Pool Chemistry 101

For clean and clear pool water, certain chemicals must be added to the pool and their proper levels maintained. A brief overview of the essential pool chemicals and their optimum levels will help familiarize you with the products necessary to attain the perfect pool. To check the levels, daily pool water testing is necessary. This is achieved easily using pool water testing supplies, carried by pcPOOLS. Remember, always start the pool season with fresh test strips to ensure their accuracy. In adding the appropriate amount of chemicals, you must know the size in gallons of your pool. pcPOOLS has provided the formula to compute the size in gallons.

Chlorine is the most popular sanitizer and disinfectant for pool water. It is a natural chemical that oxidizes bacteria to keep the pool water safe and clean. The Free Available Chlorine (FAC) level should be maintained between 2.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm). During hot weather, the FAC level should be held at the higher end of the acceptable range. pcPOOLS offers 1″ Chlorine tablets, 3″ Chlorine tabs, & 8″ sticks that can be dispensed by placing the tablet in a chlorinator, floating feeder or the skimmer basket. If you prefer to add the chemical directly to the water, Dy-Chlor, a granular form of chlorine, is a good choice. Please follow the instructions on the product for safe use.

pH is the level of acidity of the pool water. A proper pH level, between 7.2 and 7.6, is necessary so that chlorine can work effectively. If the pool’s pH level is below 7.2, there is a possibility that the water could corrode your pool equipment and you should consider adding pH Increaser to bring up the pH to an acceptable level. If the pH level is above 7.6, pcPOOLS carries pH Decreaser which would help bring the pH level down to the proper level and alleviate the possibility of scaling.

Alkalinity is the measure of certain minerals which act as buffering agents and allow you to readily adjust the pH levels. Alkalinity acts as a pH stabilizer and reduces pH “bounce”. The level of total alkalinity should be maintained between 100 and 150 ppm in plaster pools and between 125 and 175 ppm in painted, vinyl and fiberglass pools. If total alkalinity is too low, use pcPOOLS’s pH Buffer. To reduce alkalinity, use pH Decreaser.

A Stabilizer is a chemical that prevents the sun’s ultra-violet rays from affecting the chlorine levels. The stabilizer forms a protective bond around the chlorine to resist the sun’s harmful effects. Pools should be stabilized whenever large amounts of fresh water are added. The level of stabilizer should be maintained at approximately 35 ppm. Try pcPOOLS’s Stabilizer/Conditioner.

Shock is a chemical that raises the chlorine level and breaks up contaminants that resist normal chlorination and cloud water. Weekly shock treatments work to remove these contaminants and aid in maintaining clear and biologically clean pool water. pcPOOLS offers both Blast Out Shock and Burst Shock.

Algae Control chemicals combat algae, the aquatic plant that grows in pool water due to its warmth and lack of proper sanitization. Common types of algae include green, pink, black and mustard. Algae growth in its early stages can be contained using a chlorine shock. However, some stubborn algae may require an algaecide. pcPOOLS has a section dedicated to Algaecides in the chemicals section of this website.

Clarifiers and Flocculants are chemicals used to help achieve clear pool water. Some contaminant particles are too small to be caught within the filter. Clarifying agents and flocculants cause these particles to bond together into larger particles which will be removed through filtration or vacuuming. pcPOOLS offers Shimmer, Super Shimmer, and Super Floc to help maintain your water clarity.

Please note that this chart is to be used only as a guide since pool water
problems are often the result of several factors.

Test for pH and sanitizer levels

If you test your own water, check the pH and free chlorine or bromine levels.
The chart below provides the proper levels to keep your water crystal clear.

If any of these levels are not in their proper range, consult our
Pool Care Guide for the proper chemicals to bring them into balance.

