In The Swim - Pool Opening Chemical Start Up Kit

If you want a simple, no-fuss way to open an above-ground pool and get swim-ready water fast, the In The Swim Basic Opening Chemical Start Up Kit is a smart budget pick. It bundles the core chemicals most owners need at spring start-up — stain prevention, clarifier, shock, algaecide, and test strips — and comes with clear instructions, making it a good fit for DIY pool owners who’d rather buy one kit than track down separate bottles.

What’s in the Basic Start-Up Kit (and what each item does)

The pool opening kit (for pools up to ~7,500 gallons) typically contains:

• Spring Stain Away / Stain & Scale Preventer — protects liner and surfaces from metal staining.

• Clarifier — coagulates small particles so your filter can remove them, clearing cloudy water.

• Di-Zap (99% sodium dichlor shock) — a powerful chlorine shock to kill bacteria and organic contamination after winter.

• Algaecide (non-metallic) — prevents and treats algae growth while water clears.

• Sun-Sorb (skimmer pad) + test strips — oil/lotions absorber and 4-way test strips (free chlorine, pH, alkalinity, CYA) for fast checks.

Those five items are the “critical path” to a clean spring opening: remove stains, clear cloudiness, shock the water, prevent algae, and verify chemical levels. The kit’s pre-measured format helps beginners avoid dosing guesswork.

Why buy the kit vs. buying chemicals separately

• Convenience: Everything needed for a standard opening is in one box — less shopping and fewer mistakes.

• Value: Kits are often priced below the total retail cost of individual bottles and include test strips and Sun-Sorb, items you might otherwise forget. Retail listings and bundles show this is a common value play.

• Instructions included: In The Swim publishes step-by-step dosing instructions for each kit size (basic, deluxe, super), so even first-time openers can follow along.

Step-by-step: How to use the Basic Start-Up Kit (simple)

The official instructions are straightforward — here’s a condensed, practical sequence used by many pool owners:

1. Brush & run filter — remove the cover and debris, run your pump for 10–20 minutes.

2. Add Stain Away: Pour the Spring Stain Away (follow kit dose) and circulate 2 hours.

3. Add Clarifier: Add clarifier and run filter 2 hours to help remove suspended particles.

4. Shock with Di-Zap: Add the full bag of Di-Zap (sodium dichlor) and circulate 2 hours — this oxidizes contaminants and raises free chlorine quickly.

5. Add Algaecide: Dose algaecide and circulate another 2 hours.

6. Place Sun-Sorb in skimmer and test with strips after 24 hours; adjust pH/alkalinity as needed.

   
   

Note: Always follow label safety: add chemicals to water (never water to chemicals), wait the recommended time before swimming, and use gloves/eye protection when handling shock.

Real-world tips & tweaks for better results

• Pre-filter: If your pool is very dirty, vacuum or use a leaf net before adding chemicals — the clearer the water going in, the faster the kit works.

• Don’t mix products: Never dump multiple concentrated products into the skimmer at once. Space additions as the instructions state.

• Test & adjust pH first: If pH or alkalinity are way out of range, correct them before shocking — stable pH improves chlorine effectiveness.

• Use a pool cover and Sun-Sorb after opening to keep oils and debris down and reduce chemical use.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

• One box contains the core start-up chemicals and test strips — great for DIYers and time-poor owners.

• Clear instructions for pools up to 7,500 gal (there are larger kits available).

• Good value vs. buying every product separately (watch for seasonal sales).

  
  

Cons

• Not a full water-balance kit: You may still need pH/alkalinity increasers or calcium hardness products if your levels are off. Several buyers note extra products are commonly required after testing.

• The shock is strong — follow safety steps and re-test before swimming.

Who should buy this kit?

• Above-ground pool owners who want a fast, guided opening without hunting for separate bottles.

• Budget-minded DIYers who prefer predictable dosing and modest upfront cost.

• First-time pool owners who appreciate clear, stepwise instructions.

If you have a very large pool, heavy staining, or metal problems, consider the Deluxe or Super start-up kits (larger volumes and extra shock) or buy targeted treatments in addition to the Basic kit.

Quick FAQ

Q: How long until I can swim after using the kit?

A: Wait until free chlorine is in the safe range (typically 1–3 ppm) and follow the shock product directions — that’s usually 24 hours but check test strips to be sure.

Q: Will the kit fix cloudy water?

A: The clarifier helps cloudiness, and shock removes organic load — together they clear moderate cloudiness; heavy particulate may require vacuuming or extra filter cycles.

Final Thoughts

The In The Swim Basic Opening Chemical Start Up Kit is a convenient, cost-effective way to get your above-ground pool ready for the season. It packages the essential chemicals, supplies clear dosing steps, and is a solid first purchase for budget-minded pool owners who want predictable results without complexity. If you prefer a one-box solution to open your pool this spring, check current pricing by clicking the "Buy Now" button below — and consider the Deluxe kit if your pool is larger than 7,500 gallons!

Buy Now