Setting up 12' pool at the end of the summer - chemicals?

[Watermom]

Make sure that your pH is above 7 asap. Acidic readings can damage your pool and equipment.

Glad you are enjoying the forum!

[CarlD]

You can use 20 Mule Team Borax or Arm&Hammer Washing Soda (both in the laundry aisle at your supermarket) to raise pH. I wouldn't add more than a cup at a time of either, wait a couple of hours, then test pH again. If the pH isn't in the 7.2-7.8 range, add more.

Also you can add another 1/4 cup of bleach, and test the chlorine when you test the pH. If it's still low, add more bleach.

[BigDave]

One note of caution about the pool calculator website: With chlorine as a major exception, it's best to sneak up on your desired chem levels in the pool because in the real world things happen that the caculator wasn't designed to handle.

When you calculate an adjustment, dose half the calculated amount, let it mix and test again. If it still needs adjustment in the same direction, use half again as much and repeat. This test - adjust - test - adjust ... cycle will save you from the hassle of over adjust - then over adjust the other way - then back again - and on and on.

For chlorine, especially bleach, add what you need - if you go a little over, the sun will bring it down pretty quick.

[CarlD]

BigDave is 100% correct and I'm annoyed with myself for not saying it! Yes, "sneak up" on levels you want for pH, T/A, CH and CYA, but not for chlorine.