Whether the water in your pool is from a municipal source or a well, each situation presents its own unique challenges. However, well water, due to its untreated state, requires additional maintenance as compared to the city water, which comes filtered by the municipal water plants.
Anyway, treating a pool filled with well water is not a problem if you know the specific challenges associated with it and the appropriate treatment methods.
So let’s figure out how to go about this situation!
Test the Water Before Filling The Pool
Well water usually has higher contents of metals as well as minerals such as iron or calcium in contrast to city water. Therefore, it is a good idea to test the water before filling in your pool as it allows you to take a proactive approach, determine the type of filter required, and also minimize the need for corrective measures later on.
If you’ve already filled your pool with well water, feel free to jump to the next section. But if you’re getting set to pour that well water into your pool, here’s what you should do:
- Take a bucket full of well water and add biocide to it, as per the instructions on the label.
- Allow the water to sit for at least 10 minutes. The development of a brown or greenish tint in the water indicates the presence of high ion levels.
- In this case, you must proceed with a sand filter in your pool as the regular cartridge filter won’t be able to get rid of the metal ions efficiently.
Treating A Pool Filled With Well Water – 3 Things To Do
Here’s how to treat a pool filled with well water and ensure that your pool water has balanced water parameters, is free from contaminants, and safe for swimming:
Get A Water Test Kit
Purchase a reliable pool water testing kit as testing the water parameters will help you devise a treatment plan for the well water. Look for a kit that tests all necessary water parameters like this 8-in-1 FAS-DPD Test Kit, which tests pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, free and combined chlorine, and cyanuric acid. Additionally, use a reliable test strip to find out the presence of metals in the well water.
Treat According To Test Results – How To
Understanding the test results can help you apply targeted strategies for addressing the particular issues in your pool water. So once you have the test results in hand, you can proceed by implementing the solutions below, depending on your particular well water quality situation.
High Metal Content
Well water often comes loaded with high contents of iron and copper, the presence of which can cause staining on the pool surface. If the well water in your pool tests for high amounts of metal, use a good metal eliminator to get rid of the metal ions and prevent stains on the pool surface.
Imbalanced pH
A recommended pH level for the pool water falls within a range of 7.2 to 7.8. If the pH level of the well water in your pool is off, use a good quality pH increaser or decreaser, as per the requirement of the situation.
High Mineral Amount
Minerals in the city water are often filtered out by the city water plants, but well water comes with an excess amount of minerals that can create trouble in balancing and sanitizing the pool.
The presence of high mineral content makes the water hard. If your well water tests for a high mineral amount, which it will, go ahead and use water softener salt to mitigate the effects of excessive mineral content. However, you can also consider installing a water filter system as a long term solution.
Regular Maintenance Requirements
Once you’ve achieved optimal water chemistry and quality in your pool, it is important to continue with consistent maintenance practices to maintain water balance.
Pool Shock Treatment
Shocking the pool regularly helps prevent bacteria and algae growth, promotes oxidation of contaminants, and keeps the pool sanitized between chlorination sessions. Here’s how you can shock your pool:
- Pick a shock treatment suitable according to your pool requirements.
- Based on the pool size, calculate the dosage of the shock treatment by following the product instructions.
- Add the treatment to the pool water and let it dissipate evenly overnight by running the pool pump and filtration system for 4-6 hours.
- After shocking, wait for 12 to 24 hours before you dive back into the pool.
- Consider shocking your pool regularly after every 2 weeks, especially if it’s used heavily.
Chlorination
Chlorination also serves to disinfect the pool and ensures safe water quality for swimming. Depending on your preferences and pool requirements, you can use chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or a salt chlorine generator for regular production of chlorine in the pool.
In contrast to shocking, which is an intensive and periodic treatment, chlorination is a mild pool maintenance method that must be done on a regular basis to keep your pool filled with well water clean and safe.
Recommended Salt Chlorine Generators
Frequently Asked Questions
What Chemicals To Put In Pool With Well Water?
Well water typically contains high amounts of metals and minerals, which makes it an unsuitable choice for swimming pools, as is. To treat a pool filled with well water, you’ll first have to invest in a comprehensive test kit to determine the water condition and then, proceed by adding the required chemicals, such as metals sequestrants, pH balancers, water softeners, chlorine, or other alternative sanitizers.
How Much Chlorine Do I Add To My Well Pool?
The amount of chlorine for a well water pool or any pool for that matter is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on various factors, including your pool size, current chlorine levels, and the specific product you’re using. So determine the requirements of your pool and then calculate the chlorine dosage required for it.
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