What chemicals do you need to clean a pool?
The main categories of pool chemicals include sanitizers, oxidizers, water balancers, and specialty chemicals. Sanitizers (like chlorine and bromine) disinfect pool water. Oxidizers are a second type of sanitizing chemical meant to kill bacteria and algae. Water balancers keep the pH (acidity) level of the water in the correct place, as well as maintain the proper “hardness” — that is, levels of calcium and other elements. Other specialty chemicals include clarifiers, flocculant, algaecides and more.
If you don’t know how to properly use pool cleaning chemicals, consider hiring a professional pool cleaner to help you maintain your pool.
For more helpful tips, read our easy pool maintenance guide.
What is the best way to clean your pool?
The best way to clean your pool is to hire a professional for regular service. Oftentimes, signing up for regular, ongoing services will drop the per-visit cost significantly.
Basic pool cleaning services will include skimming off debris, leaves and other materials that have made it into the pool. It will also likely include cleaning the pool’s walls, vacuuming debris from the bottom and making sure the pump and filter are in good shape. A pool cleaner can also test the water and add chemicals as needed.
For more helpful tips, read our easy pool maintenance guide.