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.
