Follow these simple steps to start your pool correctly and enjoy crystal-clear water all season.
Need a manual for your pool equipment? Follow this Link to our Manual Page.
Fill your pool until the water level reaches approximately two-thirds of the way up the skimmer opening. This provides proper water flow without allowing the skimmer to draw in air.
A properly operating circulation system is essential before adding chemicals.
Turn on the circuit breaker.
Prime the pump if necessary.
For Cartridge Filters. Open the air relief valve on top of the filter housing.
Verify strong water flow from the return jets.
Inspect all plumbing and equipment for leaks.
Record your filter's clean starting pressure for future reference.
Run the filtration system continuously for the first 24–48 hours while the water is being balanced.
Need more help with your filter? We have complete filter guides on YouTube
Before adding sanitizer, balance your water chemistry.
Recommended Water Balance
pH: 7.2–7.6
Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
Phosphates: Ideally below 300 ppb
Adjust in This Order
Total Alkalinity
pH
Calcium Hardness
Properly balanced water helps chlorine work more effectively while protecting your pool equipment and surfaces.
Need help? Bring a water sample to our store for FREE professional water testing and personalized treatment recommendations.
Learn More about water chemistry
Once your water is balanced, it's time to sanitize.
Shock the Pool
Use one of the following:
Granular Shock: Follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions (many products recommend approximately one 1-pound bag per 10,000 gallons, but always verify the label).
Liquid Chlorine (10–12.5%): Approximately 1–1½ gallons per 10,000 gallons, depending on product strength and water conditions.
After shocking:
Add Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid/Conditioner) if needed to protect chlorine from sunlight. Recommended CYA: Typically 30–50 ppm for most outdoor chlorine pools.
If phosphates are elevated, add a phosphate remover according to label directions.
AquaSmarte® users: Install a new Mineral Reservoir and Bac Pac® after the shock treatment has circulated and chlorine has returned to the manufacturer's recommended startup level.
Continue running the filtration system for at least 24 hours after shocking.
During the first week:
Test free chlorine and pH daily.
Verify alkalinity after major adjustments.
Empty skimmer and pump baskets as needed.
Vacuum or brush the pool if debris is present. (How to vacuum your pool)
Clean or backwash the filter when pressure rises 8–10 PSI above the clean starting pressure.
Run the pump 8–12 hours per day (or longer if needed for heavy use, hot weather, or cloudy water).
Click Here: Read our Maintenance Guide and keep your pool in Swim Condition all Season long.
A proper opening gives you cleaner water, fewer problems, and easier maintenance throughout the season.
Everything You Need in One Place
We carry a complete selection of pool care products, including:
✔ Liquid, tablet, and granular chlorine
✔ Water balancing chemicals
✔ Pool shock treatments
✔ Algaecides
✔ Clarifiers and water clarity treatments
✔ Phosphate removers
✔ AquaSmarte® Bac Pacs®, Mineral Reservoirs, and opening kits
✔ Test strips, liquid test kits, and replacement reagents
✔ Filter cleaners and maintenance supplies
Bring us a fresh water sample for FREE professional computerized water testing, and we'll help you keep your pool clean, clear, and swim-ready all season long.
Let us help you make your first year easy and worry-free.