Being a new pool owner is exciting. I mean, think about the unlimited entertainment and fun you are about to experience with the pool. Nonetheless, there are some things you should know as a new pool owner. When opening your pool, there are several things you need to do before jumping into the pool. In particular, you have to add certain pool chemicals when you open a pool.
Let’s discuss pool chemicals to use when opening a pool #
Balance the alkaline levels in your pool #
Before using your pool, ensure you test your pool chemistry. You can do this using a pH test strip. Note that if your pH is low, it means that your pool water is too acidic. On the flip side, if you have a high reading, it means that water is too alkaline. It would help if you kept the pH balanced by bringing your pool water to a neutral state of about 7.4 pH. Thus, whenever you notice that the water is too alkaline, add muriatic acid to lower the pH levels. When the pH is too low, add alkaline pool chemicals like sodium bicarbonate to solve the issue. On average, the alkaline level should be about 80 ppm to 120 ppm. Balancing water chemistry in your pool helps you avoid many common pool issues like stains and algae. Also, it prevents wear and tear of the liner and boosts the durability of your pool.
Balance your calcium hardness #
You have to ensure that you have the right amount of calcium hardness in your pool. Otherwise, your pool surfaces could get eroded. Moreover, you could have a build-up of calcium in your pool that can cause blurriness. Often, ensure that your calcium levels range from approximately 200 to 400 ppm. If you have low calcium hardness, your pool surfaces are at risk of corrosion. Use calcium chloride to increase the calcium hardness of your pool. On the other hand, use muriatic acid to lower your calcium hardness. Balancing your calcium hardness helps pool owners avoid the common pool problems both in the long run and short run.
Pool shocking #
When opening your pool, ensure you shock the pool. Pool shocking entails adding excess chlorine to the pool for maximum disinfection. In the end, the level of chlorine should be at least 10ppm.
Summary #
Once you complete the above procedures, you can use the pool. It should take you several hours to complete these procedures. Also, note that it would be best to add each pool chemicals mentioned above whenever you reopen your pool after winter. Besides, feel free to implement all these procedures frequently, even after you start using your pool.
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