text: in what steps do you add chemicals to a new pool and how lomg do you wait to go swimming agian?   not much info given so my answer will be short. you say new pool water, so i assume no chemicals have been put in. go to your local pool store with a sample of your water. they will give you directions as to the amount and what to put in. tell them it's newly filled and what type of sanitizer you will be using.they will give you stabilizer, shock and sanitizer at the very least. follow their directions as to what and how much  to add. while you are there, ask if they have a pool care guide you can have. some chemical manufactureres distibute these with their products. it shouldn't cost you anything.  as a general rule the only chemical added to a pool that requires a wait time, is chlorine shock. it's always a good idea to shock at dusk. two reasons: 1/ more bang for your buck as ultra violet light doesn't break down the shock until morning. 2/ the kids are done swimming for the day and no one will be using the pool.  if you must shock during the day, wait at least 4 hours on a sunny day, before jumping in again.