Pool Chemical Advice
Our Pool Chemical Guide has everything you need to know from recommended pool chemical dosage to algae control to help work out your pool's volume of water for accurate chemical measurements.
We recommend ClearWater® chemicals for our pools as they are designed for and continuously tested on Bestway pools. All dosage and application recommendations are based on ClearWater® pool chemicals and you should always refer to the instructions and warnings included with each product before using.
POOL WATER PROBLEM SOLVING CHART
Are you having problems with your pool water? If so check out the problem and symptoms in the table below.
| SYMPTOM | CAUSE | REMEDY |
| Green / Cloudy Water / Slippery Sides | Algae | Shock dose with chlorine (see Getting Started) and add Algaecide. |
| Too much chlorine | Overdose | 1. Drain pool to minimum mark and re-fill with fresh water to maximum mark, this will help to dilute the excess chemical. 2. Remove cover from pool to allow evaporation of the chemical (keep the pool filter running constantly). |
| PH hard to control | Alkalinity too low or too high | 1. Test Alkalinity levels and adjust if required. 2. Test pH levels and adjust accordingly. |
| Can't maintain chlorine levels | pH and Total Alkalinity are probably not balanced | Use the ClearWater test strips to test the water. |
| Cloudy water | Poor chemical control, inadequate filtration or contaminants in the water. | 1. Clean or replace filter cartridge. 2. Check chemical levels and adjust if necessary (chlorine/PH). 3. Use a Pool Clarifier to remove small particles. 4. Shock Dose. If the problem persists: 5. Empty the pool and re-fill with fresh water. |
| Rough pool sides / edges | Scale formation due to high calcium levels in water | 1. Ensure PH levels are correct using Dip Test Strips. 2. use a Pool Scale Controller to stop calcium precipitating. 3. Clear and clean debris screens, pipework and check pool filter for build up. You may need to descale the filter pump as well. |
| No colour change on test strip dip test | Chlorine is too high and possibly bleaching of indicator pads (over 15ppm chlorine) | Check the expiry date on Pool Test Strips. Wait for chlorine level to drop and re-test. Check for faulty or counterfeit test strips. |
| Foaming | Detergent, cosmetic products or excessive algaecide use | Use Clearwater Foam Remover. |
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
- Do not leave non swimmers / children unattended
- Do not overload the pool
- Avoid sitting on pool walls
- Do not allow diving in shallow water
- Do not use during thunderstorms
- Do not use electrical appliances near water
- Use plastic rather than glass around the pool
- Have a First Aid Kit available for any accidents
CHEMICAL HANDLING
- Read instructions thoroughly on each product/box before use.
- When pre-dissolving chemicals, always add chemicals to water and not vice versa.
- Never mix different chemicals in concentrated forms. This includes kit products but also with other chemicals like bleach or weedkillers – a dangerous reaction may occur.
- Always pre-dissolve chemicals in a clean, plastic container in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid spillages. In the event of spillage, clean up using clean receptacles and dispose of them carefully.
- Store chemicals in original packaging and never use unlabelled chemicals
- Wash hands after handling pool chemicals
STORING CHEMICALS
- Store chemicals well away from children and pets
- Store in a secure, cool and dry place
GETTING STARTED & SHOCK DOSING A POOL
The amount of chlorine required to shock dose your pool depends on the volume of water. Refer to the instructions and guidance on your chemical packaging for dosage.
Top Tip: a tablespoon holds approx. 15g of Stabilised Chlorine Granules.
Rough Guide: You need 50gms of chlorine granules for a pool of 1000 gallons (4545 litres).
The importance of circulation and filtration:
It is a combination of circulating water and the filter cartridge collecting debris along with good chemical water treatment that helps you maintain clear, clean and healthy pool water.
You should run your pool's circulation every day referring to your user manual for more detailed advice. As a guide to running circulation, you should aim to "turn” the full volume of pool water through the filter cartridge once per day. Typically in most splash pools, using standard equipment, this is 4 hours per day (that the pump should be turned on).
Water testing and ideal pool chemical levels:
Using ClearWater Dip Tests you are able to quickly and accurately assess the condition of your pool water and make adjustments to chemical levels with the appropriate chemicals when necessary. Test daily when the pool is in use and twice weekly when the pool is not is use.
| TEST | IDEAL READING | TERMS |
| Free Chlorine | 1 - 3 ppm* | *ppm = parts per million |
| pH | 7.2 - 7.6 | |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 - 120 ppm* | *ppm = parts per million |
By regularly testing the pool water you will soon learn how various activities like refilling, topping up, adding chemicals and general usage can affect various test readings.
