Chlorine

• Chlorine sanitizes the water and removes bacteria and other harmful contaminates. Add chlorine to the water by pouring liquid, sprinkling powder, installing an automatic chlorinator, installing a saltwater generator or placing pucks, tablets or sticks in a floater. Chlorine levels should be tested daily before swimming and adjusted as needed to maintain a 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm) residual amount.
  
  

Shock

• Use pool shock after heavy rains, times of heavy use and episodes of low chlorine. The shock helps to burn off algae and contaminates brought into the pool during a storm or burns off the excess swimmer waste from increased use. A pool should be shocked weekly to remove any lingering contaminates and to keep the pool free from algae breakouts. Measure pool shock according to the amount of water in the pool, and add while the filter and pump are running.
  
  

Algaecide

• Algaecide will also help to keep algae at bay. Any standing body of water can become stagnant in a matter of days. A swimming pool is no exception. A few days of not testing and maintaining a residual chlorine level can turn the water green. That green color is algae. Add an algaecide during the initial fill up of the pool. Add a maintenance dose weekly to give yourself a backup just in case there is a time that you cannot control the pool as often as needed. A small amount of algaecide goes a long way as a tablespoon can effectively treat up to 1,000 gallons.
  
  

pH and Alkalinity

• When the pool is first filled, the two most important readings will be the pH and alkalinity. Once these two readings are in line, the rest of the chemicals will be easier to balance and remain balanced. Depending on the water in your area, you may have to add a pH up or pH down to achieve the desired level. Pool chemicals work best when the pH of the water stays between 7.2 and 7.6. Alkalinity is the measure of the water's ability to withstand swings in pH. When the pH gets out of alignment, the alkalinity is there to put it back. Increase the alkalinity with soda ash or decrease it with muriatic acid.