Which chemicals for our new pool?

[Montybird]

Hello everyone,

I need to go shopping for chlorine etc for the pool but having read a few threads, pool websites and fact sheets I just need a few pints sorting.  I think I've got the gist of what to do and what to use but all the names for the chemicals are in English.  I presume they'd be easy to find in the 'specialist' shops or brico's but perhaps someone could put me on the right path.

Okey dokey... looks like I need

a - Chlorine: Granules, tablets and something called shock

b - Dry acid or alkali ???

c - AAglicide(optional)

d - flocculant (Optional)

You're probably wondering why our pool installer hasn't explained all this to us seeing as it's a brand new build.  Well, I'd love to tell you all but it's a really long story with some pretty horrible memories of dealing with a complete and utter t****r who calls himself a builder. 

Look forward to your replies.

Jules (24) Montagrier

 

[Poolguy]

Jules

I'm sorry to hear that you had trouble with your pool builder.

However, chemicals....

You will find nearly every Brico or garden shop has a selection.

Chlorine in 'biscuits' is Ok as its an easy measure, it contains cyanuric acid which will stabilise the chlorine long enough for it to do its job. Granular chlorine is also good but its a little bit extra to measure and get some 'feel' for how much to put in.

'Choc' - are tablets of concentrated chlorine which is very handy if you go away for the weekend and find that your pool is a bit slimy or greenish. Add Choc.

Don't not under any circumstanced put the chlorine directly into the pool (undissolved) as it will cause little white spots on your liner where it settles. I suggest the skimmer box is a good place for tablets.

Flocculant and algaecide - as needs

shouldn't need them if you keep up the chlorine regime

Acid is a different kettle of fish, you can buy a range of products both liquid and granulated. I don't think that you will require any alkali ( soda ash) but you could get a little just in case. Its mostly acid which is required, (sulphuric) in liquid 9% concentration is ample especially if your handling it yourself. If you get the liquid concentrate (34%) and dilute it remember: always add acid to water and NOT the other way around. If you do then you'll create heat and possibly spits and spurts of acid - not good for the eyes or skin.

Also a testing kit - don't bother with the reagent kits go for the tablets DPD1. they are much more accurate and give you the information you what to know - active chlorine.

You might also try an automatic chlorinator, takes all the work out of balancing the water, and you don't need to handle the chemicals the controller does that for you.

Hope that this is helpful

Andrew