Jfoeller0103:
Welcome to TFP!
Step 1: If you do not already have one of the
Recommended Test Kits, I would stop what you're doing and order it right now. Seriously...it's that important. It will save you time and money by preventing many of the problems that will cost you big $ to correct, not to mention help extend the life of your pool and equipment.
I would also suggest reading these articles to give you a good overview of managing your pool:
ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry, and
Chlorine CYA Chart. As a new pool owner, the first subject to gain a solid understanding of is the chlorine/CYA relationship. Chlorine gets used up daily as part of the normal process of doing its job sanitizing a pool. The amount of chlorine needed is dependent on the CYA level. Another good resource is the
Pool Calculator. This will help you determine dosing amounts.
While you are filling your pool (if you have a test kit), test the pH of the fill water. If it is above 7.8, you will need Muriatic Acid (MA) or dry acid to lower the pH once the pool is filled. If the fill water is below 7.2, you will need Soda Ash or Borax to raise pH. If the fill water pH is between 7.2 and 7.8, you're good for now.
So, once you get the pool filled up, I would have the following on hand for sure: Plain liquid bleach (unscented with no "special thickeners") and stabilizer (CYA). Look for stabilizer that is 100% cyanuric acid (CYA). I have found it at Lowe's in reasonably small quantities. The bleach you can get virtually anywhere.
If needed based on the pH of the fill water, get Muriatic Acid (to lower pH) or Soda Ash/Borax (to raise pH).
Aim for an initial CYA amount of 30 ppm (use Pool Calculator to help determine dosing amount for you pool). Then place the stabilizer in an old sock (or similar implement) and place it in the skimmer. It will take about a week for the stabilizer to show up in your test results. After adding the CYA, then add chlorine - aim for about 4-5 ppm. Again, the Pool Calculator will help with the dosing amounts.
Always have the pump on when adding chemicals.
As for pH, if your fill water is between 7.2 and 7.8, just test it a few times a week and adjust up or down as needed. The pH in most pools tends to drift up or down rather consistently. In my case, it drifts up slightly so I have MA on hand.