Pool Chemical Adjustment Order

When adjusting pool chemicals, the order of adding chemicals is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Here's the typical order you should follow:

1. Test the Water

   Always start by testing the pool water for pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine levels, and cyanuric acid (stabilizer).

   Use a reliable pool test kit or take a sample to a pool store for testing.

2. Adjust Total Alkalinity (TA)

   Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH levels, so it's best to get TA adjusted first.

   If the TA is low, you’ll add Pool Supplies Canada Alkajuster.

   If it’s too high, you’ll need to add Pool Supplies Canada pH Down to lower it.

3. Adjust pH

   Once your TA is in range (ideal range: 80–120 ppm), move on to adjusting the pH (ideal range: 7.4–7.6).

   If your pH is too high, you can add Pool Supplies Canada pH Down.

   If it’s too low, you can add Pool Supplies Canada pH Up.

4. Add Chlorine

   After pH is balanced, you can add chlorine Pool Supplies Canada King Size Chlorine Pucks. Chlorine should always be added after pH because if the pH is out of range, chlorine might not be as effective.

   Ideal chlorine levels: 1–3 ppm (parts per million).

5. Adjust Calcium Hardness (if needed)

   Check the calcium hardness (ideal range: 200–400 ppm). If it’s too low, you can add Pool Supplies Canada Calcium Plus to raise it. If it’s too high, you’ll need to dilute the water by draining some and refilling with fresh water.

6. Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)

   Cyanuric acid helps protect chlorine from the sun’s UV rays. The ideal range is 30–50 ppm. If it's low, you can add Pool Supplies Canada Stabilizer to increase it. If it’s too high, you may need to dilute the pool water.

7. Shocking the Pool (if necessary)

   If your pool needs a deep clean, or if the chlorine levels are too low, you might need to "shock" the pool by adding a high dose of chlorine or other oxidizers. Click here to check out options available at Pool Supplies Canada. This should be done at night to avoid sun degradation of the chlorine.

8. Wait for the Chemicals to Dissolve

   After adding each chemical, allow time for them to fully dissolve and circulate before testing the water again.

9. Re-test the Water

   After waiting a few hours (or as recommended for each chemical), retest the water to ensure everything is within the proper ranges. If anything is still off, repeat the necessary adjustments.