New Pool Start-Up Instructions

Learn how to open your pool for the first time using our helpful step by step guide. Follow these steps to insure your pool will be clean and clear this summer.

New Pool Start-Up Instructions

Embark on a hassle-free journey with our step-by-step instructions for preparing and chemically treating your swimming pool for the first time. This guide is applicable to both above ground pools and semi inground pools, ensuring a simple and effective process. The following instructions below have been provided by The Pool Factory’s Above Ground Pool Experts.

To open your above ground pool for the first time you will need the following pool supplies (see below).

Pool Shock

Pool Shock

Pool Algaecide

Algaecide

Chlorine Stabilizer

Chlorine Stabilizer

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Alkalinity Increaser & Decreaser

PH Plus & PH Minus

PH Plus & PH Minus

Filter Media

Filter Media

Pool Test Kit

Pool Test Kit

Chlorine Tablets

Chlorine Tablets

Your new pool has been installed and is now filled with water. Follow these steps for opening your pool for the first time.

Steps to Open your Swimming Pool

Step 1

Begin running the filtration system:

  • Turn on the filter system allowing the water to circulate.

Step 2

Test the pool water:

  • Use a Test Kit to check the pool water chemistry, including pH, Alkalinity, Chlorine Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid) and Free Chlorine levels. Test Kits can be found here → Test Kits

Step 3

Balance the water chemistry:

  • Adjust pH and Alkalinity levels as needed. pH and Alkalinity balancers can be found here → Pool Chemicals
  • Here are the optimal pH and Alkaline levels: pH - 7.2 to 7.6 |Total Alkalinity - 80 to 120 ppm

Step 4

Shock the pool:

  • Add swimming pool shock at a rate of 2 pounds of powder per 10,000 gallons of pool water.

Pool Capacity Cheatsheet

Pool Size Capacity (Gal.) Pool Size Capacity (Gal.) 
12 Round3,0008x12/14 Oval2,500
15 Round5,0008x15/16 Oval3,000
18 Round7,5008x19 Oval3,500
21 Round10,00010x15/16 Oval3,500
24 Round13,00010x18/19 Oval4,000
27 Round17,00010x21 Oval5,000
30 Round21,00012x16 Oval4,500
33 Round25,00012x17/18 Oval5,000
12x20/21 Oval6,500
12x24/27 Oval7,500
14x20 Oval7,500
15x23/24 Oval8,500
15x26 Oval9,000
15x30 Oval10,500
16x32 Oval12,000
18x33 Oval14,000
18x40 Oval17,000
21x43 Oval24,000

Please note: Pool calculations below have been rounded off to be used as a quick guide for easy pool maintenance.
For exact calculations please use our pool volume calculator.

Step 5

Add Algaecide:

  • Add pool Algaecide following the manufacturer's instructions on the label to prevent algae growth. Algaecide can be found here → Algaecide

Step 6

Allow the chlorine level to decrease from shock:

  • Use a test kit to make sure chlorine level is in the safe range. A good chlorine level is between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm)
  • Add Chlorine Stabilizer at a rate of 2 lbs per 6,000 gallons of pool water. Stabilizer can be found here → Chlorine Stabilizer

Step 7

Add 3" Chlorine Tablets:

  • Add 3" Chlorine Tablets to a floating tablet dispenser or an automatic chlorinator. 3" Chlorine Tablets can be found here → Chlorine Tablets
  • Generally, you will need 2-3 tablets per week for every 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  • Chlorine usage will vary based on pool size, weather, bathing load, etc.
  • Continue to monitor the pool water chemistry regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Following the instructions above on how to open your above ground pool should get your swimming pool ready for the season to come. Should you have any questions during this process please use contact us form and our pool experts will get back to you as soon as possible.

8 Piece Pool Maintenance Chemical Kit With Test Kit

Kit Contains the following items: 5lb pH PLUS, 3lb pH MINUS, 5lb ALKALINITY PLUS, 3lb ALKA DOWN, 1 QT SUPER CLARIFIER, 3 Way Test Strips (50 Strips), 1.5lb STABILIZER, 1 QT 10% ALGAECIDE

8 Piece Pool Maintenance Chemical Kit With Test Kit

About The Pool Factory

America’s Above Ground Pool Experts – is the best place to find everything you need to make owning a swimming pool or spa fun and easy, at the best prices today. With a combined 50+ years of experience The Pool Factory employs a highly trained staff of above ground and semi inground pool specialists. The Pool Factory can provide unique solutions for all pool supplies and swimming pool needs.