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.
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
Algaecide
Chlorine Stabilizer
Alkalinity Increaser & Decreaser
PH Plus & PH Minus
Filter Media
Pool Test Kit
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 Round | 3,000 | 8x12/14 Oval | 2,500 |
| 15 Round | 5,000 | 8x15/16 Oval | 3,000 |
| 18 Round | 7,500 | 8x19 Oval | 3,500 |
| 21 Round | 10,000 | 10x15/16 Oval | 3,500 |
| 24 Round | 13,000 | 10x18/19 Oval | 4,000 |
| 27 Round | 17,000 | 10x21 Oval | 5,000 |
| 30 Round | 21,000 | 12x16 Oval | 4,500 |
| 33 Round | 25,000 | 12x17/18 Oval | 5,000 |
| 12x20/21 Oval | 6,500 | ||
| 12x24/27 Oval | 7,500 | ||
| 14x20 Oval | 7,500 | ||
| 15x23/24 Oval | 8,500 | ||
| 15x26 Oval | 9,000 | ||
| 15x30 Oval | 10,500 | ||
| 16x32 Oval | 12,000 | ||
| 18x33 Oval | 14,000 | ||
| 18x40 Oval | 17,000 | ||
| 21x43 Oval | 24,000 |
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
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.
