You are done with the installation of your above-ground pool and you are now wondering about the best way to fill the pool. Well, your best option depends on different factors.
Your decision should be based on what you want: a stress-free process, a cheaper process, a faster process, etc. It strictly depends on what you want.
The fact is that, in the end, you will still get almost the same result. So, choosing the process that works best for you is advisable.
So, how do I fill my above ground pool for the first time?
There are different methods of filling above-ground pools. You can fill your pool with your well water, municipal water supply, or water delivery agent.
Filling with well water: Using well water is the cheapest method. However, you need to do a lot to make sure that you get the standard water fit for your pool.
If your well water is not drinkable, it means you need to do some treatment before you can use the pool. The water going into your house from your well is usually run through a purifier or softener.
But connecting a hose directly from the well to the pool means you are bypassing the treatment process.
You would need to do a lot of chemical work to make the water clean enough to use. So, if you are using your well water, make sure that you shock the water to kill bacteria and other contaminants in it.
Another thing to consider is whether the well will serve the purpose. It could be a big challenge if your pool is big. Your well could run dry while you’re using it to fill the pool. So, you need to consider the risk.
Moreover, the workload might be too much for your well pump. If the pump breaks down, that will result in extra expenses. You need to make sure that the pump is in the right state to do the job.
Filling with municipal water supply: Using city water is probably the most expensive method, unless there is a discount. It’s like doubling your water bill for the month.
If you can’t afford the cost, it’s better to stick with other cheaper alternatives. However, it is arguably the easiest method to use.
All you need to do is connect your hose and run the water straight to your pool. You don’t need to treat the water because it’s already been treated by the board.
So, you might not need to shock the water because it’s already treated and balanced. But, it doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t test the water. You must make sure that the water chemistry is balanced before you use it.
However, this method is not the fastest. It might take hours or even days to fill your pool, depending on the size of the pool and your schedule.
Using water delivery agents: This is the fastest means of filling a pool. However, it is not as cheap as using a well. If you have limited time in your daily schedule, you might consider using water delivery services.
But make sure you enquire about the company before using them. It will help you to know the source of the water and the level of treatment required.
With their service, it can only take a few hours for your pool to be filled with water. After they are done with the filling, do your best to test and treat the water immediately.
Should you shock a pool when you first fill it?
Shocking your pool immediately after filling it for the first time is good, but not necessary. However, it depends on the source of the water.
Your water source is crucial in deciding whether I shock the pool or not. If you fill your pool with well water, there is a high probability that the water will be contaminated and even smelly.
So, you need to shock the pool immediately after filling it.
But, when you use water from your local water supply, you might not need to shock it since the water is already treated for use. Nevertheless, don’t use the pool without testing the water.
If the chlorine level is too low, then shocking it is the best thing to do.
For water delivery agents, you need to know the source of their water. That will help you know whether to shock the pool or not.
However, do your best to make sure that the pool water is well treated before you start swimming. Using chlorine sanitizer may not be enough to keep the water clean.
How much shock should I put in my pool for the first time?
To know the amount of shock you need to use, you need to understand what free chlorine, combined chlorine, total chlorine, and breakpoint are.
Without knowing those terms, it will be difficult to determine the amount of shock to use. To learn how to calculate the correct amount of shock your pool needs, go to this post
What chemicals do you put in a pool for the first time?
The chemical you add to your pool water for the first time depends on the condition of the water. You need chemically balanced, stable water in your pool, so it is right to add as many chemicals as required.
First, you need to make sure that the pH and alkalinity of the water are within the appropriate range of 7.2-7.8 and 80 ppm–120 ppm, respectively.
To ensure the pH and alkalinity are correct, you need to add pH-Up or pH-Down for pH adjustment and Alkalinity-Up or Alkalinity-Down for alkalinity adjustment.
You can use baking soda, soda ash, muriatic acid, etc. to make the adjustments.
Then check the sanitizer level. If it’s low, you need to add more chlorine sanitizer. You may as well need to shock the pool. So you need to add a shock and possibly a clarifier.
You might need a stabilizer for your sanitizer. So, you need to add cyanuric acid to the pool.
How soon can you swim in a newly filled pool?
You can swim as soon as you want, as long as the pool is properly treated. But make sure the chemicals you added have dissolved completely.
However, you must test the water and ensure that the chlorine level is not too high. The chlorine level should be between 2 ppm and 4 ppm. Anything beyond 5 ppm is too harsh for your health.
So, it’s advisable to allow the pump and filter to run for about 24 hours before you can use the pool. Allowing the pool to run for 24 hours helps to ensure that the chemicals are evenly circulated.
What to do after filling a pool?
As we have already stated above, test your pool water and add the necessary chemicals. Jumping into your pool after filling it without proper treatment is wrong.
So, what you need to do after filling your pool is test it first. Once you determine the pH and alkalinity levels, you make the necessary adjustments. Then test the chlorine level and adjust accordingly.
Once you are done with that, you can shock the pool if necessary. Then allow the pump and filter to run for at least 8 hours before you can use it.
Why is my newly filled pool green?
If you find out that your pool water is green after filling, don’t bother about it – it’s normal. You need only bother if it remains green after treatment.
It’s normal for your pool water to be green when you fill it because of some trace elements in the water. There could be some metallic compounds in the water.
So, many factors could be responsible. That’s why you don’t need to worry about it. However, after shocking the pool, the green color should disappear.
