Above ground pools are excellent additions to yards, especially for those who want the pool experience but can’t afford to dig one out in their yard. If you purchase an above ground system, it’s vital to add chemicals to the pool to keep it clean and ensure the safety of patrons. Which chemicals should you add and how do you use them?
Here are a few of the chemicals necessary for an above ground pool:
- Chlorine
- Bromine
- pH and Alkaline shifters
- Calcium
- Clarifiers
- Shock treatment
If you’re interested in learning more about the chemicals needed for an above ground pool, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the ideal chemicals to put in a pool for the first time, how to shock the water, which pools need chemicals and everything else you should know about these additions.
What Chemicals Do You Put In A Pool For The First Time?
Chemicals are necessary to keep your pool clean and safe to swim inside. If it’s your first time with a pool, it’s tricky to determine the proper chemicals to put in the liquid. What chemicals should you put in a pool for the first time?
Here are the chemicals you should put in when treating a pool for the first time:
- Chlorine: This chemical compound stops algae and bacteria growth in your pool.
- Bromine: This item is a stable cleanser for a pool, ideal for sensitive skin and warmer temperatures.
- pH and Alkaline shifters: These will raise or lower the pH or alkalinity of the pool, ensuring everything is normal.
- Calcium: This chemical is another necessity to prevent growth and keep balance in the system.
- Clarifiers: These items clump together dirt and other contaminants to create a larger conglomerate easily trapped by the pool’s system.
- Shock treatment: When you first get an above ground pool, it’s a good idea to give it a shock treatment. This action includes highly concentrated chemicals to cleanse the water and keep it sanitary for swimmers.
These will ensure the water is clean and safe for people to swim in. After the first addition of these chemicals, there will be variations in how frequently they must be added to your pool. Each pool will vary.
Here’s a quick video showing how to add the chemicals to the pool:
Here’s a link to some Pool Accessories from Amazon and the highly recommended Sand Filter Pump to upgrade any above ground pool setup.
How Do I Shock My Above Ground Pool For The First Time?
Shocking a pool is a necessity, but those who have never done it before might be intimidated by the process.
Here’s how you should shock your above ground pool for the first time:
- Consider the chlorine for shocking, examining multiple types on the market
- Put on protective equipment, such as gloves and a breathing mask
- Test the water to determine chlorine and alkaline content
- Dissolve the pool shock in warm water beforehand for easier use
- Add the shock to the water and wait for the process to end
This will cleanse the system and render it safe for swimming. You should shock your pool at least once a week. If you can’t shock it that often, aim for once every other week. It will ensure your swimmers do not come in contact with dangerous or disgusting germs during their time in the water.
It’s a must to keep your pool water safe, balanced, and ideal for swimmers to enjoy. Shocking is hard work, but it will help you hang on to your pool for much longer.
Do Small Above Ground Pools Need Chemicals?
Small above ground pools might seem like nothing. Most people fill them with hose water, then splash around in them until it’s time to get out. However, you should still add chemicals to your small above ground pool for the safest experience.
You should take care to measure your chemicals in the right way. It isn’t necessary to add as much as you would with a larger pool, or you risk bringing harm to your patrons. Take note of the water and measure the proper amount to bring your pool to a normal state.
Although you don’t have to add chemicals to a small above ground pool, it’s recommended. It will keep the water as clean as possible for an enjoyable experience.
What Kind Of Chlorine Do You Use In An Above Ground Pool?
Although many people assume you need different forms of chlorine in an above ground pool, it isn’t necessary. You can put the same chlorine in your above ground pool as you can in the below ground variety. They will work the same!
The solid form of chlorine is known as sodium hypochlorite. Many people put this chemical in a small plastic container, allowing it to drift in the pool and filter through the water. It’s the ideal form of chlorine for your system as it will add a little but over time, rather than dumping it in one area.
Chlorine is something you should add to your pool every three to seven days. What about the other chemicals? Which products should you put in your pool every week?
What Chemicals Should I Add To My Pool Every Week?
There are many chemicals you should consider adding to your pool once a week. They will keep everything in quality shape.
Here are the chemicals you should add to your pool every week:
- Pool shock
- Chlorine
- Bromine
- Stabilizers
- Calcium
These will ensure there is an excellent balance in the water for the sake of patrons. Owning a pool and caring for it isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it. You and your loved ones will have lots of fun in the clean water as long as you keep the added chemicals at safe levels.
Here’s a link to some Pool Accessories from Amazon and the highly recommended Sand Filter Pump to upgrade any above ground pool setup.
Final Thoughts
There are many chemicals you should add to a pool. Chlorine, bromine, shock treatments, clarifiers, and more work together to ensure your system is in the best possible shape. Some should go inside weekly, while others may be helpful every once in a while. The number of chemicals will vary by the size of the pool.