Intex First Start Up and Care

[Bird_Dog_10]

I have a 22’ x 52” Intex Ultra Frame pool I plan on putting up tomorrow. After getting it set up and start filling with water i plan to get in the pool and work the wrinkles out. I have a salt water system to hook up, is it better to put a little salt in at a time as the pool fills or to wait until it is full and add it all at once? Is there any other chemicals I should add on start up? Also, are there’s any chemicals that ever need added after a rain or anything, or should the salt water system take care of everything?

 

[Texas Splash]

Really doesn't matter when you add the salt. The SWG won't work until it's all in there, dissolved, and mixed well anyway, so make sure to have some regular bleach on-hand until you know the SWG is running properly.

New water needs stabilizer (CYA), and in a salt pool that means a minimum of 70. While that's starting, use bleach to increase the FC to about 3 ppm on day one and increase to about 5 after that. Always keep pH in the mid-7s. Besides that, use the links below in my signature and they'll keep you straight.

Adding CYA:
To increase CYA via granular stabilizer, place the required amount as calculated by the Poolmath calculator into a white sock and place in the poolside skimmer basket. For those concerned about suction flow to the pump, suspending the sock near a return jet or from a floating device will also suffice. Best never to allow undissolved granules to rest directly against the pool surface. Squeeze the sock periodically to help it dissipate. Once dissolved, consider your CYA adjusted to that programmed (target) level. CYA test readings should show a rise in 24-48 hours, however some pools may experience a longer delay to fully register. Best to confirm final CYA in about 5-7 days before adding any more stabilizer/conditioner.

As always, make sure you have a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit, and in your case a good salt tester as well. Read the ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry page and you should do well. Good luck!