Just ordered new AGP. Startup suggestions?

[Bluemackie]

I just ordered an 18' x 33' AGP which we will be installing ourselves this week. Any suggestions on achieving a smooth startup? Chemical programs?

I had a pool many years ago and I'm sure there have been many changes made since then in the methods of maintenance.

Excited to dive in again ...

[Watermom]

Start out by going ahead and ordering a good test kit. The one we recommend is the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C which you can get through the test kit page in my signature below. It is only available online, so go ahead and get that taken care of so you'll have it soon.

I would suggest taking a lot of time reading here on the forum, especially the stickies at the top of some of the subforums. Until your registration is complete, you'll have to log out to be able to see the rest of the forum. That is only a temporary inconvenience, however. Also, go and read at our sister website www.poolsolutions.com. You will gain a lot of knowledge about how to start your pool out right.

Then, come back with questions that you may have. For now, I have a question for you. What size of pump and what type and size of filter are you planning to install? A typical above ground pool package comes with a seriously mismatched pump and filter most of the time. In the case of pumps, bigger is not better. if you have a mismatch with a pump that is too powerful, you'll have a hard time keeping your pool clean especially if you ever have an algae bloom to battle.

Welcome to the Pool Forum!

[Bluemackie]

Hayward 18" Pro Series Sand Filter with 1 HP Hayward Matrix Pump

[PoolDoc]

I had a pool many years ago and I'm sure there have been many changes made since then in the methods of maintenance.

Actually, most of the changes that have been made, have been for the worse, SWCG's (salt water chlorine generators) excepted.

The closest thing we have at the moment to an easy start-up guide is the Intex sticky (http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?17055)I just finished; it will work with your pool, although you'll get to the 'gotta-get-more-complicated' point a little faster with your pool. However, if you get the kit Watermom suggested, and learn to use it, you'll be ready by the time you have to get more elaborate with your chemistry.