Don’t Mix It Up! The Right Order to Add Pool Chemicals

Maintaining a sparkling clean and safe swimming pool starts with understanding how and when to add pool chemicals. Adding them in the wrong order can lead to cloudy water, chemical imbalances, or even dangerous reactions. If you're new to pool care—or just want a refresher—this guide will walk you through the correct order to add your chemicals for the best results.

Step 1: Test Your Water

Before adding anything, always test your water using test strips or a liquid testing kit. You’ll want to check:

• pH level

• Alkalinity

• Chlorine or sanitizer level

• Calcium hardness

• Stabilizer (cyanuric acid)

This gives you a baseline to know what adjustments are needed.

Step 2: Adjust Total Alkalinity

Start with total alkalinity, because it acts as a buffer for pH. If it’s too low, your pH levels will fluctuate wildly. Aim for:

• 80–120 ppm for most pools

If it’s low, add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). If it’s too high, use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.

Step 3: Balance pH

Once alkalinity is within range, adjust the pH. Ideal pH is:

• 7.2 to 7.6

• If it’s too low (acidic): Add soda ash (sodium carbonate)

• If it’s too high (basic): Add muriatic acid or pH reducer

Step 4: Adjust Calcium Hardness (if needed)

Calcium hardness isn’t something you adjust weekly, but it’s important. Too low, and your water becomes corrosive. Too high, and scale can form.

• Ideal range: 200–400 ppm

• Use calcium chloride to increase if necessary

Step 5: Add Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid)

Stabilizer protects chlorine from breaking down under the sun. Add this before your sanitizer, especially for new pool water.

• Target level: 30–50 ppm for chlorine pools

Note: This dissolves slowly—add it through the skimmer or in a sock in the skimmer basket (per label instructions).

Step 6: Sanitize with Chlorine or Bromine

Now it’s time to add your sanitizer. This keeps the water free of harmful bacteria and algae.

• Free chlorine level: 1–3 ppm

• Bromine level: 3–5 ppm

Use liquid chlorine, chlorine tablets, or granular chlorine. Make sure stabilizer levels are correct first, or the chlorine will degrade quickly.

Step 7: Shock the Pool (as needed)

Pool shocking involves adding a high dose of chlorine to clear cloudy water or kill algae and bacteria.

• Shock weekly or after heavy use/rain

• Use after dark for best results

• Follow label instructions for dosage

Step 8: Add Algaecide, Clarifier, or Specialty Chemicals

Only add these after your basic chemistry is balanced and chlorine has been circulating for a few hours.

• Algaecide: Prevents algae growth

• Clarifier: Helps filter trap fine particles

• Enzymes or metal removers: Optional, based on your pool’s needs

Helpful Tips:

• Always add chemicals one at a time, never mix them

• Run your filter pump while adding and for several hours after

• Wait at least 4–6 hours (or per label instructions) before swimming

In Summary: The Right Order to Add Pool Chemicals

1. Test the water

2. Adjust Total Alkalinity

3. Adjust pH

4. Adjust Calcium Hardness (if needed)

5. Add Stabilizer

6. Add Chlorine/Sanitizer

7. Shock the Pool (if needed)

8. Add Algaecide or Clarifier (optional)

A little chemistry goes a long way in pool care. Stick to this order, monitor your levels weekly, and your water will stay safe, sparkling, and swim-ready all season long. 

At All American Recreation, we have the most knowledgeable and experienced team ready to help with all your pool chemical care needs. Whether you’re balancing your pool water for the first time or troubleshooting ongoing issues, our experts provide trusted guidance every step of the way.

We offer a full selection of pool chemicals, water testing kits, chlorine, algaecides, and more—everything you need to keep your pool safe, clean, and crystal clear throughout the swimming season.

Visit us in-store or call us today for personalized pool care advice from your local Minnesota pool experts!