We are refilling our pool after a complete drain and cleanout wondering if there certain chemicals we should add to city water that is already treated?

When refilling your pool with city water, it's important to add certain chemicals to ensure proper sanitation and water quality. Here are the essential chemicals you should consider adding:

1. Chlorine: Chlorine is a widely-used disinfectant that kills bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms in the water. It's vital for maintaining a clean and safe pool. You can use chlorine tablets, granules, or liquid shock treatments to achieve the desired chlorine levels.

2. pH Balancer: The pH level of your pool water should ideally be between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is too high or too low, it can affect the effectiveness of chlorine and cause skin and eye irritation. pH balancers can be used to adjust the pH level of the water.

3. Calcium Hardness Increaser: Calcium hardness refers to the amount of calcium dissolved in the water. Maintaining proper calcium hardness is important to prevent corrosion of pool equipment and damage to the pool's surface. If the calcium hardness is low, you can add a calcium hardness increaser to adjust it to the recommended level.

4. Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): Cyanuric acid is a chemical stabilizer that helps protect chlorine from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can break down chlorine, making it less effective as a disinfectant. Adding cyanuric acid will help maintain chlorine levels and prevent its rapid degradation.

5. Alkalinity Increaser: Alkalinity is a measure of the water's ability to resist pH changes. Maintaining proper alkalinity levels helps stabilize the pH and prevents it from fluctuating wildly. If the alkalinity is low, you can use an alkalinity increaser to raise it to the desired range.

6. Optional Chemicals: Depending on your specific pool and water conditions, you may consider adding other chemicals, such as algaecides to prevent algae growth, clarifiers to improve water clarity, and stain removers to eliminate any stains or discoloration.

It's important to follow the recommended dosages and instructions for each chemical you add to your pool. It's also advisable to regularly test your pool water to monitor the levels of various chemicals and make adjustments as needed. If you're unsure about the chemical treatment process, it's best to consult with a pool professional or refer to the guidelines provided by your local health department.