What is the best pool chemicals to use? - Project Sports
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What is the best pool chemicals to use?

6 min read

Asked by: Jim Bandi

The five best-rated and regarded chemicals to keep your spa or pool clean!

  • #1. In the Swim 3-Inch Chlorine Tablets. …
  • #2. Natural Chemistry Pool Perfect + Phosfree. …
  • #3. Leisure Time Brominating Tablets. …
  • #4. HTH 52019 Super Shock Treatment. …
  • #5. Clorox Pool&Spa XtraBlue 3″ Long Lasting Chlorinating Tablets.

Does it matter what brand pool chemicals you use?

With quality chemicals that really work, you can count on crystal clear, algae-free, clean water. So, to answer the question, “Does it matter where you buy your pool chemicals,” we can say without hesitating, “Absolutely.” Having the right amount and the right kind of chemicals on hand is vital to your pool enjoyment.

What chemicals should I use in my pool?

What Chemicals Do You Need for a Pool?

  • CHLORINE: Probably the best-known pool chemical, chlorine is a sanitiser that keeps algae and bacteria at bay. …
  • SHOCK: …
  • BROMINE: …
  • CYANURIC ACID: …
  • CALCIUM CHLORIDE: …
  • ALGAECIDE: …
  • CLARIFIER: …
  • FLOCCULANT:


What is the most important pool chemical?

Chlorine. The most popular pool sanitizer due to its efficacy and low cost, chlorine sanitizes your pool by oxidizing contaminants. It enters molecules and destroys them from the inside out. Chlorine is effective at killing viruses, bacteria, and algae, and will also help prevent algae from growing in the first place.

What chemicals should I balance first in my pool?

Total Alkalinity

Total Alkalinity (TA) is the first thing you should balance in your pool water. TA refers to the amount of alkaline material in the water. And since alkaline is a pH stabilizer, the number of alkaline substances in water will affect the pH balance. The ideal Total Alkalinity range for pool water is 80 – 120 ppm.

Are all pool chemical brands the same?

Most people think all pool chemicals are the same and it does not matter where you buy them. This is one hundred percent NOT TRUE! Not all chemicals are the same. There is good quality and there is bad quality.

Is there a difference between pool chemicals?

Quality chemicals have higher concentrations of the beneficial ingredients, and there is a difference between high and low-quality chemical options. Fewer fillers and watered-down products mean the chemicals do a better job of keeping your hot tub clean and functional.

Should I adjust chlorine or pH first?

Generally speaking you adjust PH first, chlorine second, and worry about everything else more gradually. However, there are many situations where you can adjust two or more numbers at the same time if the correct combination presents it’s self.

How do I keep the pH balance in my pool?

The basics include:

  1. Always take proper precautions and wear proper Personal Protective Equipment when balancing pH.
  2. Add soda ash if your pool’s pH level is below 7.2. Add Muriatic Acid or Sodium Bisulfate if it’s above 7.8.
  3. Continue to add appropriate product until your water has a pH level of 7.2-7.8 (ideally 7.4-7.6).


Do you adjust pH or alkalinity first?

Check Total Alkalinity (TA) first, then adjust for proper pH range. Proper TA will buffer pH, that is, it will help to prevent pH fluctuations. Use fresh, high quality test strips. Excessively high bromine or chlorine levels can result in false pH and TA readings.

Does Shocking a pool lower alkalinity?

Another cause for high alkalinity can be when you shock the pool. While this is performed to quickly rid the pool of pollutants, chlorine-based pool shock is highly alkaline, and can raise the water’s total alkalinity level in the process.

Does baking soda lower pool alkalinity?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity.

Can I add shock and alkalinity at same time?

Never add chemicals at the same time, whether you’re balancing the water, shocking the pool, or adding a specialty chemical. For most water balance changes, the pump needs to run on the high setting for at least four hours before you can add another chemical or retest the water.

Is algaecide necessary for pool?

Algaecide should be added to your pool water on a weekly basis. Preventing algae is the key to fun in your pool. Algaecides act as a backup to your normal sanitization program and prevent algae from starting and growing in the pool. Algaecide should be added after every shock treatment.

Why does my pool have foam?

Foam in a pool is due to the water being “thick.” This thickness creates bubbles. The bubbles are filled with air that can come from your pool circulation system that return the water back into the pool or even the wind outside. Common causes of foam are: Hair care products – shampoo, gel, hairspray, etc.

What pool chemicals should not be mixed?

Incompatible Pool Chemicals



Mixing of organic chlorinating agents (such as trichloroisocyanuric acid) and inorganic chlorinating agents (such as sodium hypochlorite) can lead to fires, explosions and chlorine gas release.

In what order should I add pool chemicals?


First when you first fill up your pool or you're first beginning your water balance. You need to adjust your total alkalinity following that you need to adjust your pH.

Can you put all pool chemicals in at the same time?

You should not add all pool chemicals at the same time. You should also avoid mixing pool chemicals together. Adding chemicals at one time can cause dangerous chemical reactions and serious injuries. In addition, it will make it difficult to balance the pool.

Can I use pool shock and clarifier at the same time?

It’s not a good idea to use pool shock at the same time as clarifier. Some clarifiers are polymer based and the shock can act to break up the polymer causing the clarifier to be ineffective. It’s best to shock your pool before and wait a day or two before adding clarifier.

What clears cloudy pool water?

Pool clarifier uses your pool filter system to clear up the cloudy water. This is the easiest method for clearing cloudy pool water, but it takes a few days depending on your pool filter system’s power. A pool clarifier works with any filter type and works best with milder cloudy water issues.

What happens if I put too much clarifier in my pool?

Too much clarifier in your pool can cause an adverse reaction where your pool ends up remaining cloudy. If this happens, it’s best to partially drain your pool and top it up with fresh water. You can then filter out the remaining pool clarifier overload, but be careful, too much clarifier will clog your filter.

Will clarifier clear a green pool?

ADD POOL CLARIFIER



The change in your pool water colour means that you have successfully eliminated the algae and can now clean it out of your pool. If your water is still green, wait another 24 hours and redo the steps from Days 1 and 2.

How do I make my pool water crystal clear?

In theory, if you have a cloudy swimming pool, you can add chlorine to “shock it” and clear things up. Chlorine will get the job done. But, the amounts may vary and you may have to really pound the pool with chlorine to get the water totally clear.

Will baking soda clear a green pool?

Will baking soda clear a green pool? No. Baking soda will only raise your alkalinity and pH levels and this will not kill algae.