Spa Safety Tips

• Read and follow all label directions before using chemicals or adding them to your spa water.
• Always add chemicals to spa water, never water to chemicals.
• Add each chemical separately.
• Wait 15 minutes before adding any additional chemicals.
• Do not combine different chemicals before adding them to the spa water.
• Accurately measure amounts when adding chemicals. NEVER OVERDOSE! Adding more than the
  recommended amount will most often cause problems, not solve them.
• Whenever you add chemicals to your spa, let the water circulate for at least 30 minutes
  before use. This lets the chemicals thorouly mix with the water.
• Keep all chemicals away from your face and never inhale fumes.
• Never smoke around chemicals.
• In an emergency involving chemicals, follow label directions. Always keep emergency phone
  numbers handy.
• Always re-close chemicals tightly after use and store in a cool dry place.
• Store chemicals according to the manufacturer’s label and keep out of the reach
  of children.
• All chemicals, if not handled properly, may be dangerous.
• Maintain proper sanitation levels.
• Never heat your spa above 104 decrees Fahrenheit.
• Limit your spa session to 15 minutes.
• All users should shower without soap before entering the hot tub to remove excess
  deodorant, lotion and body oils.
• Adult supervision must be present when children are using the spa.
• Do not consume alcohol while using the spa.
• If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular condition, consult a physician before using a spa.

Remove all leaves, debris & excess water from pool cover. Use Submersible Pump to clear water away. Then remove the pool cover.

Check the condition of your Pool Liner. Need to replace your pool liner?

Remove all winterizing plugs from the pool suction lines and return lines.

Assemble all pool pump and filter pipes to respective fittings. Check the condition of the sand, cartridge or DE elements. Clean or replace if necessary. Need to replace your Pump & Filter System?

Be sure the pool filter top is secure, the tank drain is closed and the pool filter valve is in the “Filter” position.

Hook up pool pump, filter and any other additional equipment you might have (Pool Heaters, etc.).

Re-attach any deck equipment you have such as Pool Ladders, Diving Boards, etc. Install all Pool Deck equipment including skimmer baskets and return directionals.

Bring the pool water level up to normal & Start the pump.

Using Blue Wave Chemical Start-up Kit, follow our FREE Pool Care Guide directions to get your water in swimming condition! Balance the water chemistry and check the levels frequently during the first few days (until they stabilize).

Run the pool pump & filter system 24 hours until your pool water has cleared completely.

Remove any debris from pool using an Automatic Pool Cleaner or Pool Cleaning Equipment.

Clean Liner with Tile & Vinyl Cleaner & clean Filter with Filter Clean.

For more detailed Pool Opening Instruction, in Printer Friendly Format, Click Here.

Here is a helpful article by Deborah Kon on pool water chemistry and help choosing the right water treatment.. From www.poolspaliving.com

Choosing the Best Water Treatment Combinations

So you want to buy an Above Ground pool, but where do you begin? Here’s a step by step walkthrough of what you’ll need to get outfitted for fun in the sun this summer. Click here for the rest of the article

1. Vacuum your pool or us an automatic pool cleaner regularly
2. Test your pool water every other day to check for proper chlorine and pH levels.
3. Use a solar cover to warm the pool and swim earlier and later each season.
4. Run your pool pump and filter at least 10 hours per day (clean your filter or back wash regularly).
5. Use only premium Blue Wave Pool Chemical to insure clean water and efficient operation of your pump, filter and liner.
6. Keep your pool’s skimmer basket clean to insure proper water circulation.
7. Apply shock chemicals to your pool regularly and after periods of heavy use to insure clean, clear pool water.
8. Brush your pool walls every week to remove debris that can start algae growth.
9. Cover your pool each fall with a quality winter pool cover to protect your pool liner from leaves, twigs, and other debris.
10. Use a Blue Wave start-up kit each spring to insure crystal clear water all season; and when needed use a Blue Wave chlorinated, or
    Blue Wave non-chlorine closing pool chemical kit at the end of each season.

Welcome to pcPools Blog. We will try to make this blog informative as possible. Our goal is to help you with your questions or decisions about pool purchases, maintenance and care.

As the owner of a swimming pool you want beautiful clear blue water without the hassles. pcPools offers a complete line of high quality products that will simplify pool care and make your water sparkle. pcPools are here to teach you about keeping your water clean from spring start-up to winter closing.

Check back often for more tips and information.

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