Must-Have Swimming Pool Supplies

Practicing proper pool maintenance isn’t possible without having the tools to do so. However, this does not mean you should buy all the pool supplies you can fit into your cart. Make sure you know which ones are truly necessary. Here are the pool supplies you need to keep your pool clean and safe:

Water Test Strips

Water test strips are a hugely important part of pool maintenance. You should test you water at least once a week as it will inform you when you need to add chemicals to prevent bacteria and algae from taking over. Test strips will help you keep track of free chlorine, total chlorine, bromine, total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, and cyanuric acid. Simply hold the strip underwater for a few seconds, then compare it to the color graduation scale. It is also a good idea to get your water tested by professionals at least once a month.

Algae Brush

If you end up with some serious pool algae, the first thing to do is scrub. An algae brush with stainless steel bristles will break down the algae from your pool’s walls, steps, etc. Keep in mind that stainless steel algae brushes are best for concrete or gunite pools. If you have a vinyl liner, stick with a regular nylon bristle brush.

Filter Cleaner

The cleanliness of your pool water directly relates to how well the filter functions. Dirt buildup, however, is inevitable when you own a pool. A small amount of dirt may not be harmful in some cases, as it can act as an additional filtration layer for small particles. When it is time to clean the filter, having filter cleaner on hand will help prevent cloudy water, remove residue, and improve the overall efficiency of your filter. Check your pressure gauge and water clarity to decide when your filter needs to be cleaned. 

Pool Cover

Utilizing a pool cover will keep debris out of your pool and save you a lot of time and energy when it comes to cleaning your pool. When closing your pool for the offseason, you add lots of chemicals to keep the water clean and prevent bacteria and algae from sneaking in. A pool cover will reduce the chance of water contamination from occurring. When you reopen your pool for warmer weather, you will have a much easier time.

Pool Shock

Pool shock is one of the most important chemicals you can keep on hand. When you can start to smell your pool’s water, it is time to shock it. Your pool should not have a smell at all, and if it does, it means that the sanitizer level is too low. Shocking the pool will kill bacteria, bring sanitizer levels to where they need to be, and keep the water clean. Shock your water once a week or once every other week. The more often your pool is used, the more you will need to shock it.

Rising Sun Pools & Spas

For over 46 years, we’ve been the pool builders of choice for home and business owners in North Carolina. No pool company has more customers, more experience or more expertise than Rising Sun Pools. There’s no pool construction, design or renovation project that we haven’t encountered (and solved)! Contact us today!