Swimming Pool Chemicals

Click on Pool Calculations to find how much of what chemical to add.

Shock - Chlorine powder

Use calcium hypo chlorite to “shock” the pool once a week or after heavy use or heavy rain. Use 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons per 1 ppm of combined (waste) chlorine. Combined chlorine is chlorine that is attached to a waste product. It has done its job and can no longer kill germs effectively. Shocking burns up waste products that build up as the chlorine from your tablet feeder kills germs. Swimmers can return when free chlorine level is 3 ppm or below (but not lower than 1 ppm). Confusing? Use a Taylor K-1515 test kit and use the "pool calculations" feature above or, better yet, bring us a water sample and we'll help you.

We sell and use only 65% cal hypo chlorine shock. Beware of shock with lower concentrations!

Oxy-Shock (Non-chlorine)

Use Oxy-Shock to burn up combined chlorine if your free chlorine level is 3 ppm or above. Swimmers can return immediately after shocking.

Tablets

The best way to keep a correct chlorine level in your water is to use tablets in a feeder (chlorinator). TriChlor tablets include chlorine and stabilizer (keeps UV light from causing chlorine to leave the water). Use 3” tablets for normal use and 1” tablets for heavy use. We sell Regal tabs with 90% available chlorine. Beware of cheaper tabs with less concentration.

Bromine is the best sanitizer for spas.

Balancing chemicals

Water is “balanced” when it is not corrosive (low pH or acidic) or aggressive (high pH or alkaline). To keep water balanced, control the pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness.

Alkalinity Increaser (sodium bicarbonate)

Add sodium bicarbonate to increase TA (Total Alkalinity). If alkalinity is too high, call us for instructions on how to add acid properly to reduce alkalinity.

pH Decreaser (Muriatic Acid or Dry Acid)

Acid lowers both pH and alkalinity. Use an acid demand test for proper dosage. Use eye protection and add all around your pool or spa and away from the plaster.

pH Increaser (Soda Ash or sodium carbonate)

If your alkalinity is correct, but your pH is is low, add soda ash.

Calcium Increaser (Calcium Chloride)

After adding fresh water, especially in a spa, you may need to add calcium hardness increaser, so the water is not too soft. Soft water is aggressive and causes damage to your plaster and equipment.

All about algae

Algae is brought into the pool by wind, rain, contaminated equipment and animals.

Green Algae is the most common algae. It is usually controlled by chlorine, but resistant forms are common.

Yellow algae is chlorine resistant. It often blooms all around the pool on the walls. Mustard algae is another common name for this pest.

Black algae is actually a blue-green algae which appears as black dots on your plaster. It puts down “roots” into the plaster and protects itself from chlorine by forming a waxy coating on its surface.

Many algae problems - One Solution: Sea Klear Algae Prevention and Remover

Also Needed....

SeaKlear Natural Clarifier out-performs other clarifiers at removing dirt and oil from pool water. When used regularly, this patented formula decreases excess metals and keeps filters cleaner, longer.

SeaKlear Metal Klear for pools prevents metal staining and helps clear discolored
water caused by high metal or mineral content, especially in salt pools.

SeaKlear Phosphate Remover is an easy-to-use treatment for effective
and efficient phosphate removal. Phosphates can build up and foster the growth of algae.

SeaKlear Enzyme Klear is a natural enzyme cleaner that eliminates oils, lotions
and organics in pool water, reducing the maintenance required for filters.

SeaKlear Free and Clear provides phosphate control, scum prevention, and natural maintenance clarifier all in one.