Which Chemicals Do You Need To OPEN A POOL? | Swim University

It's pool opening time! And that means adding a dose of pool opening chemicals. Adding the right chemicals now means preventing algae and cloudy pool water later. Luckily, all the pool chemicals you need are the same ones you’ll need for regular pool maintenance throughout the year. So here’s what you need to know about pool opening chemicals and how to add them.

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Opening Pool Chemicals
00:29 - Pool Opening Steps Before Adding Chemicals
01:07 - Test Your Pool Water
01:40 - What Chemical Levels To Test For
02:28 - Adding The Right Pool Opening Chemicals
03:17 - The Right Order To Add Chemicals

Swim University has made swimming pool and hot tub care easy for more than 10 million homeowners. And each year, we continue to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. We know taking care of a swimming pool or spa can be difficult. And it’s hard to find a trusted source of information. We get it! This is the reason we created Swim University.

[SwimUniversity]

We hope this helps you with your pool opening chemicals! And if you want more pool maintenance help, get the free Pool Care Cheat Sheet at

[rickkanski]

Darn i didn't know you are suppose to take the cover off first...i been throwing all the chemicals on the top of the cover...no wonder they are not working LOL

[rldabomb]

this the only video i found that tell you what to do in order.. thanks

[Jorgemartinez-qoyq]

First time pool owner. Your videos are so helpful. Thank you..

[CanadainChickie]

You need to do a video for chemicals for easy set pools and opening chemicals easy set pools. I have yet to find a useful video for this exact thing

[michaelmutti]

Followed this last year, worked perfectly. I never had the order of chemicals correct causing a lot of extra work

[tinaconnan]

Just drained my pool because of frogs laying eggs and when I brush the pool there is white debris that I cannot get rid of with chemicals. Once I clean the bottom of the pool of whatever is there, will I be able to just start it up the way you suggest in the video? Also how do I keep frogs out of the pool??

[DavidPolanco]

I learn something each and every time I watch SU's videos! Thanks SU Team!

[carrieparrett]

How long do you wait in between chemicals??? Help!

[jasonwilliams]

Best video I’ve found, thanks for posting

[jmramirez]

Just finished filling up my pool. After I test the levels and poured in my shock, do I have to wait to drop a chlorine tablet in?

[adhventured]

Great and easy instructions! Question: I have been given superblue algaecide (copper sulphite pentahydrate) and told to add it to the pool upon opening it and after balancing the water. Is this useful in any way and would it help with the balancing and sanitising? I have a 4600gallon intex pool which is in the sun for most of the day.

[deliciarojas]

quisiera la informacion en espanol de que quimicos necesito echar despues de abrir mi piscina por favor.

[mannyacosta]

With your explanation, I think it’s better to higher a scientist

[Martinigirl]

First time pool owner and I screwed up opening my pool. I bought a start up kit and followed their directions. My water was not balanced before I shocked it. How do I start over?

[Sarahhh]

Does this apply to above ground pools?! Mine isnt a intex pool but the aluminum wall kind. It's salt water friendly as well

[sipoppy]

How long wait between adding chemicals before adding next chemical?

[zacho]

Hey I'm thinking about starting a pool cleaning business over the summer. I'd plan to have a job set up as a backup, but do you think the overhead costs will be super high that it wouldn't be worth it?? I've been watching these videos and really think I could handle the cleaning and maintenance aspects, but don't want to invest so much and come in way too far over my head. Thanks for the help!

[donnakincaid]

what's the difference between bromine tablets and chlorine tablets? How often do your place the tablets?

[antoniopacheco]

I have an above ground pool with a pool fence installed. What’s the easiest way to remove the winter cover off. Please help.