Help With New AGP

[Kellybur]

Hello! We have just put up a Coleman 16x42 approx 4,500 gal AGP. Was purchased at the end of last season. And we are filling it with city water. I do have a few questions.

First I checked put all 3 testing kits recommended here at TFP but am not sure which one to get. Help choosing the best one for our type/size pool would be appreciated.

Next I am assuming that we need to fill the pool, test the water and make adjustments according to the test results. Is there anywhere here on the TFP site or in the forum that gives step by step instructions on how to start a newly filled AGP?

And lastly it's my understanding that the filters that come with these pools are not the best and upgrading is better. Any suggestions on what type of filter we need that won't break the bank?

Many thanks for helping this newby out!

 

[Newdude]

First I checked put all 3 testing kits recommended here at TFP but am not sure which one to get. Help choosing the best one for our type/size pool would be appreciated.

The TF100 and TFpro from TFTESTKITS.NET are the hands down winners. The pro has a nice case and includes the $44 stirrer. It's a must have for many of us. (Like every last one of us but a handful). So if you get the TF100, add the stirrer.

Both kits also have a SLAM option that doubles the FC tests. Newbs and those with swamps will be testing way more at first and probably exhaust the regular kit supplies.

it's my understanding that the filters that come with these pools are not the best and upgrading is better. Any suggestions on what type of filter we need that won't break the bank?

Stalk FB marketplace, CL and the offer up app for gently used traditional pool equipment. I sold my above ground equipment that we inherited after moving for $150 (?).

The intex style equipment is just too undersized. You can upgrade it 5X and it's still 3X too small. It doesn't return on the invesent IMO. The whole thing comes in a box for as little as a few hundred bucks. Even the 'expensive ones' at $1700 for the whole pool cost less than just my filter. So, I get it and I don't fault them, but if you're going to spend any money, invest in traditional equipment. All you need is someone who had to take their pool down with still good equipment. Filters for example should last a generation, 5 years old is barely broken in.

 

[Mdragger88]

Hello! We have just put up a Coleman 16x42 approx 4,500 gal AGP. Was purchased at the end of last season. And we are filling it with city water. I do have a few questions.

First I checked put all 3 testing kits recommended here at TFP but am not sure which one to get. Help choosing the best one for our type/size pool would be appreciated.

My Tf100 has served me well for many years if that’s all that your budget allows at this time it’s perfectly fine. Its a much better value than either the Taylor k2006 or k2006c. If you can swing it go for the tfpro otherwise you can get a stirrer later. You just replace reagents as needed.

Next I am assuming that we need to fill the pool, test the water and make adjustments according to the test results. Is there anywhere here on the TFP site or in the forum that gives step by step instructions on how to start a newly filled AGP?

You’ll want to add 3ppm worth of liquid chlorine each day until you get your kit in. Use PoolMath to calculate amounts.

Just Filled Your Pool with Water? Here's What To Do Next - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

And lastly it's my understanding that the filters that come with these pools are not the best and upgrading is better. Any suggestions on what type of filter we need that won't break the bank?

Sand filter- the biggest one you can afford. You have a little pool so even the smallest one will be miles better than the paper filter if that’s what you have now. The intex brand is fine. There are also some other brands on amazon & such that are comparable. It will be a filter & pump together. I believe I had a 16” on my 16ft pool & it did fine. I had a 12” on my smaller pool & used it on my bigger 16’ for a minute. The bigger the filter the less you have to clean it/backwash. This is kinda important in a small pool since backwashing will remove quite a bit of water.

Many thanks for helping this newby out!

 

[Kellybur]

My Tf100 has served me well for many years if that’s all that your budget allows at this time it’s perfectly fine. Its a much better value than either the Taylor k2006 or k2006c. If you can swing it go for the tfpro otherwise you can get a stirrer later. You just replace reagents as needed.

You’ll want to add 3ppm worth of liquid chlorine each day until you get your kit in. Use PoolMath to calculate amounts.

