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Start Up Chemicals For Pool Water After an Acid Wash

You may download and print this Guide: Start Up Chemicals For New Pool Water

Stain/mineral treatment

This product helps keep your plaster from forming unsightly mineral stains and reduces the amount of mineral deposits from forming on equipment. To be used in hard water areas. After initial dose, it is recommended using it every few months as a maintenance program.

Depending on which product you use; some products are highly concentrated and will only require one pint, others will require one quart. Read the label and add as much as manufacturer suggests for your pool.

My preferred brands are: “Biodex- Protect All Supreme” and “Hasa- Super Stain Out”

Cyanuric acid- aka Conditioner/ aka Stabilizer

This product will help reduce the amount of chlorine you use by preventing chlorine to be burned off by the sun. It bonds onto the chlorine molecules, releasing the sanitizer gradually. Too much however and it bonds on so tightly, the benefits of chlorine cannot be utilized.

I usually add three to five pounds into the skimmer and leave it running 24 hours. (Again, I’m using a 15,000 gallon pool as my example). Allow it to completely dissolve, usually one week, and then have the water tested. I like to start my level at 75 parts per million (ppm) especially if you use chlorine tablets. Tabs usually have a stabilizer added, so over the years there is a constant input of conditioner going into your pool water. The only way to get rid of it is to drain the water. That’s why after three or four years you may have a reading of 120 ppm and never have added more conditioner.

There is a test kit available but you would rarely use it; it seems logical to have your local pool store or pay a pool tech to test the level, assuming you feel you can trust them. Some pool stores may suggest you keep the ppm down to around 35 or 40ppm, but remember, the less stabilizer you use, the more chlorine you have to purchase. BUT, don’t put in too much; again too much and the chlorine can’t be released to keep your pool clean and bacteria free!

Chlorine

1 gallon of liquid chlorine initially (until the conditioner reaches 70 ppm), is a good idea in order to have an instant chlorine reading. You can add a couple of bags of shock if you prefer, it’s just more expensive; however, the available chlorine is stronger. A few tabs in a chlorine float should also be used, but do not rely solely on tabs. They should be used to maintain the level already in the water.

Clarifier

To add a polished look to the water, add a good clarifier. Allow it to completely circulate in the water, then after a couple of days, clean your filter again. The filter should have been cleaned when the acid wash was done. Your water will sparkle for months if you follow this procedure.