We have a 15' x 3' pool and I need a direction on pool chemicals?
Answers:
Having owned a pool for years have to tell you it is easy....BUT like other posters mention you need to know a bit more about the pool
(1) how many GALLONS of water?
(2) do you have a pool supply place close by that will 'test' your water for you? In Florida we have a place called "Pinch a Penny". We take a sample of water (to get the water you get a clean plastic bottle - they will have it - you rinse out in the pool(the bottle), insert the un-capped bottle down into the pool as far as your elbow. Take out and cover immediately. By the way, don't do this until you are about to leave, you don't want the sample sitting around. Anyway, take sample to the pool place and have it analyzed. It is normally 'free'. This will tell you, before you add anything to your pool, all abou the water and it's chemical balance. The report prints out and will tell you what you need to add, hold adding, etc.
However, you will need to know type of pool (concrete? lined? in ground? if you know, numbe of gallons, source of water (well or city), type of filter (some filters use salt and run a bit differently nowadays-our pool, even though, like brand new, was built in the late '70's so a bit different maint).
(2) The pool supply company will then advise you on what you need.
(3) We 'shock' the pool once a week (because we have a heater for the pool - it is year round use) that means that for 24 hrs of that week you shouldn't use the pool. Shocking can be done a few ways - ours is by emptying a BIG jug of pool chlorine. Wear protective glasses when doing this (my husband didn't once and that time the chlorine went into his eyes - ended up in emergency room). Must be emptied when the filter cycle is on. There are also powders you can use to shock. But we found it just as functional AND cheaper to do the liquid.
(4) When not in use, you can get the BIG tablets of chlorine and put in a floating 'holder'. This will keep the chlorine balance okay. When you use the pool, remove the floater out (carefully) and set aside. Newer pools have this done automatically
(5) when not in use, put the 'shark' back into the pool. The 'shark' (name brand I believe) is the sweeper - it scrubs the pool continuosly bottom, sides, etc. while filter is running. MUCH better than having to do it manually. AND keeps the 'yellow mustard' off the walls. If you invest in one, have them teach you how to use so you can hook up to the filter and avoid air in the line, etc. There is a tech not hard to do - even I can do it :)
(6) During summer months is when you will have problems, if you are going to. Important then that you have it checked. If you go away and come back after a holiday and find your pool walls all yellow! Do not empty the pool (first reaction one gets) - take the sample and see your pool supply folks. They will have you add chemicals for about 2 weeks and voila it is back to normal. Between the chemicals and the 'shark' it takes care of yourself and you don't have to empty the pool (an expensive proposition if you are on well or city water - in fact, an aside note, if you are on 'well' water, you are better off getting a 'water' company to come pump water into your pool versus drying up the well - which affects your a/c and other things)
(7) We use 3 tools for the pool, basically:
a) the 'shark' (mentioned above) - life saver! and not as expensive as you would think
b) the top scraper for leaves,etc....sadly you will have to do this on your own - but it takes mins
c) a leaf sucker that uses the filter system (some leaves/debris kinda get 'stuck' at the bottom of the pool and the shark doesn't get because to big...well this little inexpensive gadget does it for you.
8) Don't let the water level get too low. You need it to be within 1-1/2 to 2 inches from ledge for the filter and shark to work well.
9) Filter: make sure that you keep it clean. Should be easy. Just pull out filter and wash down with hose. Replace and 'grease' the top of the filter (there is a special grease for this)
10) some of the newer pools use bromelaid (sp?) can get expensive - but a friend who has this type of pool finds that if they buy online it is cheaper.
Can't think of anything else...good luck and have fun!
Other answers:
check with businesses that sell spas and pools and they can tell you what type of chemicals to use and the price.
check with businesses that sell spas and pools and they can tell you what type of chemicals to use and the price.
If it is one of those Intex pools you can get premeasured chemicals, shock and chlorine, in the pool aisle at Wal-Mart. Make sure you keep the filter clean also.
!5 feet long and 3 feet wide? It sounds more like a horse troth. Can you swim in it without banging your elbows on the side?
check with a pool supplies place