Adding in swimming pool chemicals can be a boring and time-consuming chore, but if you ignore or put-off these simple duties it can be detrimental to the health of the pool water and can damage your pool equipment without knowing. Follow these simple steps to correctly add different types of chemicals to the pool.

First things first, when adding any chemical to the pool, always make sure your pump is running and automatic cleaner is removed.

Alkalinity Increaser

Mix desired amount in a bucket of pool water and broadcast directly into the pool spreading evenly.

TIP: If you need to add alkalinity increaser as well as pH increaser/decreaser, add alkalinity increaser day 1 and pH increaser/decreaser on day 2.

pH Increaser/Decreaser

Mix desired amount into a bucket of pool water and broadcast into the pool. Be careful not to inhale the acid fumes and avoid contact with other pool equipment.

TIP: Always add chemical to water, never water to chemical.

Stabiliser

Clean the filter, Mix desired amount into a bucket of pool water and broadcast into the pool.

TIP: Do not clean filter for at least 3 days to ensure the stabiliser has fully dissolved.

Chlorine
  • Liquid Chlorine: Adjust pH to 7.2 to 7.6. Mix the chlorine in a bucket of pool water and broadcast over the pool.
  • Stabilised Chlorine: Adjust pH to 7.2 to 7.6. For vinyl or fibreglass pools dissolve granules in a bucket of pool water and broadcast over the pool. For all other pools sprinkle around the pool (especially on algae if present). Brush after 15 minutes.
  • Unstablised Chlorine: Adjust pH to 7.2 to 7.6. Mix the chlorine in a bucket of pool water. Let stand for 2 hours. Pour the liquid into the pool. Discard the residue.

TIP: Shocking the pool after a busy weekend of swimming with a lot of people in the pool is a great way to help the pool rebalance after a high bather load.

Calcium

Wait 24 hours before adding calcium increaser. Mix the flakes in a bucket of water and pour around the pool.

TIP: Another way to add calcium to your water is to add the required amount into your pool scoop and slowly pull through the water until there is no residue left.

Algaecides

Adjust pH to 7.2 to 7.6. Wait 2 hours before adding algaecide. Mix the algaecide in a bucket of water and pour around the pool. Do not swim for 24 hours.

TIP: Remove leaves and organic material from the water as soon as possible, as these are the main source of algae infestation.

Clarifiers

Mix in a bucket of pool water and broadcast over the pool. Do not swim for 2 hours.

TIP: Make sure your filter has been cleaned before adding a clarifier.

Phosphate Remover

Clean filter and disconnect automatic cleaner. Shake starver in its container thoroughly, to gain a consistent mixture. Immediately pour the required amount of starver into the pool.

TIP: Monitor the pressure gauge on your filter and re-clean the filter if the pressure is too high.

Salt

Pour salt around the pool and brush until dissolved (failure to brush may stain the pool). Do not swim until salt is dissolved.

TIP: Add the salt last of all, as the brushing will help to mix any other added chemicals or assist in brushing algae from the walls and floor of your pool.

Now you know how to correctly add any chemical to the pool, but if you need some extra help, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 1800 625 123 for advice on what products are best suited to your needs.