I just added my first chemicals to my first pool! I felt like Walter White.

[lordmundi]

So, we have been moving into the new house and I let the pool go for quite a while without testing or without adding any chemicals (it did stay clear the whole time though). Finally tested it yesterday and it showed zero FC and a high PH, so I did what the app suggested and added chlorine and some muriatic acid. Holy cow... that acid is some dangerous stuff.

My question is what is the best way/method to add this stuff? For the chlorine I just poured the jugs in the pool near the skimmer intake with the pool filter on. After I was done with that, I didn't want to risk pouring the muriatic acid into a plastic container (since I know there are tons of different types of plastic), so I used one of my wife's glass measuring cups. Then, after measuring out a few cups of this smoking hazardous stuff, I poured it in near the skimmer ... very slowly.

So what is the best way to deal with these? Is this ok to just pour them in slowly? I realize you don't want the muriatic acid and chlorine/bleach mixing directly (learned that in TFP pool school!), but I'm guessing if I wait a bit after the chlorine and pour the muriatic acid into the pool near the skimmer that should be ok? Thanks for the suggestions. And any hints on handling that acid would be appreciated also.

 

[mknauss]

Never add any chemical directly to the skimmer. Especially acid or acidic products. Never use glass near a pool.

Liquid chemicals should be poured in a pencil sized stream at a pool return with the pump running. Brush after to fully mix. Wait 15 minutes between adding chlorine and acid.

See Recommended Pool Chemicals - Trouble Free Pool for how to add each chemical to effect the water chemistry.

Acid is only really dangerous to your eyes. Use eye protection. Check the wind when dispensing and let the fumes go away from you. If you splash any on your skin, use the pool water to rinse it off.

 

[lordmundi]

ok, i think i did all of that with the exception of the glassware. What do you recommend for measuring out acid?

 

[mknauss]

I just poured the jugs in the pool near the skimmer intake with the pool filter on. After I was done with that, I didn't want to risk pouring the muriatic acid into a plastic container (since I know there are tons of different types of plastic), so I used one of my wife's glass measuring cups. Then, after measuring out a few cups of this smoking hazardous stuff, I poured it in near the skimmer ... very slowly.

You said you poured near the skimmer. That is not the return. The return is where the water 'returns' to the pool.

What do you recommend for measuring out acid?

What volume is your pool? A signature will help.
In most cases, there is no real need to measure acid that closely. I you need about a quart, guesstimate 1/4 of the gallon jug. Add less if you wish and test in 30 minutes or so, you can always add more.

 

[amwillg]

As Marty said, you don't have to be exact with the acid; guess-timation is ok. Let the jug float in the water a little as you pour a thin steam in front of the jet coming out of the eyeball fitting (the return). This keeps the jug's spout a little closer to water level, minimizing splashing. Directly pouring into pool without measuring is easier and safer with way less fuming. NO GLASS BY POOL! Wear eye protection. Measuring cups for this just add extra steps that increase fumes and potential hazardous spills.

 

[lordmundi]

You said you poured near the skimmer. That is not the return. The return is where the water 'returns' to the pool.


What volume is your pool? A signature will help.
In most cases, there is no real need to measure acid that closely. I you need about a quart, guesstimate 1/4 of the gallon jug. Add less if you wish and test in 30 minutes or so, you can always add more.

fair enough... i was pouring in the vicinity and there is a return jet just off to the right... but i definitely hear your point. I should be focusing in front of a return jet and not the area of the skimmer intake. I will correct that next time.

I guess i need to update my signature. I thought by subscribing in poolmath and telling it to share with this site that folks could see that. I'll try to see if I can update the signature. I'm estimating my pool volume to be about 21000 gallons right now.

 

[mknauss]

I thought by subscribing in poolmath and telling it to share with this site that folks could see that.

We can see your Poolmath logs. Thank you.

A signature, with all pool information, is just really helpful to us that monitor and help hundreds of pool owners each day. You can use my signature as an example. If on a phone, turn it sideways to see the signatures.