POOL CHEMICAL WATER TREATMENT
ClearWater Stabilised Chlorine Granules are used regularly to disinfect the pool water and keep it free from bacteria, some of which may be hazardous to health. ClearWater's Chlorine Granules are quick-dissolving and relatively pH neutral. You simply measure out the quantity you need your pool's volume of water, dissolve in a jug of water and pour into the pool.
Quantity needed to increase pool chlorine level by just 1ppm :
| POOL VOLUME | INCREASE CHLORINE LEVEL BY 1ppm (ONLY) |
| 1000 Gallons (4,545 Litres) | 9 Grams |
| 2500 Gallons (11,364 Litres) | 23 Grams |
Water should be tested before use and Free Chlorine levels should be 1 - 3ppm (parts per million). When adding chlorine to the pool, we recommend aiming for 3 ppm to provide a useful "buffer” for fluctuating conditions such as bathing loads and hot weather. The rate of chlorine consumption can and does vary depending on different conditions and chlorine will be consumed even when there is no swimming (i.e. by sunlight or by algae). The only way to be sure that there is sufficient chlorine present in the pool water is to test regularly.
Adjusting Pool pH Levels
The pH level of your pool water is also important as it helps to ensure the pool water is comfortable for bathers and the water is neither too acidic or alkaline. The ideal pH range for a pool is 7.2-7.6
- Pool water with a pH below 7 is acidic which can cause unpleasant smells, bather discomfort and corrode metals. Use ClearWater pH Plus to reduce it using the application instructions on the bottle.
- Pool water with a pH above 7 is alkaline which can cause skin irritation, scale formation and reduce chlorine efficiency. Use ClearWater pH Minus to increase it using the application instructions on the bottle.
| pH LEVELS | SUMMARY OF LEVEL |
8.5 8.0 | Skin / eye irritation Scale formation Reduces chlorine effectiveness |
| 7.2 - 7.6 | IDEAL LEVEL |
7.0 6.5 | Plant corrosion especially metals Unpleasant smells and bather discomfort Chlorine quickly used up |
ALGAE CONTROL
| POOL VOLUMES | INITIAL START-UP DOSE | WEEKLY DOSE |
1000 gallons (4,545 litres) | 50ml | 25ml |
2500 gallons (11,364 litres) | 125ml | 62ml |
POOL CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Use a skimmer or net to collect any debris floating on the surface. It is a good idea to do this on a regular basis to prevent any debris from causing contamination to the water.
We recommend the Miracle Pads for general surface cleaning and the Scale & Stain Controller to help combat any tough stains. Avoid household cleaning products as they may contain phosphates that nurture algae growth or detergents which cause foam.
WORKING OUT POOL WATER VOLUMES
| TYPICAL POOL SIZE | VOLUME UK GALLONS (US GALLONS) | VOLUME (LITRES) |
10 ft diameter x 30 inches deep | 800 UK Gallons (961 US Gallons) | 3639 Litres |
12 ft diameter x 30 inches deep | 1183 UK Gallons (1421 US Gallons) | 5377 Litres |
| 15 ft diameter x 36 inches deep | 2240 UK gallons(2689 US gallons) | 10,179 Litres |
| 15 ft diameter x 42 inches deep | 2720 UK gallons(3266 US gallons) | 12,362 Litres |
| 15 ft diameter x 48 inches deep | 3038 UK gallons(3648 US gallons) | 13,807 Litres |
| 18 ft diameter x 42 inches deep | 4203 UK gallons(5046 US gallons) | 19,100 Litres |
| 18 ft diameter x 48 inches deep | 4661 UK gallons(5596 US gallons) | 21,182 Litres |
POOL CHEMICAL TREATMENT SUMMARY
| TASK | IDEAL LEVEL | PRODUCT | DOSE FREQUENCY |
Disinfect | 1 - 3 ppm (aim for 3) | ClearWater Stabilised Chlorine Granules | Daily when pool in use to maintain ideal levels |
| pH | 7.2 - 7.6 | ClearWater pH Minus to reduce ClearWater pH Plus to increase | Weekly or as required to maintain ideal levels |
Prevent Algae | n/a | ClearWater Algaecide | Weekly |
