Above Ground Pool Chemicals Guide

This above ground pool chemical guide contains essential information regarding:

    ● Starting up and initial dosing for Above Ground Pools
    ● Above Ground Pool Circulation and Filtration
    ● Above Ground Pool Water Testing
    ● The BOAST system
    ● Above Ground Pool Chemical Water Treatments
    ● Working out Above Ground Pool volumes
    ● Above Ground Pool Chemical Safety and problem solving chart

Starting Up or Shock Dosing Above Ground Pools

Use swimming pool test strips to test your water supply for pH and Total Alkalinity levels.  At this stage the water is unlikely to have much chlorine (if any), so to avoid algae and bacteria from the start, add a “shock” or starter dose of Above Ground Pool Stabilised Chlorine Granules with a 50 gram dose for every 1000 gallons (or 4545 litres).  Later we will discuss working out the volume of typical above ground pools.

The importance of circulation and filtration

Most above ground pools now include a pump and cartridge filter as standard.  It is a combination of circulating water through the cartridge to collect suspended particles, together with good chemical water treatment, that helps you maintain clear, clean and healthy water.

As a guide to running circulation, you should aim t o “turn” the full volume of pool water through the cartridge once per day.  Typically in most splasher pools, using standard equipment, this is 4 hours per day (that the pump should be turned on).

Water Testing and Ideal Pool Levels

Using pool test strips you are able to quickly and accurately assess the condition of your water and make adjustments to chemical levels with the appropriate chemicals added where necessary.  Test daily when the pool is in use and twice weekly when the pool is not in use.

Ensure you Free Chlorine reading is 1-3 ppm
Ensure pH levels are 7.2 –7.6
Total Alkalinity should be 80 –150 ppm

Learn chlorine and pH testing first as these are most important, and finally total alkalinity testing.  Ensure you purchase test strips which show your Total Alkalinity as well as pH, Chlorine.  Cyanuric Acid and Total Hardness for Calcium levels are also useful from time to time.  A good 5 in 1 pool test strip is ideal.

By regular testing of pool water you will soon learn how various activities like refilling, topping up, adding chemicals and general usage can affect various test readings.

Chemical Water Treatments

The B.O.A.S.T System…

Following a programmed approach can be useful and a good reminder of how to approach your pool treatment regime:

Balancers, Oxidisers, Algaecides, Sanitizers and Testing

B = Balancing your above ground pool water
O = Oxidising and shock treating contamination or non-filterable wastes regularly.
A = Algae control
S = Sanitising pool water
T = Testing

Note: Whilst water testing may appear last on the BOAST list, this should be done regularly even when the pool is not in use and certainly prior to any swimming!

B – Balancing Above Ground Pool Water

The pH scale of 0 – 14 measures acidic or alkali conditions respectively.  The middle reading of 7 is neutral, so above ground pool water with a pH below 7 is acidic and pool water with a pH above 7 is alkaline.

For above ground pools the ideal pH level is slightly alkaline between 7.2 – 7.6, ensuring equipment protection and bather comfort are maintained (the pH level of the eye is consistent with this level).

Adjusting pH

If the pH of your pool water is above 7.6 then use Above Ground Pool pH Minus to reduce it, using the application instructions on the bottle.  If the pH of your pool water is below 7.2 then use pH Plus to increase it, using the application instructions on the bottle.

O – Oxidising / Shocking Pool Water

Applying a double dose of Stabilised Chlorine Granules every week or fortnight will ensure contamination and non-filterable wastes (such as body oils, greases) are removed.

A – Algae Control

Algae are microscopic forms of plant life that can multiply quickly in untreated water, turning clear water to “pea soup” in a matter of hours.  Chlorine used in pools helps prevent algae, but extra protection using a good algaecide really is both prudent and cost effective.  Check the dosing requirements on the bottle.  As an example, 1 litre of Pro Swim All Seasons Algaecide can keep a 10,000 litre pool algae free for up to 12 months!  Other algaecides require that you dose more frequently.

S – Sanitisation

Bacteria control – Stabilised Chlorine Granules are used to disinfect the pool water and keep it free from bacteria, some which may be hazardous to health.  A good Stabilised Chlorine Granules product should be quick dissolving and relatively pH neutral.

Always check the dosing on the packet.  To ensure the ideal reading of 1 – 3 ppm is maintained it is advised to aim for ppm to provide a useful “buffer” for fluctuating conditions such as bathing loads and hot weather.  The rate of chlorine consumption can and does vary depending on different conditions and chlorine will be consumed even when there is no swimming (i.e. by sunlight or by algae).

Because of this, the only way to be sure that there is chlorine present in the water is to testing regularly.

T – Testing

As previously discussed, use the pool test strips or other pool testers such as re-agents and electronic testing kits.

Above Ground Pool Cleaning and Maintenance

Periodic cleaning of waterline grease, steps and pool equipment will not only make your pool look good but it will optimise the use of your chemicals during a swimming season.

Use pool preparations when cleaning areas around swimming pools since household cleaners often contain phosphates which nurture algae growth or detergents which cause foam.

Working out pool volumes

Typical Pool Size                Volume         Volume
(UK Gallons)     (Litres)
10 ft diameter x 30 inches deep    800            3639
12 ft diameter x 30 inches deep    1183            5377
15 ft diameter x 36 inches deep    2240            10,179
15 ft diameter x 42 inches deep    2720            12,362
15 ft diameter x 48 inches deep    3038            13,807
18 ft diameter x 42 inches deep    4203            19,100
18 ft diameter x 48 inches deep    4661            21,182

To work out your pool volume precisely use the following formulae:

Rectangular Pools = L x W x Average Depth x 6.25 = Gallons (UK)

Round Pools = Diameter x Diameter x Depth x 4.9 = Gallons (UK)

To convert Gallons to Litres, multiply the number of Gallons by 4.55

To convert US Gallons to UK Gallons:
1 US gallon = 0.83 Imperial gallons

To convert UK Gallons to US Gallons:
1 Imperial gallon = 1.2 US gallons

Above Ground Pool Safety Tips

General:

● Do not leave no-swimmers / children unattended
● Do not overload the pool
● Avoid sitting on pool walls
● Do not allow diving in shallow water
● Do not use electrical appliances near water
● Use plastic rather than glass around the pool
● Have a First Aid Kit available for any accidents.

Chemical Handling

● Read instructions thoroughly on each product / box before use.
● When pre-dissolving chemicals always add chemicals to water and not the other way around.
● Never mix different chemicals in concentrated forms including these kit products but also with other products like bleach or weed killers – a dangerous reaction may occur.
● Always pre-dissolve chemicals in a clean, plastic container in a well ventilated area.
● Avoid spillages but in event of spillage clean up using clean receptacles and dispose the pool.  Flush cleaned spill areas with water.
● Never use unlabelled chemicals.
● Wash hands after handling pool chemicals.

Storing Above Ground Pool Chemicals

● Store chemicals well away from children and pets.
● Store in a secure, cool and dry place.

Above Ground Pool Chemicals Problem Solving Chart