Taking control of my pool this year

[jilted]

Thanks! That's awesome. I'm gonna convert that to a spreadsheet hehe.

I want to make sure I am close on gallons so for a predominately rectangle pool is this the correct formula?
Length of pool x width of pool x Average depth of water* (Ft.) x 7.5 = Total gallons (US)

Also, I want to make sure I understand the proper methods for adding these different chemicals to my pool. Mainly the cyanuric acid,baking soda, and muriatic acid (i have been just pouring it in by a return jet).
I know the basic stuff like throwing in shock.
I have added Calcium before at the pool store guys recommendation, diluting it in a bucket first since it generates heat.

Also, I read I should turn off the salt cell for an hour when adding anything to the pool, including salt, is this good practice?

Thanks,
-stephen

[Watermom]

Muriatic acid can be added slowly in front of a return jet, baking soda in the skimmer. CYA can either be added directly into the skimmer and then run the pump 24/7 for about 4 days while it dissolves in the filter. Or, you can put the cya in a sock and tie it in front of the return jet. Give it a squeeze a couple of times per day to help it dissolve faster. You do NOT want to add CYA granules in front of a return jet because since it is slow-dissolving, it will sink and sit on the pool floor for a few days. You don't want an acid sitting on the liner. You do NOT need calcium; you have a vinyl liner.

You have done the volume calculation correctly. I'm not sure about your question about turning off the salt cell during chemical applications. I'll let someone else answer that part.

[jilted]

You do NOT need calcium; you have a vinyl liner.

Wow. The first 2 years after we bought the house that pool guy sold me BUCKETS of calcium!
I thought he said is was good for the liner... or is that something else?

I'm so glad I found this place. Thanks!

-stephen

[aylad]

Wow. The first 2 years after we bought the house that pool guy sold me BUCKETS of calcium!
I thought he said is was good for the liner... or is that something else?

The only thing it's good for in a vinyl pool is lining the pockets of the pool store guy!!

I've heard it makes good driveway de-icer, if you have extra on hand

Janet

[kelemvor]

Also, I read I should turn off the salt cell for an hour when adding anything to the pool, including salt, is this good practice?

You definitely need to turn the cell off when adding salt. I've never turned off mine when adding bleach or acid, and other than some polyquat about 6 months ago those are the only things I put in my pool.

The reason for turning it off is that adding salt increases the conductivity in the water, and until it's fully dissolved it can increase conductivity enough to cause the cell to draw significantly more current which could damage the cell or your control board/transformer.