New Pool Owner Checklist Questions

[BrianLuke]

I live in New England and are planning on getting an above ground pool for the summers. Before I start purchasing everything I wanted to make sure I did not miss anything for maintenance along with getting the correct chemicals needed. Listed below are all of the items I plan on purchasing and please let me know if something is overkill or if I missed something:

• 18ft x 52in Intex Pool
• Side Mounted Skimmer
• Pool Filter Sand
• Chlorine Floater
• Pool Vacuum
• Brush and Skimmer Net
• Taylor K-2005 Test Kit

For the Chemicals, I went through the Pool School and think I have all of the chemicals needed but wanted to be sure:

• Liquid chlorine (Raise FC)
• Muriatic acid (Lower PH)
• Borax (Higher PH)
• Arm and Hammer baking soda (Higher TA)

Do I need Stabilizer and Pool Shock as well?
Also do I need the Chlorine tablets in the floater if I use liquid chlorine?
Do all of the chemicals mentioned above come separately or are there some that come together (Example: Arm & Hammer Clear Balance)

I appreciate any guidance that can be provided
Thanks

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

You should get the K-2006C test lit that includes the FAS/DPD FC test allowing you to test FC over 10ppm.

You need Liquid Chlorine and Muriatic Acid.

You need stabilizer to add 30-40ppm of CYA to the pool.

There is little reason for borax or baking soda unless you know your fill water is low pH or TA, or you go overboard with the Muriatic Acid and crash your pH and TA.

TFPC Methods do not shock a pool.

Don't buy combo chemicals. It is hard to know what effects you will get when using them.

Download PoolMath

Read Pool Care Basics Archives

Sand Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Intex Pools - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Intex Skimmer Install - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[kellyfair]

Get rid of the floater and use liquid chlorine. Don’t worry about borax or baking soda right now. You will need stabilizer - look for dry CYA.

Eventually you might want a robot rather than a vacuum, but don’t need to worry about that now. And instead of the test kit you have listed above, check this out:

Test Kits Compared

Once you have pool up, let us know and we can talk about your first test results.

Most important, level your area properly - that is half the battle! (Or more than half)

Welcome to TFP!

 

[BrianLuke]

Welcome to TFP.

You should get the K-2006C test lit that includes the FAS/DPD FC test allowing you to test FC over 10ppm.

You need Liquid Chlorine and Muriatic Acid.

You need stabilizer to add 30-40ppm of CYA to the pool.

There is little reason for borax or baking soda unless you know your fill water is low pH or TA, or you go overboard with the Muriatic Acid and crash your pH and TA.

TFPC Methods do not shock a pool.

Don't buy combo chemicals. It is hard to know what effects you will get when using them.

Download PoolMath

Read Pool Care Basics Archives

Sand Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Intex Pools - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Intex Skimmer Install - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Thanks for the great information! I have taken what you said and updated my list of items I will be getting. Please let me know if I missed anything or don't need something.

• 18ft x 52in Intex Pool
• Side Mounted Skimmer
• Pool Filter Sand
• Pool Vacuum
• Brush and Skimmer Net
• Taylor K-2006C Test Kit
• Clorox Pool & Spa Chlorine Stabilizer (4lb)
• Acid Blue Muriatic Acid (1 gallon)
• Champion Pool Shock Liquid Chlorine 12.5% (1 gallon)

 

[VinnyinNJ]

Although I was unsuccessful with a Saltwater Chlorine Generator this year due to my own stupidity, I would recommend one. Honestly, if you go on vacation in the summer you need to "worry" about your Free Chlorine (FC) dropping too low. If you don't want/need one then I would suggest you bring FC to SLAM level to maintain FC above minimum. I used to use a chlorine feeder for vacation time, just recently realized a SLAM level would have worked just as well! This may not work well on an extended vacation though.