I have a new pool. What do I need?

Assuming you already have vital pool equipment, like a good filter, pump, and pool cleaner!

1.      Equipment:

          1.1     4-in-1 Test Kit

          1.2     Extension pole, 8' to 15' good for most pools, large pools need 12' to 23' length

          1.3     Wall brush, 18'’ metal back, nylon

          1.4     Skim net, metal rim

          1.5     Leaf Rake - metal rim, if trees are present, deep net will be needed

1.6Leaf Master if trees are present, attaches to pole and garden hose (can be adapted to operate with pool cleaner pressure), has bag for containing larger quantity of debris. Optional JUMBO bag, highly recommended for pools with ‘extreme aesthetics’ of lots of trees.

          1.7     Thermometer - needed for variations temperatures can have on chemical treatment.

1.8Floating chlorine dispenser, recommended over inline units. Floating type dispenses 24 hours, instead of only when equipment runs

          1.9     Vacuum hose, from skimmer closest to equipment, to furthest point in pool

          1.10   Vac head, recommend R/L Model 188 for gunite (plaster, Pebbletech, Diamondbrite, concrete) pools, R/L Clearview for vinyl and fiberglass, same as service trucks use.

2.      Chemicals

          2.1     Granular Dichloro for weekly shock during swim season, bi-weekly during spring and fall, monthly during winter

          2.2     Tablets for maintaining the pool between shocks. Not needed with chlorine generators. Reduced amounts for pools with ozone and / or Nature2 (passive ionizers) 40% up to 90%.

                     2.2.1  Rate of 1 large tab per 10,000 gallons per 2 weeks, when water temp between 50 & 65 degrees           Add monthly, below 50 degrees

                     2.2.2  Rate of 1 large tab per 10,000 gallons per week, when water temp between 65 & 80 degrees 

                     2.2.3  1 Tab per 7,500 gallons per week, when water temp between 80 & 90 degrees

                     2.2.4  1 Tab per 5,000 gallons per week, when water temp above 90 degrees

          2.3     Stain Preventer / De-scaler

                     2.3.1  Standard chemistry pools, GLB Sequa Sol, Jack’s Magic Pink

                     2.3.2  Salt Pools, Jacks Magic Purple Stuff, helps keep cells clean

                     2.3.3  Nature2, Frog - Jacks Magic Ionizer Stuff

          2.4     Conditioner / Stabilizer / Cyanuric Acid - Keeps Chlorine from leaving the water too quickly. Need pool size and water test (about a quart, elbow depth)

                     2.3.1  Standard chemical pools start up at between 40 / 50 ppm

                     2.3.2  Salt water (chlorine generator) pools start at around 100 ppm

                     2.3.3  Ozone pools don’t need it

          2.5     Maintenance Algaecide - small weekly dose can prevent potential problems. Alg 60 best choice, non foaming, broad spectrum

          2.6     Natural Enzyme - small weekly dose, for breaking down oils and organic compounds, which help filtration cycles.

          2.7     Diatomaceous Earth - needed for D.E. filters to recharge after backwashing

          2.8     Sodium Chloride (Salt) - needed for chlorine generators. Need pool size and water test