Chemicals for beginners

[Dee1985]

Looking for recommendations on a good set up for beginners.
What chemicals would you order? What pump would you use?
Pool is an coleman above ground 16ft round pool and holds 5,000 gallons of water.
Will be Looking at either Amazon or home depot for needed chemicals.
I so far am looking at chlorine tablets and floater. Unsure of Size and amount as well as frequency of adding to pool? Or if i should use any other chemicals? Also once set up at what point can you start using the pool? Days after chemicals and filter runs or next day?
Another helpful tip I need is what pump to get. This is my first pool and I have really no experience.

Planning to set up in the next day or so.

Thank you for all input.

 

[LaurenB]

Hi and Welcome!
Start here:
Pool Care Basics
Test Kits Compared

There is SO much to learn from this site!

 

[PoolStored]

Looking for recommendations on a good set up for beginners.
What chemicals would you order?

Recommended Pool Chemicals

Which should I buy? TFP's recommended pool chemicals are cheap, easy, and won't unbalance your pool water.

www.troublefreepool.com

What pump would you use?

What is your budget and how handy are you?

Pool is an coleman above ground 16ft round pool and holds 5,000 gallons of water.
Will be Looking at either Amazon or home depot for needed chemicals.
I so far am looking at chlorine tablets and floater. Unsure of Size and amount as well as frequency of adding to pool? Or if i should use any other chemicals?

We recommend liquid chlorine or a Salt water chlorine generator. Pucks are OK, but they add CYA to the pool. CYA can only be removed by replacing water. If you are ok replacing water once or twice a year, they can work. You need to make sure you always follow this...Link-->FC/CYA Levels

Once you get to 60 CYA, you will need to replace 1/2 the water to lower CYA to 30.

The seasonal guide can help you too...

Guide for Seasonal/Temporary Pools

Smaller seasonal pools can see just as much enjoyment as their larger counterparts. In this guide we'll show you how to maintain your temporary pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

If regular draining is not on your agenda, then I recommend you get one of these test kits. Link-->Test Kits Compared

Also once set up at what point can you start using the pool? Days after chemicals and filter runs or next day?

You can swim anytime your FC is above minimum for your CYA. (See link above). You can swim 10 minutes or so after adding any chemical...swimming also helps mix it up!

Another helpful tip I need is what pump to get. This is my first pool and I have really no experience.

I would get the biggest pump/filter you can afford. AGP pumps and filters are notoriously undersized. @zea3 @Mdragger88 can help.

 

[zea3]

I would get a 1 horse power pump and a 16-18” sand filter. Does your current pool have a through the wall skimmer? How comfortable are you with modifying your pool?