I have an Intex Ultra XTR 22’ x 52”, sand filter pump and Intex Ozone Saltwater system. Do you test, then add salt, run filter and then test? No clue here! ?
Pool is filled - now what?
- Thread starter DKDecker
- Start date
First you get the water circulating and leak check the hoses
Then add some bleach, enough to get to 3 FC.
Then you add your stabilizer using the sock method
By the time you're done messing with the sock and the string, the water has had time to mix. Test pH and TA.
Depending on what you get, make your adjustments. Unsure? Post the results.
Fifteen minutes after adding whatever, safe for kids to get in.
Add salt, with or without kids. They'll like swimming through it like a snowglobe.
Add more bleach next day.
After salt has had 24 hours to mix, turn on SWG. It is designed to maintain chlorine levels, not bring it up, which is why you need a little bleach to get things started.
Then add some bleach, enough to get to 3 FC.
Then you add your stabilizer using the sock method
By the time you're done messing with the sock and the string, the water has had time to mix. Test pH and TA.
Depending on what you get, make your adjustments. Unsure? Post the results.
Fifteen minutes after adding whatever, safe for kids to get in.
Add salt, with or without kids. They'll like swimming through it like a snowglobe.
Add more bleach next day.
After salt has had 24 hours to mix, turn on SWG. It is designed to maintain chlorine levels, not bring it up, which is why you need a little bleach to get things started.
Thank you Richard! Very helpful. Is regular household bleach sufficient? Is there a specific stabilizer that you recommend?
I'd get regular, granular CYA, not the Pods. To me it would be easier and not have to wait on it to dissolve the pod material. I highly recommend getting the PoolMath app that Trouble Free Pool offers. It's worth the $8/year at this point. I don't buy apps either... It will help you mix the correct amount of chemicals into your pool. You'll also want to get their test kit! If you get the bronze membership you can get a discount on the test kit, which I wish I had done prior to buying. Get the Taylor automatic stirrer.
TF100 Test kit with Speed Stir: TF-100 Test Kit ™
Pool Math App: PoolMath - Trouble Free Pool
Pool volume calculator. You need to know how many gallons. Don't go by the measurement of the pool either. Physically tape measure the water level. Mine is 5" below the 48" height of the pool so instead of calculating 18'x48", I'm at 18'x43" of water. That's almost 1,000 gallon difference.
www.pentair.com
I tested my water first thing and put the measurements in the app.
I then added the CYA based on what the app told me I needed. I put it in a sock and hung it in front of my jet. After about 30 minutes I went out and squeezed it until it was all dissolved. I waited until the next day and measured CYA.
Once I added the CYA I started the SLAM (Link) procedures. It looks daunting, but the PoolMath app made it super simple.
Initially I had to add about a gallon of 10% liquid chlorine to get to SLAM levels. Then I just maintained it, did the overnight FC loss test and within 2 days I had 0 chloramines and I was SLAMmed. Let the chlorine level drop to normal which took about 2 days and then I've started my maintenance routine. I check the amount of FC nightly and add liquid chlorine.
TF100 Test kit with Speed Stir: TF-100 Test Kit ™
Pool Math App: PoolMath - Trouble Free Pool
Pool volume calculator. You need to know how many gallons. Don't go by the measurement of the pool either. Physically tape measure the water level. Mine is 5" below the 48" height of the pool so instead of calculating 18'x48", I'm at 18'x43" of water. That's almost 1,000 gallon difference.
Pool Volume Calculator
Check out Pentair's easy-to-use pool volume calculator to calculate the volume of your swimming pool water by choosing the shape, dimensions and depth.
I tested my water first thing and put the measurements in the app.
I then added the CYA based on what the app told me I needed. I put it in a sock and hung it in front of my jet. After about 30 minutes I went out and squeezed it until it was all dissolved. I waited until the next day and measured CYA.
Once I added the CYA I started the SLAM (Link) procedures. It looks daunting, but the PoolMath app made it super simple.
Initially I had to add about a gallon of 10% liquid chlorine to get to SLAM levels. Then I just maintained it, did the overnight FC loss test and within 2 days I had 0 chloramines and I was SLAMmed. Let the chlorine level drop to normal which took about 2 days and then I've started my maintenance routine. I check the amount of FC nightly and add liquid chlorine.
Thank you! I greatly appreciate your detailed information and tips. I have the test kit and will definitely pay for the app!!I'd get regular, granular CYA, not the Pods. To me it would be easier and not have to wait on it to dissolve the pod material. I highly recommend getting the PoolMath app that Trouble Free Pool offers. It's worth the $8/year at this point. I don't buy apps either... It will help you mix the correct amount of chemicals into your pool. You'll also want to get their test kit! If you get the bronze membership you can get a discount on the test kit, which I wish I had done prior to buying. Get the Taylor automatic stirrer.
TF100 Test kit with Speed Stir: TF-100 Test Kit ™
Pool Math App: PoolMath - Trouble Free Pool
Pool volume calculator. You need to know how many gallons. Don't go by the measurement of the pool either. Physically tape measure the water level. Mine is 5" below the 48" height of the pool so instead of calculating 18'x48", I'm at 18'x43" of water. That's almost 1,000 gallon difference.
Pool Volume Calculator
Check out Pentair's easy-to-use pool volume calculator to calculate the volume of your swimming pool water by choosing the shape, dimensions and depth.
I tested my water first thing and put the measurements in the app.
I then added the CYA based on what the app told me I needed. I put it in a sock and hung it in front of my jet. After about 30 minutes I went out and squeezed it until it was all dissolved. I waited until the next day and measured CYA.
Once I added the CYA I started the SLAM (Link) procedures. It looks daunting, but the PoolMath app made it super simple.
Initially I had to add about a gallon of 10% liquid chlorine to get to SLAM levels. Then I just maintained it, did the overnight FC loss test and within 2 days I had 0 chloramines and I was SLAMmed. Let the chlorine level drop to normal which took about 2 days and then I've started my maintenance routine. I check the amount of FC nightly and add liquid chlorine.
I tried the HTH Pods this year and they worked fine. I just put them in the skimmer as directed and all done, no sock required. I needed to raise CYA by 50 points as I was at zero. I added in 2 doses leaving 24 hours in between before testing again. CYA is now right on the money. You use 1 pod to increase CYA by 10ppm per 5000 gallons. MY AGP is 6,000 gallons and it converted easily.
In past years I used the sock method in front of the return and that worked well also.
Good Luck!
In past years I used the sock method in front of the return and that worked well also.
Good Luck!
