It’s the only hesitation you had about having your own swimming pool: what pool chemicals do I need, how much of each, and how to regulate them? 

It’s an important topic because if there are mistakes with the chemicals, you will face bacteria growth, smelly and discolored water, algae blooms, and negative health issues. Fixing these problems takes time, so no one can swim until these issues are resolved.

Here’s the good news: learning everything you need to know about essential pool chemicals isn’t difficult. In this article, we will provide a broad overview of essential chemicals so you will be confident that you are doing the best you can for the safety of your family and friends.

Pool Chemicals DO Matter

Once you assemble all the necessary pool chemicals you need, it may seem like a lot! You will need a variety of things, from sanitizers to shock. Don’t be overwhelmed, though. Each chemical is important to properly maintain the pool and to keep everyone healthy and safe as they enjoy it. 

Here are some specific reasons to maintain the proper chemical levels in your swimming pool:

– Certain chemicals are extremely effective at killing bacteria that cause illnesses like diarrhea, swimmer’s ear, and skin infections. 

– Chemicals help balance the water’s pH and other elements and prevent cloudy water, algae, and corrosion.

– Chemicals help keep dirt and oils out of the pool and make filtration more effective. 

Products that work to eliminate these issues are antimicrobial pesticides and they require an EPA registration number to be sold. These products are used to:

– Kill algae.

– Kill bacteria.

– Eliminate organic waste.

– Raise the “free chlorine” level to sanitize and kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Other non-pesticide products are not regulated so they don’t kill germs. But they are used to:

– Eliminate odors.

– Restore water clarity.

– Shock non-living matter.

These are the reasons and types of products you will use to keep your swimming pool clean and safe for swimmers!

So, What Are the Essential Chemicals to Keep My Pool Safe?

Here is an overview of the pool chemicals you will need on a regular basis:

Chlorine

Chlorine is the most recognized chemical in caring for swimming pools. It controls the growth of bacteria and algae and is available in several forms: liquid, powder, and tablets. Once added to your pool water, chlorine becomes hydrochloric acid that fights bacteria.

You probably can identify the distinctive “pool smell” even if you don’t have your own pool yet. It’s interesting to note that this smell actually indicates a depletion of chlorine. It’s time to add more.

Shock

The process called superchlorination is started when shock is added to the pool. This chemical process oxidizes the inactive chlorine which kills bacteria and sanitiser byproducts. It’s done about once a week, but if your pool is used a great deal, twice a week is often a good move. 

Bromine

Bromine is used instead of chlorine when the water is warmer, such as in a hot tub or a pool with heat pump-warmed water. Warm water has a higher pH alkaline level and bromine is more effective in this case.

Cyanuric Acid

One effect of the sun on the water in a pool is the decomposition of chlorine in the water. You can add cyanuric acid to slow this process down, which then protects the chlorine. But, keep in mind that too much cyanuric acid in the water allows bacteria to grow, so the proper balance of this product is important. 

Calcium Chloride

This product increases the hardness of your pool water. If there isn’t enough calcium, the tile can become stained and metal fixtures will be damaged.

Algaecide

Algaecide is added to the water after the pool has been shocked. As its name describes, this chemical puts up a barrier that stops algae from growing in your pool and keeps it away.

Clarifier

A clarifier traps coagulate particles in the filter. They are made up of several things, including ammonium chloride, enzymes, and crab shell extracts.

Flocculant

Flocculants work like clarifiers, except the particles sink to the bottom of the pool instead of being caught in the filter. This means the filter is turned off while the flocculant works and the bottom of the pool must be thoroughly vacuumed.

Pool Chemicals: An Integral Part of Proper Pool Maintenance

Understanding chemicals presents a learning curve at first, but once you have the array of essential pool chemicals you need, you will quickly become a master at pool cleanliness and safety. It’s an important part of pool maintenance because it keeps bacteria and algae from growing in your pool, keeps the water sparkling clean, and assures the health of all your guests and family members.

You don’t have to guess about pool chemicals. Join Pool School Videos and get the expert knowledge you need to keep your pool crystal clear. Learn exactly what chemicals to use, when to use them, and how much to add. Stop the guesswork and start enjoying your pool.

Mike Steele, the creator of Pool School Videos, shares his knowledge in our 20 online, self-paced DIY pool maintenance videos. The videos provide in-depth, easy-to-follow information on properly taking care of your pool like you won’t find anywhere else.

You will save both time and money, giving you more time to actually enjoy your pool instead of spending a ton of time maintaining it. Once purchased, you own the videos, so you can watch them as many times as necessary.

With your Pool School Videos purchase, you also become a member of our private Facebook group. This is where you can request customized guidance by posting specific questions that you have. You will receive a personal response within 24 hours!

Get started on Pool School Videos today!