Just Filled Your Pool with Water? Here's What To Do Next - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Sand filter- the biggest one you can afford. You have a little pool so even the smallest one will be miles better than the paper filter if that’s what you have now. The intex brand is fine. There are also some other brands on amazon & such that are comparable. It will be a filter & pump together. I believe I had a 16” on my 16ft pool & it did fine. I had a 12” on my smaller pool & used it on my bigger 16’ for a minute. The bigger the filter the less you have to clean it/backwash. This is kinda important in a small pool since backwashing will remove quite a bit of water.

Thank you so much for the reply. I will probably go with the kit you mentioned. It's all a bit overwhelming as I am a keep it simple type. When you say add chlorine do you mean actual chlorine or bleach? Seems I read here at TFP that regular bleach can be used but I'm thinking that regular chlorine would be better since it's a higher % than bleach.

I'd need to go ahead and get the chemicals as there will be a gap between getting the pool filled and the kit making it through the mail. I was thinking to at least get some chlorine in. Is there anything else I should put in prior to getting the kit? Oh dear so many questions.

Thanks again!

 

[Newdude]

Seems I read here at TFP that regular bleach can be used

Household bleach on the laundry aisle all have additives that cause foaming now. Chloromax technology, splashless, flavors, etc. Stick with Chlorinating liquid which is stronger like you said, needing less of it.

Pool essentials chlorinating liquid at Walmart in the pool aisle is the cheapest for most locales. Lowes has it too for $2(?) more and HD has HDX C.L. for $3 more.

Pool stores may have 'liquid shock' at a good price which is 12.5% to the Walmart 10%. It's hit or miss if the pool store has a good deal.

gap between getting the pool filled and the kit making it through the mail. I

TFtestkits is 117 miles away. It'll be there in a day or two.

Is there anything else I should put in prior to getting the kit?

With fresh fill, the CYA / stabilizer will be 0 and you can just go ahead and add 30 ppm per PoolMath (dry stabilizer). Add 75% in socks, hanging carrot on a stick like in front of the running return. Some time later or even tomorrow it will squish right out. Give it a day to mix after that and creep up the rest of the way.

Also add 5ppm FC per poolmath upon being full. (Concurrent with CYA dissolving).

The rest we need tests to tweak.

 

[98Poolmaster]

Household bleach on the laundry aisle all have additives that cause foaming now. Chloromax technology, splashless, flavors, etc. Stick with Chlorinating liquid which is stronger like you said, needing less of it.

Pool essentials chlorinating liquid at Walmart in the pool aisle is the cheapest for most locales. Lowes has it too for $2(?) more and HD has HDX C.L. for $3 more.

Pool stores may have 'liquid shock' at a good price which is 12.5% to the Walmart 10%. It's hit or miss if the pool store has a good deal.

TFtestkits is 117 miles away. It'll be there in a day or two.

With fresh fill, the CYA / stabilizer will be 0 and you can just go ahead and add 30 ppm per PoolMath (dry stabilizer). Add 75% in socks, hanging carrot on a stick like in front of the running return. Some time later or even tomorrow it will squish right out. Give it a day to mix after that and creep up the rest of the way.

Also add 5ppm FC per poolmath upon being full. (Concurrent with CYA dissolving).

The rest we need tests to tweak.

We charge $31.99 a case for 12.5% chlorine in NE Ohio
Have seen some ridiculous prices on some websites.
Saw this in Walmart locally for 10% two days ago

 

[Newdude]

Saw this in Walmart locally for 10% two days ago

That was WMs price last year and so far this year. Hopefully it stays put because it beats most, including yours. Maths for my size pool :

98PM 12.5% : $2.16 per FC
WM 10% : $1.96 per FC

However, I would GLADLY pay the $0.20 a jug extra to not set foot in Walmart.

 

[Kellybur]

We charge $31.99 a case for 12.5% chlorine in NE Ohio
Have seen some ridiculous prices on some websites.
Saw this in Walmart locally for 10% two days ago

View attachment 560829

Yes I was thinking that household bleach probably had additives and was going to check the ingredients first. But you have saved me a long trek thru Walmart as bleach is in one corner pool supplies in another.

