What pool chemicals should not be mixed?

Incompatible Pool Chemicals

Mixing of organic chlorinating agents (such as trichloroisocyanuric acid) and inorganic chlorinating agents (such as sodium hypochlorite) can lead to fires, explosions and chlorine gas release.

What pool chemicals can I add at the same time?

You can add granular chlorine stabilizer (CYA) to the pool water using the skimmer. Liquid cyanuric acid can be mixed in a bucket of water first and then poured into the pool or skimmer.

Can you add clarifier and shock at the same time?

It's not a good idea to use pool shock at the same time as clarifier. Some clarifiers are polymer based and the shock can act to break up the polymer causing the clarifier to be ineffective. It's best to shock your pool before and wait a day or two before adding clarifier.

Can you mix pool chemical brands?

Whether you prefer liquid chlorine, powdered chlorine, or chlorine tablets, you should never mix the types or brands of chlorine you're using.

Can I shock and algaecide together?

While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.

Don't Mix Pool Chemicals

Can I mix Cal Hypo and Trichlor?

Trichlor and cal hypo are incompatible and combining them can be extremely dangerous. Putting both of these tablets into a feeder could cause a fire, explosion and the release of toxic gases and result in property damage, injuries or even death.

Why did my pool get cloudy after I shocked it?

High doses of chlorine, like pool shock, can cause temporary cloudiness as it kills contaminants. High levels of pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are more likely to cause cloudy water.

What happens if you put too much clarifier in a pool?

Too much clarifier in your pool can cause an adverse reaction where your pool ends up remaining cloudy. If this happens, it's best to partially drain your pool and top it up with fresh water. You can then filter out the remaining pool clarifier overload, but be careful, too much clarifier will clog your filter.

Why is my pool still cloudy after shocking it?

But if the cloudy water persists long after you've shocked the pool, you're likely having an issue with water balance, circulation, or filtration. Heavy use of a calcium based pool shock (cal-hypo) may increase Calcium Hardness over a period of time, increasing your odds of cloudy water.

Do I use shock or algaecide first?

Algaecide should be used after each shock treatment, so it has a better chance to support your chlorine as it works its magic. Be sure to shock your pool first, then when the chlorine levels of your pool return to normal, add the correct amount of algaecide to several places around your pool while your pump is running.

Can you add phosphate remover and shock at the same time?

If there is algae, brush it off of the walls and floor. Clean the filter then shock the pool. After that, add the phosphate remover. Keep in mind that phosphate remover is hard on the filter, and you will notice reduced flow after a day or two.

Do you adjust pH or alkalinity first?

Check Total Alkalinity (TA) first, then adjust for proper pH range. Proper TA will buffer pH, that is, it will help to prevent pH fluctuations. Use fresh, high quality test strips. Excessively high bromine or chlorine levels can result in false pH and TA readings.

Can you add pH and alkalinity at the same time?

To raise pH and Total Alkalinity at the same time, use pH Increaser. Be sure to test for the presence of metals first, and address those issues before adding product to the pool.

Can you add muriatic acid and shock at the same time?

Perhaps most important note of all, never add chlorine and muriatic acid together in the pool. This creates a dangerous toxic gas that can have severe health consequences if inhaled.

Is phosphate remover the same as clarifier?

A: This phosphate remover is a pool clarifier.

Does clarifier raise pH?

Clean Your Filters and Retest Your Water

Some pool clarifiers may increase your pH levels, so use a pH decreaser as needed.

Will baking soda clear a cloudy pool?

Baking soda can work wonders in a pool. Baking soda can: Help to clear cloudy water and restore the sparkle. Spot-treat algae.

What does baking soda do for a pool?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity. Many commercial pool products for raising alkalinity utilize baking soda as their main active ingredient.

What does Borax do for a pool?

Borax acts as an effective pH buffer and helps prevent algae growth in swimming pools. Plus, it will leave your water looking sparkly and feeling soft.

Should I use Trichlor or dichlor?

For daily chlorination and maintaining your free chlorine levels, trichlor is best. It is slow dissolving for sustained chlorination and contains stabilizer. For quick boosts to cyanuric acid (stabilizer) and chlorine, dichlor is best.

Is Trichlor bad for pool?

Trichlor is perfectly safe when used correctly and is an ideal low-maintenance sanitizing solution for the majority of home pools. That said, it's most suitable for pool owners who don't want to bother measuring and proportioning multiple chemicals.

Can you mix Cal Hypo and sodium hypochlorite?

If these are mixed with bleach, it can react with sodium hypochlorite, and form toxic chlorine gas. Even mixing small amounts of these cleaners can result in the production of a volume of chlorine gas, a lung irritant, above safe levels.

What time of day should I shock my pool?

The best time of day to shock your pool is in the evening. This is because the sun's rays can affect the effectiveness of the chlorine by dissolving it too quickly, before it has a chance to rid the pool of contaminants and clean the water.