Do I need pool shock?

[Apsuhead]

We are getting a fiberglass pool installed in November with a SWG. My brother in law found these 6 packs of pool shock on clearance for $5. Should I get some for my pool, I didn’t know if I would ever need them using the TFP method? Thanks!
Active Ingredients: Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione (43.47 %)

 

[PoolGate]

I have never shocked my pool. It is not necessary with the TFP method. Skip it!

 

[Apsuhead]

That’s what I thought, thanks!
I’ve been trying to get lots of clearance items for the pool to stock up since it’s the end of the season. Got $1 Morton 40 lbs pool salts and $29 lounge chairs so far.

 

[Richard320]

You will need to add CYA to your new pool when it gets filled. However, trichlor is not the best way to do it, even if it's cheap. Trichlor is really acidic, for starters, so depending n the fill water you might also end up needing a bunch of baking soda right away which would cancel any savings. Also, you wouldn't want to add it too fast lest you overchlorinate, so it could take a couple weeks to get CYA up where you want it. So I'd pass on this stuff.

Also take a pass on any liquid chlorine, because it deteriorates in storage and by next spring it may just be expensive salt water.

Do watch for stabilizer/CYA, pool toys, maybe brush and pole, leaf skimmers, etc.

 

[Donldson]

Trichlor shock is cut with baking soda to blunt its acidity, so even at a dollar per bag they aren't a very good value. I wouldn't recommend trichlor shock for anything really. Dichlor would be a better option for an initial dose to work on bringing CYA levels up. Calcium hypochlorite might also be found on sale now and could be used as long as your calcium level isn't already in range.

 

[Apsuhead]

What about these?

 

[PoolGate]

The stabilizer is good (100% CYA) depending on price. I get a 25lb powder from ebay for under $50. I can't see the ingredients on the calcium.

This is what I get -> Cyanuric Acid Stabilizer & Conditioner for Swimming Pool Water | 25 lbs 600291951243 | eBay

 

[Oly]

Check the prices for the Chlorox CYA and CA products against what you can get at Lowes or HDepot. I have bought and used both, they work.

 

[Apsuhead]

Will I need any ph up or down? my brother in law gave me 2 bags of these ph down he found for $3 ...

 

[OrangeAndBlue]

Skip the pH down above and instead just get muriatic acid. It's sold at HD and Lowes for about $13 for a box of two 1 gallon jugs. I find stabilizer is usually pretty expensive in the stores but I've been happy with this stuff from Amazon at a much better price. A 10lb bag usually gets me through a full year.

 

[Apsuhead]

It's sold at HD and Lowes for about $13 for a box of two 1 gallon jugs.

Is there any difference with this MA from home depot? HDX 2 x 1 Gal. Swimming Pool Muriatic Acid (2-Pack)-10014HDX - The Home Depot
Edit ... this stuff isn’t available anywhere near me. I just saw it was cheaper

 

[OrangeAndBlue]

Is there any difference with this MA from home depot? HDX 2 x 1 Gal. Swimming Pool Muriatic Acid (2-Pack)-10014HDX - The Home Depot
Edit ... this stuff isn’t available anywhere near me. I just saw it was cheaper

No - it's the same stuff. It seems to come in different packaging and as a different SKU number in different parts of the country. The HD website tells me the one you linked here is not available at my store. The one I linked above has over 300 in stock at my store.
This stuff is not going to be in the pool section at HD. At my store it's outside on pallets near the bulk materials. Use the website to see the aisle and bin where they keep it at your store as it may not be easy to find.

 

[JJ_Tex]

I would avoid anything Clorox, especially for the pool. I used the calcium hardness increaser and ended up with iron stains near the drain, and I've seen reports on here of people getting stains from their salt. They are cheaply made products with a good marketing department and store placement.