Swimming pool contractor "opening" the pool

[columbusdan]

Ok, I have the pool contractor doing a gasket seal replacement and some minor re-plumbing, but I told them I would handle the initial chemical applications. So, I have 10,000+ gallons (only 12x24 pool) of fresh, city tap water in my pool. Once the mechanicals are ready, where should I start? Liquid chlorine (bleach or 12%)? Should I test for PH before doing anything just to see where the city water is? I ordered a Taylor Complete FAS-DPD Pool Water Test Kit K-2006, which shipped today from Amazon, so I hope to have it early next week.

[Watermom]

Go ahead and test the pH of your fill water. If you already have water in your pool, you can go ahead and get some bleach in there (or 12% liquid -- either way) so it won't turn green while you are waiting for your plumbing to be done. It doesn't take long for a pool with no chlorine to start growing algae! You can just pour it slowly reaching as far from the edge of the pool as you can. Then, use a clean broom or oar or something to try and stir it around as best as you are able. Alternately, if you have one, you can use a submersible pump to move it around.

[columbusdan]

Thanks. I think I do have a back up sump pump laying around somewhere that I could use for the time being.

[columbusdan]

Ready to go....getting liquid chlorine today. I will test water for PH before going to store. I will need stabilizer as well, correct?

[CarlD]

Yup.

[columbusdan]

I added 1 gallon of 8.25% wal mart bleach and now have free chlorine of 6.4. I assume that will come down on its own? PH is around 8, acid demand says to add just 9 oz of acid. Pool is 10,000/11,000 gallons (estimate)

[Watermom]

Without CYA, your chlorine won't stick around long. In fact, until you get some CYA in the water, you'll probably have to add chlorine a couple of times per day. How are you planning to add CYA? Buying some separately and just adding it or using dichlor for awhile which adds chlorine and CYA?

You can use some muriatic acid to lower the pH some. But, please read the sticky about using it safely in my signature below before using it in your pool.