People often ask us about the secret to crystal-clear pool water. While we wish there was a magic button that instantly balanced your water chemistry, the truth is that maintaining a sparkling swimming pool comes down to consistent care and the right pool cleaning supplies.
Join us as we cover the best tools, products, and equipment to keep your pool clean all summer long.
Water testing and balancing supplies
Before jumping to heavy-duty corrective applications like algaecides and shock treatments, it’s important to balance your baseline water chemistry. Here are the essentials:
Test kits and strips
Test kits contain various tests that evaluate the levels of certain chemicals in your pool, including:
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pH levels
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Total alkalinity
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Chlorine and bromine
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Calcium hardness
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Cyanuric acid
You’ll find affordable test strips that are particularly easy to use, as well as liquid testing kits, which offer more accurate readings. Most experts recommend testing your water at least once or twice each week during the summer and after heavy rainfall, pool parties, and significant chemical applications.
To get the best results from these supplies, test after cleaning the pool. Rake out debris, empty skimmer baskets, scrub surfaces with a brush, vacuum any debris, and run your pump to filter out any remaining contaminants before using your test kit.
pH increaser and decreaser
For most pools, the ideal pH range is between 7.4 and 7.6. Levels beyond these parameters may put swimmers and equipment at risk.
It’s often necessary to raise pH with sodium carbonate (soda ash) after heavy rains or when sanitizing agents lower the baseline. On the other hand, cloudy water and scale buildup can indicate the need to reduce pH using muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.
Alkalinity increaser
If you notice rapid pH swings, equipment corrosion, surface etching, or skin and eye irritation, you may need to increase your pool’s alkalinity. This is often achieved with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which acts as a buffer and helps stabilize pH.
Sanitizers and shocks
Sanitizers and shock treatments are among the most essential cleaning supplies for your pool, hot tub, or spa. Here’s what you need to maintain sparkling water in your backyard oasis:
Chlorine tablets
Chlorine tablets are a popular choice for many pool owners, as they dissolve slowly and provide a steady stream of chlorine over time. Often placed in floating dispensers, automatic chlorinators, and skimmer baskets, these sanitizing agents offer unbeatable convenience.
Many tablets, such as those from Clorox and other big-name brands, contain a stabilizer, so it’s important to monitor cyanuric acid levels. If readings become too high, you may need to replace some of your pool water to maintain equilibrium.
Chlorine sticks
Larger pools and those with higher sanitizer demands may benefit from chlorine sticks. They’re bigger than tablets and dissolve more slowly, enabling less hands-on maintenance. Look for sticks compatible with your automatic chlorinator for optimal performance, but remember that these products can also raise cyanuric acid levels.
Pool shock
Concentrated pool shock can quickly eliminate contaminants that regular chlorination can’t fully remove. Many people use it to:
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Destroy chloramines
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Kill bacteria and algae
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Remove organic contaminants like sweat, sunscreen, and natural oils
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Restore water clarity
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Improve chlorine efficiency
There are several types of shock, including dichlor, calcium hypochlorite, and non-chlorine options you can use based on your needs and preferences.
Specialty chemicals
Sometimes, your pool may require specialty cleaning supplies in addition to standard sanitizers. Let’s explore two critical products to keep on hand in the event of an algae bloom.
Algaecide
Even with properly balanced water chemistry, it’s possible for algae to gain a foothold in your pool. Algaecides offer a number of benefits, including:
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Helping prevent green, yellow, and black algae growth
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Reducing the likelihood of cloudy water caused by algae
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Supporting existing sanitizing protocols
However, algaecide is not a replacement for regular chlorination, and low sanitizer levels increase the risk of algae blooms. Be sure to use it alongside standard chemical treatments for optimal results.
Phosphate remover
Phosphates are a primary food source for algae, and may enter your pool through:
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Leaves and organic matter
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Lawn fertilizers
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Rainwater runoff
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Dust and pollen
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Swimmer waste and personal products
Specialized phosphate removers bind to these compounds, allowing them to be captured and removed by the filter more effectively.
Shop pool cleaning supplies at GPS Pool Store!
The right pool cleaning supplies are essential for maintaining sparkling, inviting water throughout the summer, but it’s also important to remember the basics. You’ll still need to clean and replace filters, hose down solar covers, and occasionally scrub surfaces by hand to ensure a crystal-clear pool.
GPS Pool Supplies carries the cleaning and maintenance equipment needed to simplify the job. We also offer professional maintenance services if you prefer to outsource the task. Learn more today!