Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Gates, NC

Once you use a pH decreaser, you can expect the pH to adjust in two to four hours. If you use a strong chemical like muriatic acid, it could take as little as an hour. Either way, it’s best to wait for a full turnover cycle before retesting. You want to make sure the chemical is completely dissolved and evenly distributed or you won’t have a stable pH level.

Yes, you can put too much shock in a pool, and it is crucial to follow the directions on the product you are using. Adding excess shock can upset the chemical balance, make the water cloudy, have adverse effects on swimmers, damage pool equipment or surfaces, and even encourage certain types of algae to grow. If you have over-shocked your pool, perform a water test and adjust the chemicals as necessary. The pool's chemical balance will eventually return to normal as the excess chlorine dissipates over time.

Yes, you will need to shock your pool with high levels of chlorine or bromine when you first fill it to kill off bacteria and pathogens. You’ll need to wait for the chlorine concentration to come back down to a safe level before swimming. After that, you can test and maintain the chlorine and other levels as normal. The only exception to this is if you get pool water delivered by a professional. In that case, the water might come pretreated, so you might not need to shock it.

When you’re winterizing your pool, you need to drain some of the water to prevent cracking and warping from ice. Nonetheless, you should never drain all of the water. Ideally, you’ll lower the water level to anywhere from four to six inches below the skimmer. This will protect the structural integrity of the walls, help prevent your pool liner from warping, and reduce damage from debris.