can lead to cloudy pool water. Test the water frequently and correct it as needed. Shock treatment or water clarifier usually does the trick.

How to Vacuum the Pool

Once your water is balanced, it's time for some cleaning. Pool vacuums are a powerful tool in your pool maintenance arsenal. They help tackle and prevent algae growth and keep the water balanced. Below are general steps for using various pool vacuums. Your model usage may vary.

What are the components of a pool?

These include: The pool water. The pool’s interior wall or liner. The pool’s filter system. The pool’s system of skimmers and returns. 1.

Why is it important to keep your pool clean?

Keeping it clean, clear, and balanced protects you and your family from contaminants and pollutants. It also helps you avoid costly hardware repairs due to corrosion or mineral build-up, and helps your whole pool last longer.

What is the best way to keep a pool clean?

Keeping these surfaces in good repair, and clear of algae, mold, and debris, will help keep your pool clean and safe.

What is the pumping heart of a pool?

But think about it: your pool pump draws water keeps your water circulating, like your heart does with your blood. Your pool filter clears dirt and other contaminants from your water just like your liver filters last night’s cheese fries from your blood.

Does a pool pump draw water?

OK, that sounds a little weird. But think about it: your pool pump draws water keeps your water circulating, like your heart does with your blood. Your pool filter clears dirt and other contaminants from your water just like your liver filters last night’s cheese fries from your blood.

Does a pool pump keep water circulating?

But think about it: your pool pump draws water keeps your water circulating, like your heart does with your blood. Your pool filter clears dirt and other contaminants from your water just like your liver filters last night’s cheese fries from your blood. Both protect you and your pool from harm.

What is a net skimmer?

Your skimmers—not to be confused with a net skimmer, the cleaning tool attached to a telescoping pole—pull water into the filter for cleaning, while the returns push the cleaned water back into your pool. And like your veins and arteries, they work best when they’re clean and clear of obstructions.

What causes a pool heater to fail?

When it builds up in piping, the pressure will increase and clog up filters and their media. If the pool water is heated, Calcium can be a particular problem. With higher temperatures, less Calcium can stay dissolved, and cakes upon heating coils and other equipment. This causes more energy to heat the water and eventually make the pool heater fail. Other noticeable issues will be: 1 Cloudy Water 2 Rough Surfaces 3 Clogged Filters 4 Reduced Circulation through Piping 5 Higher Pressure readings on the system

What is the best calcium carbonate hardness for a concrete pool?

The ideal level for Calcium Carbonate Hardness is between 200-400 mg/l in a Cement or Concrete pool. 80 to 150 mg/l in a Vinyl pool or 150 to 250 in a Fiberglass pool. You can run it at higher levels while taking some precautions with minor adjustments so that scale formations won’t build up on the walls, and filtering system of the pool.

Can calcium build up in pool water?

When it builds up in piping, the pressure will increase and clog up filters and their media. If the pool water is heated, Calcium can be a particular problem.

Why is calcium in pool water so bad?

When it builds up in piping, the pressure will increase and clog up filters and their media. If the pool water is heated, Calcium can be a particular problem. With higher temperatures, less Calcium can stay dissolved, and cakes upon heating coils and other equipment.

What is low calcium in pool water?

Soft Water with low Calcium content seeks more from contact with surfaces that contain it. In a pool, the surfaces that contain Calcium are plaster, grout, and concrete decking. Low Calcium in pool water is corrosive to the pool if the pH and the Alkalinity are not Balanced. Again it can be Controlled by Alkalinity & pH.

What are the surfaces that contain calcium in a pool?

In a pool, the surfaces that contain Calcium are plaster, grout, and concrete decking. Low Calcium in pool water is corrosive to the pool if the pH and the Alkalinity are not Balanced. Again it can be Controlled by Alkalinity & pH. Other Noticeable Issues will be: Pitting of concrete surfaces. Etching of Plaster.

What happens if you don't have enough calcium in your pool?

If there is not enough Calcium, the water is not balanced and you will develop problems that destroy the structure of your pool.

How to make a pool with baking soda?

Pour the Baking Soda 1 Sprinkle the powder in arcs form across the pool and do not pour it in one spot. 2 Wait for about 6 hours to let the powder completely dissolve into your pool water. You can also turn on the circulation system to help the process. 3 Retest the level of alkalinity of your pool water.

Do you have to maintain a swimming pool?

However, there are several things that you have to maintain once you have a swimming pool installed on your outdoor living space. Some maintenance steps are obligatory that can harm you and damage the pool itself. Therefore, you have to know – at least – the basic maintenance of a swimming pool. For sure, you can always call some help ...

Can you maintain a swimming pool by yourself?

Therefore, you have to know – at least – the basic maintenance of a swimming pool. For sure, you can always call some help from a pro to maintain your swimming pool which can be quite pricey. Therefore, you can do some steps to maintain the pool all by yourself since they’re quite easy to be done. One of the maintenance which is so simple ...

Why is it important to balance the alkaline in a pool?

The balance alkaline is very important to keep the water of the pool healthy. If the alkaline is too low, it can disrupt the balance of other substances which leads to the uncomfortable feeling of your pool water. Lucky for you, you can use an easily available ...

Why is alkaline important in swimming pools?

The balance alkaline is very important to keep the water of the pool healthy. If the alkaline is too low, it can disrupt the balance of other substances which leads to the uncomfortable feeling of your pool water. Lucky for you, you can use an easily available material to keep the alkalinity of your swimming pool which is baking soda.

How to check alkalinity level of pool?

Check the Alkalinity Level. First thing first, let’s check the level of alkaline of your swimming pool before purchasing any baking soda. This step is to ensure whether you need to raise the level of alkalinity of your swimming pool or not. Dip the tester strip into the pool.

Can you add baking soda to a pool?

You can directly add the baking soda to your swimming pool, but do not do this step if the day is too windy since the baking soda can go airborne.

Is pool water testing good?

Pool water testing, while it may seem somewhat trivial, is the best thing you can do to assure safe and clean water. First, let’s cover why testing is so important, and what kinds of tests you should be doing. You’ll know everything you need to know to have confidence in your swimming pool.

Why is it important to test your pool water?

Your pool, while it looks like a pond, is more of a chemistry lab. The chemicals in your pool can either keep it clean or make it potentially dangerous. Testing your water is the only way to know for sure what those invisible chemicals are doing in your water.

Is a pool a chemistry lab?

Your pool , while it looks like a pond, is more of a chemistry lab. The chemicals in your pool can either keep it clean or make it potentially dangerous. Testing your water is the only way to know for sure what those invisible chemicals are doing in your water. You need to test your water often.

What to check before closing a pool?

Some other necessary testing you need to do to maintain excellent pool water is for cyanuric acid (CYA) and calcium hardness. You also test for copper, iron, and calcium.

What does alkalinity test mean?

Alkalinity testing measures buffers, your pool’s ability to maintain a steady pH level. Too much, it’s really hard to change pH, and too low, pH will change very often; people can change the pH simply by going into the water if there’s no buffer.

How to make a green alkalinity test?

Read your test’s instructions, know how many drops of the first two test liquids, and how much water you need. Add first test liquid drops to the water, Sodium Thiosulfate, and swirl to mix. Add the second, the total alkalinity test liquid, swirl to mix until the color is green.

How many drops of sulphuric acid are in a 100?

Take the number of sulphuric acid drops, times 10, to tell you the total alkalinity. Eight drops mean an 80 total alkalinity, that is low, and 10 drops (100) is high. Take action to raise or lower your alkalinity if needed. Use our alkalinity calculator to help you get in the ideal range.

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