What Chemicals Do You Need to Start Your Swimming Pool?

Chlorine

• Chlorine acts as a disinfectant for the pool. It kills any pathogens, including bacteria, that may be living in the pool water. Chlorine is a necessary and sometimes daily requirement for a healthy pool. It can be purchased as a liquid or solid and can be dropped directly into the pool or in a floating dispenser. Sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite are the two most common forms of pool-based chlorine. Stable chlorine is a type of chlorine that contains a stabilizer, decreasing the need for additional chlorine over time. All types of chlorine can be dangerous to clothing and skin, and contact with it should be avoided. Pool owners should attempt to create a pH balance level of 7.2.
  
  

Acid

• Because chlorine is an alkaline material, adding chlorine to pool water increases the pH level. Adding acid to a pool can lower the pH to a safe level for swimming. Acids are especially dangerous and should be handled with caution. Muriatic or liquid acid is incredibly strong and therefore takes less to lower pH, but is equally as dangerous. Dry acid, or sodium disulphate, is less potent but still effective. If the addition of acid lowers the pH levels too much, soda ash can be added to raise them to proper levels.
  
  

Algaecide

• An algaecide is any chemical that specifically targets algae, a water-based plant that can grow in imbalanced pool water. Algae growth can disrupt the chemical balance and cause damage to filtration systems if the growth moves into the pump housing. Algaecides can vary in chemical makeup and concentration, and some are designed for specific algae strains. Follow the manufacturer's instructions of your algaecide for best results.
  
  

Conditioner

• A conditioner or chlorine stabilizer can be added to a pool to help retain chlorine effectiveness over a period of time. The sun's rays reduce chlorine levels in pool water by removing the residual chlorine chemical. Although stabilizers are not required, they can significantly reduce chlorine costs depending on the type of chlorine used.