What Is the Right Order to Add Pool Chemicals?

Maintaining your pool's water chemistry might seem like a bit of a faff, but following the proper sequence when adding chemicals can make all the difference between crystal-clear waters and a murky, irritating mess.

For us Aussies, with our scorching summers and outdoor lifestyle, a properly maintained pool isn't just a luxury—it's practically essential.

The Essential Pool Chemical Sequence

1. Test Your Water First

Before chucking in any chemicals willy-nilly, you'll need to know what you're working with. Use a reliable testing kit to check:

• pH levels (ideally 7.2-7.6)

• Chlorine levels (1-3 ppm)

• Total alkalinity (80-120 ppm)

• Calcium hardness (200-275 ppm)

• Cyanuric acid (30-50 ppm)

2. Balance Your pH and Alkalinity

Start with the foundation of your pool chemistry. First, adjust the total alkalinity as it affects your ability to maintain pH. Add sodium bicarbonate (bicarb soda) if it's too low or acid if it's too high.

Next, sort your pH levels. Add soda ash to increase the pH or muriatic acid/dry acid to lower it.

Give these adjustments a good 4-6 hours to properly dissolve and circulate before moving on.

3. Add Sanitisers

After your pH is sorted, add chlorine (liquid, granular, or tablet form) or your preferred sanitiser.

In the intense Aussie sun, you might find yourself doing this frequently as UV degrades chlorine rather quickly.

4. Add Specialty Chemicals

Only after the basics are sorted should you add the following:

• Calcium chloride to increase hardness

• Algaecides for prevention or treatment

• Clarifiers to help with filtration

• Stabilisers (cyanuric acid) to protect chlorine from sunlight

Tips for the True Blue Aussie Pool Owner

• Never mix chemicals directly—always add them to the pool water separately with circulation running.

• Wait at least 30 minutes between adding different chemicals.

• Add chemicals in the evening when possible—our harsh sun will burn off chlorine quickly during the day.

• Regularly brush and vacuum your pool to help the chemicals work effectively.

• Adjust your routine seasonally—our summers require more frequent chemical monitoring than winter months.

When Things Go Pear-Shaped

If your water turns cloudy or green, don't panic! It typically follows this rescue sequence:

1. Test water thoroughly

2. Shock the pool with chlorine

3. Balance pH and alkalinity

4. Add algaecide if necessary

5. Filter continuously until clear

At Algaefree Australia, we understand the importance of maintaining the perfect balance in your pool to ensure it remains a pristine oasis all summer long. Our range of high-quality chemicals and expert advice can assist you in keeping your pool algae-free and shimmering. Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve and maintain the ideal water chemistry for your pool.