1st time pool owner, confused on chemicals

[Johnny13334]

I recently bought an intex 14ft 48in deep pool. Couldn't pass up the deal even though I know nothing about these chemicals. The box says it takes 3,861 gallons at 90% full (at wall height). Right now it's still sitting in the box but I'm going to go set it up in a few hours. After it is set up and full of water, what do I do? I haven't bought any chemicals yet, in fear that I would get the wrong ones or waste money. I am all for the cheap method. But I also want the pool to be clear and not irritating. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks all!

[BigDave]

You're in luck! Read this:http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/forumdisplay.php?175-Pool-Chemistry-for-Intex-type-Pools

[Johnny13334]

So is the bbb method the best way to go? And thanks for that link, that's exactly what I needed.

[Johnny13334]

Also, I couldn't find dichlor anywhere, so I got super shock instead. Is that gonna be ok until I can get to SAMs club for the dichlor?

[BigDave]

Read the label on the supershock - what's in it?

[Johnny13334]

Calcium hypochlorite 52%
Inert ingredients 48%
Total 100%
Available chlorine 49%

[PoolDoc]

That super shock should be OK.

BBB method is, essentially, the idea of
1. Testing accurately, and
2. Using ONLY the chemicals you need, from the most convenient source, regardless of label.

All other methods were designed by pool chemical companies, who lose money if you manage your pool well!

[Johnny13334]

Ok, I'm glad that will work. Should I just continue to use that or get some dichlor? Thanks for everyone's help on this!

[PoolDoc]

You'll probably be better off following the Intex recipe, which is based on dichlor.

[Watermom]

Since you already bought it, you can go ahead and use it up if you want. But, it will not add CYA (which the dichlor will) so if you do use the cal-hypo, you can just buy some CYA and add it separately. You may be able to find it at Walmart or you may have to get it from a pool store. Sometimes it is labeled as conditioner or stabilizer. Check the label. If it says cyanuric or isocyanuric acid, that is the right stuff.

If you decide to get some dichlor, you will not need to purchase the CYA separately.

EDIT: It appears that Ben and I were posting at the same time.

[Johnny13334]

Ok, thank you guys. And also one more question. I can not for the life of me get my pool completely level. It's about a 2 inch difference in water height. I have lowered the high side several times and it seems like it does nothing. Any ideas? I can't really afford to buy any expensive levels, like a transit. Thanks guys!

[PoolDoc]

Take a look at this -- over long distances, a "water level" is more accurate than an expensive transit level!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pusDOh_5kTc