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)

 

  1.  Test the water – Measure the current total alkalinity (TA) level.

  2. 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).

  3. Pre-dissolve (optional) – For faster results, dissolve the sodium bicarbonate in a bucket of water.

  4. Add slowly to the pool – Pour the solution evenly around the pool while the pump is running.

  5. Circulate water – Run the pump for several hours to ensure even distribution.

  6. Retest – After 24 hours, check the total alkalinity and adjust if necessary.

  7. Safety precautions – Wear gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals.

Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)

 

  1. Test the water – Measure the current pH and total alkalinity to determine how much acid is needed.

  2. Calculate the dose – Use pool volume and target pH to determine the correct amount.

  3. Wear safety gear – Gloves, goggles, and protective clothing are essential; avoid splashes and fumes.

  4. 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.

  5. Add gradually – Pour the diluted acid slowly around the pool edges while the pump is running for even distribution.

  6. Circulate the water – Run the pump for several hours to mix the acid thoroughly.

  7. Retest – Check pH after a few hours and adjust if necessary.

Hardness Raiser (Calcium Chloride)

 

  1. Test your pool water first to determine the current calcium hardness level. Ideal range: 200–400 ppm (parts per million).

  2. Calculate how much calcium chloride you need based on your pool size and desired increase. (Most labels on the product give dosing instructions.)

  3. 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.

  4. Slowly pour the solution around the deep end of the pool while the pump is running to help circulate it.

  5. Brush the pool surfaces lightly to ensure the calcium is evenly distributed.

  6. Retest after 24 hours and adjust if necessary.

Starver (Phosphate Remover)

 

  1. Test the water – Check phosphate levels to determine how much product is needed.

  2. Calculate the dose – Follow the product label based on pool volume and current phosphate reading.

  3. Pre-dissolve (if recommended) – Some products can be dissolved in a bucket of water before adding, but check the label.

  4. Add gradually – Pour the starver slowly around the pool with the pump running to ensure even distribution.

  5. Circulate the water – Run the pump for several hours to mix thoroughly.

  6. Retest – After 24 hours, check phosphate levels and repeat if necessary.

  7. Maintain – Use regularly if phosphate levels rise, but only as indicated by testing.

Salt (Sodium chloride)

 

  1. Test the water – Check the current salt level to determine how much salt is needed.

  2. Calculate the required amount – Use the pool volume and the target salinity for your chlorinator.

  3. Use high-quality pool salt – Avoid rock or table salt, which can contain impurities.

  4. Pre-dissolve salt (optional) – For faster mixing, dissolve some salt in a bucket of water.

  5. Add gradually – Spread the salt evenly around the pool, ideally near return jets.

  6. Run the pump – Circulate the water for several hours to ensure even distribution.

  7. Retest – After 24 hours, check the salinity level and adjust if necessary.

Liquid Chlorine (Sodium hypochlorite)

 

  1. Test the water – Measure the current free chlorine level to know how much to add.

  2. Calculate the required dose – Use the pool volume and target chlorine level.

  3. Wear safety gear – Gloves and goggles are essential; avoid splashes and inhaling fumes.

  4. Pre-dilute if needed – In very small pools, dilute liquid chlorine in a bucket of water.

  5. Add gradually – Pour the chlorine slowly around the edges of the pool while the pump is running for even distribution.

  6. Circulate the water – Run the pump for several hours to mix the chlorine throughout the pool.

  7. Retest – Check free chlorine after a few hours and adjust if necessary.

Stabiliser (Cyanuric Acid)

  1. Test the water – Measure the current cyanuric acid level to know how much to add (ideal: 30–50 ppm).

  2. Calculate the required dose – Use your pool volume and target stabiliser level. Follow the product label for exact amounts.

  3. Wear safety gear – Gloves are essential; avoid inhaling dust and contact with skin or eyes.

  4. Circulate the water – Run the pump for at least 6–8 hours to fully mix the stabiliser.

  5. Do not backwash immediately – Wait 24 hours before backwashing to avoid losing stabiliser from the pool.

  6. Retest – Check cyanuric acid levels after 24 hours and adjust if necessary.

Safety & Best Practice

  • Read Labels – Always follow instructions.

  • Wear Protection – Gloves, goggles, mask if needed.

  • Store Safely – Cool, dry, ventilated, away from kids/pets.

  • Never Mix Chemicals – Add separately, in recommended order.

  • Add Chemicals to Water – Never water to chemicals.

  • Measure Accurately – Follow dosage instructions.

  • Add Slowly – Pour gradually while pump is running.

  • Ensure Ventilation – Avoid inhaling fumes.

  • Wait Before Swimming – Only when chemical levels are safe.

  • Clean Up – Rinse tools, wash hands.

  • Emergency Ready – Know spill/exposure procedures, keep water nearby.

“Clear Answers, Legendary Care”

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