Tag Archives: shock

Pool Products General

Pool Chemicals Shock

pool chemicals shock
I have done EVERYTHING I can think of, and my pool water is still green?

We have a smallish (12 ft by 30 inches) pool. I have added chemicals, shocked it, etc, and the water is still a greenish tint. All the test kits say that the 6 things being tested are in balance, so I assume it’s safe for swimming, but UGLY. Is it safe to run the filter while people are IN the pool? My husband says yes, that it’s not an electrocution hazard, but the company said not to in the directions. My husband is nearly certain that they say that because of the suction of the filter, but this is a small pump, so I don’t think that will be a problem. Of course, we also don’t leave the kids unattended.
Any ideas?
OH, we also have used an algaecide.

It takes time it doesn’t just magically disappear, The filter has to run to clean the algae out, it might take a few days and you will most likely need to clean it frequently as it will clog up fast and the flow will be significantly reduced. It’s not really advisable to swim in it, high levels of algae are typically considered a health hazard.

If your pump is a wall plug in type make sure it is connected to a GFI protected outlet. Aside from the algae it should be be safe to use the pool while the pump is running, but of course I have no idea for the reasoning behind the pool manufacturers instructions other than 100% safety for the users, in particular children. If their hair got pulled into the inlet would they be able to escape or would they drown?

Swimming Pool Chemicals – Start-up Value Kits

Pool Products General

Pool Chemicals Alkalinity

pool chemicals alkalinity
Help with pool chemicals?

Help I am confused:
What is the proper ph level?
If the ph is too low, add ???
If the ph is too high, add ???

What is the proper alkalinity level?
If the alkalinity is too low, add ???
If the alkalinity is too high, add ???

And whatever else you can think might help me.

ph 7.2 to 7.4 will maximize chlorine effectiveness.

To increase pH add soda ash
To decrease pH add muriatic acid

Total Alkalinity, 100-120 trichlor use 120

To increase alkalinity add baking soda
To decrease add muriatic acid.

TA is a buffer for pH, not enough will allow your pH to float with temperature changes.

Do you know chlorine has pH? Most folks don’t, it does and depending on the type you use will raise, lower or hold pH. pH needs to be maintained while superchlorinating. Don’t add chlorine and acid in the same area. Drizzle acid on the surface in the deep end or let chlorine mix for 10 minutes before adding acid.

Get a taylor technologies test kit 2005 for about $100 includes Pool and Spa water chemistry an excellent reference.

Lots of pool supply companies stock it and use the commercial versions. If you know how to do the testing you can watch them do it and screw it up. Honest I have done just that. Use them to verify your test not the other way around.

You’re welcome!!

SwimJim, Inc. Presents – Basic Pool Chemistry