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Stock Up On Pool Supplies With This Helpful Checklist

With warmer weather just around the corner, spring is the ideal time to stock up on your pool supplies. Start by making a list of the chemicals and supplies you’ll need to keep your pool clean and head over to your local pool supply store to make your purchases. Need a little refresher course on what to buy? Our handy list will ensure you and your pool are ready for summer.

1. A Pool Opening Kit

Purchasing a pool opening kit will save you a lot of time hunting for all the items you need to open your pool for the season. A kit will contain algaecide, a water clarifier, shock and stain remover.

2. Test Strips

It’s a good idea to get your water tested at your local pool supply store whenever you know you’ll be in the neighborhood, but it’s not convenient to do that every week. That’s why you need test strips. You can never have too many.

Weekly testing of your pool’s water will let you know what chemicals you need to keep it clean and algae-free.

3. Pool Chemicals

Alkalinity Increaser and Decreaser

Alkalinity helps to stabilize pH levels and aids in the prevention of scaling and other corrosion.

pH Increaser and Decreaser

Having good pH enables your chlorine or bromine to work more effectively. It also prevents corrosion from forming and keeps scales at bay.

Calcium Hardness Increaser

This chemical keeps the texture of your water nice and silky. The ideal range is between 200-400 parts per million (ppm).

Pool stabilizer

Also known as cyanuric acid, this is the finishing touch on balancing your water. It should be added before sanitization begins. Achieving a level of 30-50 ppm means you won’t need to use as much chlorine.

4. Water Sanitizers

You will need a few items to keep your pool clean and clear. They include:

Chlorine or bromine tablets

Used to sanitize your pool’s water, this is an essential to have on hand. While bromine tablets are easier to use, liquid chlorine is a bit cheaper and is just as effective. If you choose to use chlorine, be sure to purchase protective eye wear and chemical-resistant gloves as well.

Pool shock

Although this comes in your opening kit, you can never have too much pool shock on hand. The average pool needs two pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water, so it’s always a good idea to buy extra.

Pool shock keeps the water clean and free of algae, prevents odors and gets rid of contaminants.

5. Pool Tools

Make sure your pool brush, vacuum and telescoping pole are in good condition and replace any items with a lot of wear and tear.

Gary Pools & Leisure

Our goal at Gary Pools and Leisure is to help you enjoy your pool season to the fullest by providing you high-quality products and expert advice. As the top pool supply store in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, we offer a wide range of products to make your life easier from pool chemicals to robotic pool cleaners.