Not sure how to dose your pool chemicals?
Here’s a simple and safe way to add the most common pool chemicals.
Buffer (Sodium Bicarbonate)
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Test the water – Measure the current total alkalinity (TA) level.
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Calculate required chemical – Determine the amount of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) needed to reach the recommended TA level (usually 80–120 ppm for most pools).
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Pre-dissolve (optional) – For faster results, dissolve the sodium bicarbonate in a bucket of water.
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Add slowly to the pool – Pour the solution evenly around the pool while the pump is running.
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Circulate water – Run the pump for several hours to ensure even distribution.
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Retest – After 24 hours, check the total alkalinity and adjust if necessary.
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Safety precautions – Wear gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals.
Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)
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Test the water – Measure the current pH and total alkalinity to determine how much acid is needed.
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Calculate the dose – Use pool volume and target pH to determine the correct amount.
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Wear safety gear – Gloves, goggles, and protective clothing are essential; avoid splashes and fumes.
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Pre-dilute the acid – Always dilute concentrated hydrochloric acid in a bucket of water before adding to the pool. Never add water to acid; always acid to water.
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Add gradually – Pour the diluted acid slowly around the pool edges while the pump is running for even distribution.
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Circulate the water – Run the pump for several hours to mix the acid thoroughly.
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Retest – Check pH after a few hours and adjust if necessary.
Hardness Raiser (Calcium Chloride)
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Test your pool water first to determine the current calcium hardness level. Ideal range: 200–400 ppm (parts per million).
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Calculate how much calcium chloride you need based on your pool size and desired increase. (Most labels on the product give dosing instructions.)
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Pre-dissolve the calcium chloride in a bucket of pool water, stirring with a stick. Never add it directly to the pool dry — this can damage surfaces.
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Slowly pour the solution around the deep end of the pool while the pump is running to help circulate it.
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Brush the pool surfaces lightly to ensure the calcium is evenly distributed.
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Retest after 24 hours and adjust if necessary.
Starver (Phosphate Remover)
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Test the water – Check phosphate levels to determine how much product is needed.
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Calculate the dose – Follow the product label based on pool volume and current phosphate reading.
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Pre-dissolve (if recommended) – Some products can be dissolved in a bucket of water before adding, but check the label.
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Add gradually – Pour the starver slowly around the pool with the pump running to ensure even distribution.
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Circulate the water – Run the pump for several hours to mix thoroughly.
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Retest – After 24 hours, check phosphate levels and repeat if necessary.
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Maintain – Use regularly if phosphate levels rise, but only as indicated by testing.
Salt (Sodium chloride)
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Test the water – Check the current salt level to determine how much salt is needed.
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Calculate the required amount – Use the pool volume and the target salinity for your chlorinator.
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Use high-quality pool salt – Avoid rock or table salt, which can contain impurities.
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Pre-dissolve salt (optional) – For faster mixing, dissolve some salt in a bucket of water.
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Add gradually – Spread the salt evenly around the pool, ideally near return jets.
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Run the pump – Circulate the water for several hours to ensure even distribution.
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Retest – After 24 hours, check the salinity level and adjust if necessary.
Liquid Chlorine (Sodium hypochlorite)
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Test the water – Measure the current free chlorine level to know how much to add.
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Calculate the required dose – Use the pool volume and target chlorine level.
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Wear safety gear – Gloves and goggles are essential; avoid splashes and inhaling fumes.
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Pre-dilute if needed – In very small pools, dilute liquid chlorine in a bucket of water.
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Add gradually – Pour the chlorine slowly around the edges of the pool while the pump is running for even distribution.
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Circulate the water – Run the pump for several hours to mix the chlorine throughout the pool.
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Retest – Check free chlorine after a few hours and adjust if necessary.
Stabiliser (Cyanuric Acid)
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Test the water – Measure the current cyanuric acid level to know how much to add (ideal: 30–50 ppm).
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Calculate the required dose – Use your pool volume and target stabiliser level. Follow the product label for exact amounts.
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Wear safety gear – Gloves are essential; avoid inhaling dust and contact with skin or eyes.
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Circulate the water – Run the pump for at least 6–8 hours to fully mix the stabiliser.
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Do not backwash immediately – Wait 24 hours before backwashing to avoid losing stabiliser from the pool.
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Retest – Check cyanuric acid levels after 24 hours and adjust if necessary.
Safety & Best Practice
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Read Labels – Always follow instructions.
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Wear Protection – Gloves, goggles, mask if needed.
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Store Safely – Cool, dry, ventilated, away from kids/pets.
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Never Mix Chemicals – Add separately, in recommended order.
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Add Chemicals to Water – Never water to chemicals.
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Measure Accurately – Follow dosage instructions.
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Add Slowly – Pour gradually while pump is running.
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Ensure Ventilation – Avoid inhaling fumes.
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Wait Before Swimming – Only when chemical levels are safe.
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Clean Up – Rinse tools, wash hands.
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Emergency Ready – Know spill/exposure procedures, keep water nearby.
“Clear Answers, Legendary Care”
