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.