The Sniper Approach
Pool care is chemistry, not cooking. You should never "dump" chemicals based on a guess. The Chemical Dosage Calculator ensures you add the precise amount to hit your target.
Measure Twice, Pour Once
Adding too much acid crashes your pH, which can destroy your heater in days. Adding too much calcium turns your pool cloudy. Always calculate efficiently.
The "Shock" Myth
"Shock" is a verb, not a noun. It means raising chlorine to 10x the level of Combined Chlorine (CC) to burn off contaminants. A 1lb bag might not be enough "Shock" for your size pool.
Muriatic Acid is dangerous.
1. Always wear glasses/gloves.
2. Pour it in front of a return jet (where water shoots out) to mix it instantly.
3. Never pour it all in one spot (this can stain the plaster).
4. Never store Acid near Chlorine (they create mustard gas if fumes mix).