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Maintaining the proper balance of chemicals in your Doughboy® above-ground pool is what makes or breaks your pool ownership experience.
To properly maintain the water quality in an above-ground pool, you will need to apply certain chemicals in the appropriate amounts. Thankfully it’s much easier than it initially sounds! Our experts have put together a handy-dandy guide to ensure that your above-ground pool is all the fun you imagined it would be when you bought it.
1. Chlorine
Chlorine is the most important and common chemical for maintaining the water quality in your pool. It kills bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that can build up in the water. You can use either liquid chlorine or chlorine tablets to sanitize your pool.
While either form of chlorine will do the job, not all chlorine is created equally. Purchasing chlorine from a big box store will ultimately require you to use more as it is produced in such a way that it is less effective.
Please note, Doughboy does not recommend salt systems, and using one will void all warranties. So do not install a salt system as your chlorine sanitizer in your Doughboy pool.
Despite it being a common and affordable chemical, purchasing chlorine from your nearest Doughboy dealer will ensure that you have high-quality chemicals that will truly protect you and your loved ones while enjoying your pool.
2. pH Increaser and Decreaser
It’s important to maintain the pH of your pool water within a certain range, typically between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is too high (alkaline), you can use a pH decreaser to lower it. If the pH is too low (acidic), you can use a pH increaser to raise it.
It is simple to check the pH of your Doughboy above-ground pool using a test strip or water test kit. Most will turn a certain color, and you can compare it to a chart to see where your pH falls.
Your local Doughboy pool dealer will have these in stock, and some dealers may offer professional water testing. You can simply bring a sample of your water in, and they will let you know what’s going on. Call ahead to make sure this is a service offered before going in.
3. Algaecide
Algaecide is a chemical that kills and prevents the growth of algae in your pool. Algae can grow in your pool if the chlorine levels are too low or if the pH is not properly balanced.
Algae is also very common if you live in a place that has high humidity or a lot of rainfall. These things can throw off the balance of your water quickly and easily.
4. Water Clarifier
Water clarifiers work by coagulating small particles in the water, making them larger and easier to filter out. This helps to keep your pool water clear and free of debris.
5. Stabilizer
Stabilizer (a.k.a. cyanuric acid) helps protect the chlorine in your pool from being broken down by the sun’s UV rays.
You can also help your chlorine be more effective by adding in chlorine at night when the sun isn’t out so that it has time to act and dissolve.
6. Shock
Shock is a high dose of chlorine. This is a useful chemical to keep on hand in case of high temperatures, heavy rain, or heavy pool use. It will kill all of the extra bacteria that can accumulate quickly in your pool.
7. Alkalinity Increaser
This chemical can be added to help your pH balance remain stable. If alkalinity is too low, add this to ensure you don’t have any sudden changes in pH.
Remember to always read instructions on your pool chemicals before using them so that you don’t harm yourself or your pool.
Take any questions you have to your nearest Doughboy above-ground pool dealer, and they will be able to further guide you in any questions you may have.
