What Are the Proper Chemicals for Getting My Swimming Pool Started?

Earth

• Earth must be added to the filter prior to adding other chemicals to the pool. Earth is just as important to the pool as chlorine. Pool owners should never neglect their filter and components because it's the lifeblood of the pool. The filter circulates the water. The earth is added to the pool through the skimmer and catches the dirt and debris too fine to be caught by the skimmer basket. Add 2 qt. of earth through the pool skimmer while the filter is on to start.
  
  

Shock

• Leave the filter running for a few hours before adding chemicals. Purchase 1 gallon of liquid shock for every 5,500 gallons of pool water. Add the shock directly to the surface of the water while going around the edges of the pool. Let the filter circulate the shock overnight, which will kill a lot of germs in the water and give you a head start in balancing the chemicals.
  
  

Chlorine

• Test the water with a pack of test strips that can be purchased from a pool supply store along with the other chemicals. Test the water with one strip, which will indicate the chlorine, pH and alkalinity levels of your water. From this point on it is a matter of adding the type of chemicals necessary to get all three readings in the normal ranges. The chances are you will need chlorine. To begin, add two scoops using the measuring cup provided inside the chlorine bucket through the skimmer. Wait a few hours before testing again, and add additional chlorine as necessary. The water will take some time to clear up. Continuously run the filter as you are adding the chemicals. The more the water filters, the quicker it will clear up.
  
  

Alkalinity and pH

• The pH and alkalinity levels may also need to be adjusted as indicated on the test strips. Pool supply stores sell products that increase and decrease the pH and alkalinity levels for your pool. When starting up, purchase a bottle of all four chemicals to keep on hand whenever you need it. If the test strip indicates one of these levels are low, use the respective product to raise the pH or alkalinity; the same principle applies if the readings are too high. Add these chemicals directly to the surface of the water. Follow the instructions on the bottle, and add according to how many gallons of water your pool has. For example, if you have 6,000 gallons of water and the chemical asks for 2 ml of the product for every 3,000 gallons, you must double that number to treat your pool. Add additional doses if necessary according to the test strips.