Buying an easy-set pool is the easy part. You likely have the size you want, and are excited to get it set up and ready to use. But before you do, you still have to decide which chemicals to use to make it a safe swimming environment. The choices probably seem overwhelming. What do you really need? Or do you need it all?

Why Chemicals are Necessary

Imagine swimming in bath water used by 20 people in a week's time, without it getting changed. The water would be contaminated-just like a pool without chemicals and filters. Bodies in the water, dust in the air, insects, germs, algae caused by the sun and all manner of contaminants can soon invade the pool water. The warmth and stagnation soon lead to a disgusting appearance, infection and disease if water is left untreated. It is extremely important to keep pool water tested and treated to protect family and friends.

Basic Chemicals

To get by with the minimum to keep your water sanitary, choose two basic items: chlorinator and shock. The use of chlorine or bromine sanitizes the water and reduces contamination. A pool shock chemical is essential to help adjust chemical levels, eradicate dangerous microscopic organisms and clear the water when it turns cloudy and nasty looking. Other chemicals depend on the quality of your local water. Water softeners, algaecides, pH adjusters and clarifying agents to make the water clearer might also be necessary. When adding chemicals, always consider the pool capacity of the easy-set pool. The amount of chemicals needed for a larger pool can be hazardous in a much smaller pool. So calculate amounts to add based on the gallon capacity of the easy-set pool in question.

Kits and Other Chemicals

Kits can be purchased to simplify choices. A kit will commonly include chlorine granules (to disinfect water); shock (which is a fix for cloudy, nasty water); test strips to determine if pool water is acidic or alkaline; pH up and down to remedy the imbalance; algae guard to keep the water from turning green. A kit makes pool chemical decisions easy, but may contain items you find you don't end up using. It might prove useful to the new pool owner to buy a kit to cover all the bases, and after getting familiar with how the water in the pool is, shift to buying only those items found to be necessary. For instance, if algae doesn't prove to be a problem and the pH is only slightly off, then switch to buying only chlorine and a pH adjuster. Another choice, as Intex explains, is to "contact your local pool supply store and provide the estimated number of gallons of water in your pool." The store will probably be familiar with the local water quality and can simply and quickly explain the basics and steer you in the right direction.

Filtration

Filtration is achieved through a combination pump and filter. Proper filtration ensures the water stays fresh, with the chemicals circulated and small particles removed. Intex makes pumps that are created to correspond to your pool size. The purchase of a proper-sized pump (measured in gallons per hour) set to run during hours the pool is not used is essential to chemical maintenance and appearance of the water.

Chemical Alternatives

Intex also manufactures the Krystal™ Clear Saltwater Pool System, a chlorine generator, that will keep the pool free of algae and bacteria. Salt water systems eliminate the chemicals and chlorine tablets commonly used in traditional pools. However, it costs much more to set up initially. Another alternative to traditional chlorine with a regular pump is bleach. Household chlorine bleach is simply added at regular intervals. Many owners feel it is cheaper and works just as well. As Ask a Scientist (Department of Energy) explains, as long as the proper concentration is achieved, this is a perfectly acceptable alternative

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Ask a Scientist

Intex FAQ

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Expert Swimming Pool Advice