 

[Mdragger88]

Nowadays we only recommend household bleach if the dedicated pool liquid chlorine is unavailable because its just so hard to find the unadulterated household stuff. There are only a couple household options available that I have found to be ok & it can vary by location in the US.

 

[Kellybur]

Household bleach on the laundry aisle all have additives that cause foaming now. Chloromax technology, splashless, flavors, etc. Stick with Chlorinating liquid which is stronger like you said, needing less of it.

Pool essentials chlorinating liquid at Walmart in the pool aisle is the cheapest for most locales. Lowes has it too for $2(?) more and HD has HDX C.L. for $3 more.

Pool stores may have 'liquid shock' at a good price which is 12.5% to the Walmart 10%. It's hit or miss if the pool store has a good deal.

TFtestkits is 117 miles away. It'll be there in a day or two.

With fresh fill, the CYA / stabilizer will be 0 and you can just go ahead and add 30 ppm per PoolMath (dry stabilizer). Add 75% in socks, hanging carrot on a stick like in front of the running return. Some time later or even tomorrow it will squish right out. Give it a day to mix after that and creep up the rest of the way.

Also add 5ppm FC per poolmath upon being full. (Concurrent with CYA dissolving).

The rest we need tests to tweak.

Yikes trying to get used to replying here. I have Pool Math on my phone but the only option I have

Household bleach on the laundry aisle all have additives that cause foaming now. Chloromax technology, splashless, flavors, etc. Stick with Chlorinating liquid which is stronger like you said, needing less of it.

Pool essentials chlorinating liquid at Walmart in the pool aisle is the cheapest for most locales. Lowes has it too for $2(?) more and HD has HDX C.L. for $3 more.

Pool stores may have 'liquid shock' at a good price which is 12.5% to the Walmart 10%. It's hit or miss if the pool store has a good deal.

TFtestkits is 117 miles away. It'll be there in a day or two.

With fresh fill, the CYA / stabilizer will be 0 and you can just go ahead and add 30 ppm per PoolMath (dry stabilizer). Add 75% in socks, hanging carrot on a stick like in front of the running return. Some time later or even tomorrow it will squish right out. Give it a day to mix after that and creep up the rest of the way.

Also add 5ppm FC per poolmath upon being full. (Concurrent with CYA dissolving).

The rest we need tests to tweak.

Trying to figure out replying here. The only option I have in Pool Math under sanitizer is bleach no option for chlorine. Since there is a difference in concentrations I'm concerned that the amount suggested to use will be wrong.
Can you please explain what exactly socks and the hanging carrot? I am assuming you mean putting the dry product in a sock tied to a stick with string put into the pool to hang in front of the return. Is this correct? All this is new to me and I'm learning all the terminology and abbreviations. Thanks!

 

[Mdragger88]

Yikes trying to get used to replying here. I have Pool Math on my phone but the only option I have

Trying to figure out replying here. The only option I have in Pool Math under sanitizer is bleach no option for chlorine. Since there is a difference in concentrations I'm concerned that the amount suggested to use will be wrong.
Can you please explain what exactly socks and the hanging carrot? I am assuming you mean putting the dry product in a sock tied to a stick with string put into the pool to hang in front of the return. Is this correct? All this is new to me and I'm learning all the terminology and abbreviations. Thanks!

Select bleach in poolmath. The walmart stuff is 10%

 

[Divin Dave]

However, I would GLADLY pay the $0.20 a jug extra to not set foot in Walmart.

Amen to that!

 

[Mdragger88]

I have yet to hear this season’s price at my go to mom & pop spot for bulk liquid chlorine. My sis in law is heading there this week for 7 jugs to get her slam going so we’ll know soon.
fingers crossed it still beats the big W in price. I also like how it avoids me getting crazy looks having a cart load of bleach in my buggy looking like Walter White (no relation)

 

[98Poolmaster]

That was WMs price last year and so far this year. Hopefully it stays put because it beats most, including yours. Maths for my size pool :

98PM 12.5% : $2.16 per FC
WM 10% : $1.96 per FC

However, I would GLADLY pay the $0.20 a jug extra to not set foot in Walmart.

And we will even load it in your vehicle at no charge
That’s gotta be worth .80 cents !!