Above Ground Pools - Step 2: Dose your Pool with Chlorine

Step 1: Initial Preparation		Step 2: Dose your Pool with Chlorine		Step 3: Test your Pool Water
Step 4: Control pH Levels		Step 5: Shocking the Pool		Step 6: Using Flocculant and Algaecide

 

The most important chemical you need for your pool is chlorine as it is responsible for killing any bacteria, viruses or algae present in the water. For above ground pools there are three types of chlorine you can use.

1. Stabilised Chlorine Granules (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate)

This is a quick dissolving granular form of chlorine which requires manual dosing. To do this fill a plastic bucket with pool water and then add the required amount of granules into the bucket. As a guide 10 grams will increase the chlorine level by 1ppm in a 1,000 gallon pool. Once the granules have dissolved, distribute the solution around the pool with the filter operating.

There are two types of chlorine granules available, Stabilised Chlorine Granules and Multi-5 Chlorine Granules. Both work on the same method highlighted above, however the Multi-5 Chlorine Granules also contain an algaecide and a flocculant so they help prevent algae and improve water clarity at the same time as adding chlorine.

By using a granular form of chlorine you will need to be extra vigilant with the chlorine level and add some chlorine to the pool every day during hot periods. When the weather is poor your pool will still need dosing every two or three days even if the pool is not being used.

2. Stabilised Chlorine Tablets (Trichloroisocyanuric Acid)

This is a slow dissolving tablet form of chlorine that is used in conjunction with a floating dispenser. The floating dispenser is filled with tablets and the blue collar is opened and closed to control the dosing rate. This is then left to float around in the pool allowing a constant release of chlorine to enter the water. When the pool is in use, take the dispenser out and put it into a plastic container well away from the children.

As above ground pools contain a small volume of water it is better to use 20gram tablets rather than 200gram tablets. If your pool volume is above 2,000 gallons use a large dispenser with the 20gram tablets as this will provide better control of the chlorine level.

There are two type of 20gram tablets available, Stabilised Chlorine Tablets and Multifunctional Tablets. Both work on the same method highlighted above, however the Multifunctional Tablets also contain an algaecide and a flocculant so they help prevent algae and improve water clarity at the same time as adding chlorine.

By using any form of stabilised chlorine tablet you can pay less attention to the pool as the tablets slowly dissolve providing a constant dose of chlorine for up to one week.

3. Duo Tabs (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate & Trichloroisocyanuric Acid)

This is a 200gram tablet that contains a quick dissolving chlorine boost (sodium dichloroisocyanurate) and a slow dissolving chlorine dose (trichloroisocyanuric acid). These are designed to combine a shock dose and a normal chlorine dose in one tablet.

Duo Tabs are used in conjunction with a large floating dispenser. One tablet is added to the floating dispenser and the collar is opened fully to allow the blue half of the tablet to rapidly dissolve (shock dose). Once it has dissolved adjust the collar accordingly (see Step 3: Testing your Pool Water) and leave it to float around the pool allowing the remaining half of the tablet to slowly dissolve (normal chlorine dose). When the pool is in the use, take the dispenser out and put it into a plastic container well away from the children.