What chemicals do I really need

[firstplacetrophy]

I see a lot of chemicals listed in the pool math calculator but which ones do people use with regularity?

Bleach (or liquid chlorine)
Borate
Baking Soda
Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
Stabilizer
Muriatic Acid
Dry Acid

 

[Richard320]

All I ever add is 12.5% bleach, 31.45% Muriatic Acid, and Trichlor pucks during vacations.

 

[firstplacetrophy]

So you don't worry about CYA or TA

 

[jblizzle]

What is the status of your water? Test results?

We generally do not recommend buying anything until you know if you need it ... and you know if you need it by testing the water with one of the recommended test kits

 

[Richard320]

So you don't worry about CYA or TA

My pool has enough CYA in it since it doesn't evaporate out and the pucks replenish what splashes out. My tap water is hard enough to maintain the TA without having to purchase baking soda.

 

[firstplacetrophy]

No test results yet, I just received the TF-100 yesterday and I'm not opening the pool for another few weeks. Just curious of the chemical I should keep in stocked at all times.

 

[jblizzle]

The only thing you currently know you will always need is chlorine.
Everything else depends on the test results.

 

[Richard320]

No test results yet, I just received the TF-100 yesterday and I'm not opening the pool for another few weeks. Just curious of the chemical I should keep in stocked at all times.

The only thing you can be certain of is bleach, but that has a shelf life, so there's no point in buying up a truckload because it will deteriorate over time and leave you with some expensive salt water.

 

[firstplacetrophy]

Sounds good, I'm picking up 20 bottles of chlorine tonight ($1.50 per 12.5% bottle at Menards if anyone has a Menards nearby)

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Rarely have I used anything listed above in your list except bleach (when I want instant rise in FC, the SWG works slowly) and muriatic acid for pH and even that is pretty rarely needed in my pool.

I added calcium once in 5 years but you have a vinyl pool and don't need to worry about it.

The only things I would suggest keeping on hand is bleach and Muriatic Acid (only one jug, never stored near metals or bleach). Then depending on your own test results you can buy anything else as needed and not deal with having to store it.

Maddie