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How do I maintain an above ground pool

Pool Start-up

Read entire label of each bottle and use in accordance with precautionary statements and directions. All chemicals should be handled by adults only, and kept out of the reach of children. Filter system must always be on and running when adding chemicals to pool. All chemicals should be added to pool separately and must not be mixed together.

For existing pools, remove cover, connect filter to pool and remove any winter plates and plugs. Add water if needed, and clean and vacuum pool.

Step 1: Make sure pool is filled up to the top of the skimmer opening. Refer to instructions supplied with pool filter if you have questions.
Step 2: Follow directions on test strips and use test strips to measure the total alkalinity of the pool water and adjust to proper range of 80 to 120 ppm. Add Aquamate Alkalinity Plus (to raise alkalinity) or Alka Down (to lower alkalinity) as necessary, following directions on container.
Step 3: Use test strips to measure the pH level of the pool water and adjust to proper range of 7.2 to 7.8. Add Aquamate pH Plus (to raise pH) or pH Minus (to lower pH) as necessary, following directions on container.
Step 4: Add liquid shock by pouring into skimmer with filter running (Liquid Shock is purchased separately, or is supplied with new pool package) at a rate of 1 gallon per 5000 gallons of pool water. Granular shock can be substituted for liquid shock, follow directions on label.
Step 5: Add 10% Algaecide per label instructions.
Step 6: Continue to run filter at least 8-12 hours.
Step 7: Use test strip to make sure that chlorine level is in safe range of 1-3 ppm (this usually takes about 12-24 hrs after adding shock). Add chlorine stabilizer at a rate of 8 oz per 3000 gallons. Add chlorine stabilizer to skimmer with filter running.
Step 8: Add 2oz of Super Clarifier per 5000 gallons directly to pool water with filter running.
Step 9: Begin adding your regular dose of chlorine sanitizer (i.e. Chlorine powder or tablets) to keep your chlorine level in the safe range on your test strip. (Chlorine sanitizer is purchased separately, or is supplied with new pool package.

Pool Maintenance

Step 1: Always keep chlorine level in the safe range on your test strip. Test after daily. Run your pool filter at least 6 to 8 hrs every day.
Step 2: Test and adjust Total Alkalinity and pH levels weekly.
Step 3: Add maintenance dose of 10% algaecide per label instructions weekly.
Step 4: Add 2 oz of Super Clarifier per 5000 gallons of pool water each week.

Tips: Rain, hot weather, and heavy use affect you pool water’s chemistry. Generally, you will need to add more chlorine and run filter longer after rain, hot weather or heavy use. Rain also usually causes Alkalinity and pH levels to go down, which causes cloudy water. Test your Alkalinity and pH levels after it rains. Shocking the pool with liquid shock weekly or every other week will also help keep your pool sparkling clean.

Please note: Pool calculations below have been rounded off to be used as a quick guide for easy pool maintenance. For exact calculations please use the pool volume calculator.

Pool Capacity Cheatsheet

Poolsize Round	Capacity (Gallons)	Poolsize Oval	Capacity (Gallons)
10 Round	2,000	8x12,8x14	3,000
12 Round	3,000	8x19	3,500
15 Round	5,000	10x15, 10x16	3,500
18 Round	7,500	10x21, 12x18	5,000
21 Round	10,000	12x24, 14x20	7,500
24 Round	14,000	14x25, 15x24	10,000
27 Round	18,000	15x30, 16x26	12,000
30 Round	21,000	16x32	15,000
		18x33	19,000

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