Must-Haves When Buying Swimming Pool Supplies Online

Whether it’s the family’s first pool or they’ve had the pleasure for years, it’s important to have the right tools, supplies, and astral pool parts to properly maintain and clean that little piece of paradise. Determining which supplies are needed, however, can be difficult. Before going to the store or buying swimming pool supplies online, be sure to consider this list. Not only will the family save money, but they’ll also learn how to give the pool the professional-level care it deserves.

Water Testing Strips

We can’t stress how crucial water testing is for proper pool maintenance. In most cases, water should be tested once per week. With regular testing, an owner will know when to add more chemicals or buy pool supplies that prevent algae and bacteria from multiplying.

While most pool supply stores test water, not everyone has time to make a separate trip. Test strips aren’t as accurate as the liquid testing kits the pros use, but they’re easy to use and they cover important levels such as total chlorine, free chlorine, bromine, alkalinity, hardness, cyanuric acid, and pH. Simply hold the strip in the water for several seconds and compare it to the color scale for an approximate reading.

Pool Shock

If not for certain chemicals, a backyard pool quickly becomes a storehouse for oil, skin cells, and microbes. And, of all the cheap pool supplies to buy, shock is one of the most crucial to keep on hand. When the pool starts to smell a little ‘off’, it’s time for a shock treatment. A properly balanced pool’s water should have no smell at all; if there’s a noticeable chemical odor, sanitizer levels are too low to do their job. With pool shock, it’s easy to bring those levels back up to normal, kill germs, address minor algae problems, and keep the water clean.

An Algae Brush

On the subject of algae, this swimming pool scourge requires special tools and care. When dealing with a severe pool algae problem, removing it from the pool’s surfaces is the first step. Algae brushes have steel bristles that quickly remove algae from steps, walls, and other places. These are best for granite or concrete pools; for vinyl-lined pools, it’s best to go with a nylon bristle brush.

A Manual Vacuum

Like the algae brush mentioned above, a manual pool vacuum is a valuable tool in the event of an algae bloom. Once the algae have been removed from the pool, it has to be removed from the water, and vacuuming is the quickest way to do it. A vacuum bypasses the pool’s filtration system, which makes it useful when dealing with windblown debris. While automatic cleaners save time and effort, they don’t always get those hard-to-reach spots. When buying wholesale pool supplies, adding a manual vacuum to the list will help spot-clean areas before they become major problems.

Multipurpose Cleaner

Sunlight, warm water, and body oils are conducive to the growth of algae. While proper water chemistry helps keep contaminants under control, regular cleanings are essential. By keeping a mild cleaner on the list when buying swimming pool supplies online, owners can keep things in good shape in between deep cleanings.

A Pool Cover

For those who don’t like using pool skimmers, a pool cover is a necessity. Covers keep all sorts of debris out of the pool, and they help owners save time, money, and frustration. When closing the pool for the season, add a substantial amount of chemicals to maintain water clarity and prevent algae and bacterial growth. A well-designed pool cover reduces the likelihood of water contamination and protects the pool until it’s reopened.

It’s Time to Get Started

Most pool stores recommend a variety of supplies to first-time pool owners, and experienced owners often find certain things they just can’t live without. Everyone handles pool care in their own way, and all those minor adjustments are done with one goal in mind: a clean, safe, and sanitary pool. Most owners steadily add to their stock as they buy swimming pool supplies online, and they gain experience with time. However, these essentials will help beginners keep their pools clean while getting the most value and enjoyment from their investment.