How to Fill a New Pool

Filling a pool may take an entire day.

Whether you just had a new above or below ground pool installed, or are opening your existing pool for the season, you will have to fill it with new water. Filling a pool is an easy process that simply involves water from your garden hose. Once you fill the pool, you must test the pH to make sure the pool is safe for swimming.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• pH test kit
• Pool chemicals

Instructions

1. Call your local water department to check on any existing guidelines about how much water you can use at one time to fill your pool. Some localities may charge you extra for water used to fill a pool.

2. Lay your garden hose in the empty pool and turn on the water. Leave the hose running until the water level reaches the fill line of the pool. Turn off the water.

3. Use a pool pH test kit to analyze the water. Add any necessary chemicals to balance the pH of your pool. If you are unsure what chemicals to use, which will vary with your water and the type of pool, consult your pool manufacturer.

4. Add any sanitizing chemicals, such as chlorine, as instructed by the pool's manufacturer.

5. Turn on your pool pump and filter.

Tips & Warnings

• While rainwater collection is not practical for filling an empty pool, you can use collected rainwater to maintain the water level as you lose water to evaporation and splashes.

References

• Sierra Club: Facts 3
• City of Fitchburg: Filling a Swimming Pool
• Improve My Home: Filling a swimming pool with water