Just installed pool Chemicals needed??

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MNICHOLS10K

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Jul 2, 2018
8
Gardner Kansas
We just set up our very first pool. Intex AG ultra frame 22X52 10,340 Gallon. Are the only chemicals needed for start up bleach, borax, baking soda and cya? Also Wal-Mart sells in the pool isle liquid chlorine in gallon jug. Can that be used the same as bleach with less amounts since it has higher concentrations?
 
Welcome to the forum! :handshake:

Depending on your fill water chemistry, you need chlorine, CYA, and most likely muriatic acid.

Start by adding liquid chlorine (as you found) to put 3 ppm FC in your water. Do that DAILY.
Add CYA to get to 30 ppm. Add the CYA by using what we call the sock method. Get an old sock (no holes) and put the measured amount of CYA you need. Tie the sock closed and either suspend it in front of a return (hang it from your brush pole works with something weighted on the deck) OR if it still allows flow thru the skimmer, place the sock in the skimmer. Every 15/20 minutes give the sock a squeeze to speed up the process. Please DO NOT follow the directions on the container of CYA to just pour it into the skimmer and don't just toss the sock in the pool as the CYA is acidic and can bleach/stain pool finishes.

Order a TF100 test kit
The only other real option for a test kit is a Taylor K-2006-C. Be careful comparing prices because the K-2006 comes in sizes, designated by a letter. The basic K-2006 has .75oz bottles. You need to get the K-2006-C to get the larger bottles that you want. Even then it is a little short on the reagent & powder for the FAS/DPD test.

I also have the SpeedStir. It makes testing much easier.

When you get your test kit, post up the results and we can provide more guidance.

Take care.
 
Hello and welcome! :wave: You can count on these for sure:
- CYA (stabilizer) - New water has none. Plan for a CYA goal of about 40 for now.
- FC (chlorine) - You need it. Plan for a FC target of about 3 ppm on day one. Once the stabilizer is in the water, maintain the FC as noted on the [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA].
- PH - Common to be elevated or wanted to exceed 7.8. Lowered/controlled with muriatic acid

Hold off on any other products until you can run a full set of test with your TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit. If you don't have one of those, that should be purchase #1 along with those items above. Make sure to review our ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry and see those Vital Links below in my signature. Welcome!
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.
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MNICHOLS10K said:
We just set up our very first pool. Intex AG ultra frame 22X52 10,340 Gallon. Are the only chemicals needed for start up bleach, borax, baking soda and cya? Also Wal-Mart sells in the pool isle liquid chlorine in gallon jug. Can that be used the same as bleach with less amounts since it has higher concentrations?
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That bleach is the stuff. Grab a few jugs while you can. Not too many... it does lose strength just sitting. But at least 4 gallons. Wally World also sells stabilizer aka CYA fairly cheap. You'll need one canister. You probably won't need to add it all, but that's the smallest package they sell.

You may not need borax or baking soda. I've never added either to my pool in 8 years. But the only way to be sure is by testing.

Invest in a decent test kit. It's a chunk o'change upfront, but it'll last you through this summer and probably through next as well. If it saves you one algae outbreak, it's paid for itself. If it spares you one late-night trip to the urgent care with a crying child suffering from pinkeye or an ear infection, it's repaid you ten times over.

For now, add the CYA to 30 or 40. If you need help figuring out how much that will be using poolmath, just holler. But we'd rather you give it a try before we just tell you. You pour it into a sock and hang it in front of a return. Then add 3 FC to the water., Again, poolmath will tell how much that is. You won't know pH, but it would be cruel to make the kids wait until you get a test kit, and they bathe in that same water, so let 'em in. Worst case, some irritated eyes.
 
For your 10K pool, it's telling me to increase CYA from zero to 40 is 3lbs 5 oz of stabilizer. Chlorine (12.5%) should only be about 3.5 cups to increase FC from zero to 3 ppm. After that, keep the FC balanced as noted on the [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA]. Just practice with the calculator and you'll get it. Make sure to update the WEIGHT field on the FC row for the correct % strength chlorine/bleach you are using.
 
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