Pool MaintenanceProducts

Best Pool Chemicals

Anyone who has never owned a pool doesn’t quite understand all of the chemicals that are required to keep the pool clean and in good swimming conditions. Some chemicals maintain the pool’s pH level, their alkalinity level, and their calcium level. And of course, some chemicals are used to kill off algae and bacteria. If any of these are off, then the pool isn’t going to be correctly balanced and won’t be optimal for swimming.

As can be seen, it can seem like quite a chore maintaining a pool, but in reality, it’s not all that difficult. The hardest part of the entire process is deciding on which chemicals are the best for your particular pool setup. Although we can’t give specific advice to our readers, we can recommend the best pool chemicals so our readers can decide for themselves what they need and how they need to apply it.

Quick Summary of Best Pool Chemicals

 Best Overall 
In The Swim Super Start-Up Kit  (review)
 Best Shock Treatment 
Clorox Pool & Spa Xtra Blue Pool Shock  (review)
 Best Pool Clarifier 
HTH Super Clarifier Pool Cleaner  (review)
 Best Pool Algaecide 
HTH Super Algae Guard 4-In-1 Algaecide  (review)
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Reviews

Best Overall: In The Swim Super Start-Up Kit

Since we spent quite a bit of our time searching for the best pool chemicals, we feel like we’re experts on the subject. We also feel like we’ve found one of the best pool maintenance kits that are currently available in this kit called the In The Swim Super Pool Opening Start-Up Kit. This kit is designed to provide the pool owner with everything they need to get their pool up and running at the beginning of the swim season. This is a kit that’s capable of treating up to 30,000 gallons of pool water and keeps all of the chemicals the pool owner needs within reach.

The first thing that people will find in this kit is a stain, rust, and scale remover. This product is designed to remove the mineral stains that can be caused by magnesium, iron, and copper. It also helps to reduce scale buildup around the waterline and in the pool’s plumbing. The next thing that the consumer will find is a chlorine shock that gives the pool a quick hit of chlorine at the start of the season or for regular maintenance.

Another chemical found in this kit is a clarifier, which helps to coagulate oil and dirt so the filter can remove it, and a sun sorb designed to remove organic components such as body oil from the water. Other products found in this all-in-one kit include an algaecide, four-way test strips, and complete instructions. It being a complete kit that gathers a wide variety of pool chemicals under one umbrella is why we’ve chosen this as the best overall product.

PROS:

  • Contains all the chemicals needed for pool opening.
CONS:

  • None.

Best Shock Treatment: Clorox Pool & Spa Xtra Blue Pool Shock

Another chemical that pool owners are more than familiar with using is pool shock. It’s a product that not only needs to be used before a pool is opened up for the swim season but is also a product that has to be used every week to keep the pool’s water in good condition. Although there are a ton of different shock products manufactured by different companies, one of the best pool shocks that we’ve ever tried was this one from Clorox. Clorox Shock XtraBlue is a 6-in-1 product that does a good job of keeping a pool in good swimming conditions.

This multifunctional pool chemical uses special crystals that dissolve quickly and take the fight to algae. It’s a product that will kill and prevent the growth of a variety of different types of algae, including black, green, and mustard algae. This product will also kill bacteria and destroys contaminants that lead to cloudy, dull water. As a result, the water not only looks better after using this product, but the filter will also work better. And because this is a fast-dissolving product, the pool will be ready for swimmers in as little as 15-minutes.

PROS:

  • It destroys algae quickly.
  • The pool is ready in as little as 15-minutes.
  • This is a 6-in-1 formula that’s good for pool maintenance.
CONS:

  • None.

Best Pool Clarifier: HTH Super Clarifier Pool Cleaner

Another pool chemical that we found to be essential as this one from HTH. This product is a super clarifier that’s applied directly to the pool’s water or its skimmer and is used after the pool has been shocked and/or treated with an algaecide. This product is designed to be safe for all pool surfaces and can even be used in salt water pool systems. It’s a product that works quickly to restore the water’s clarity, so the pool owner doesn’t have to worry about having a cloudy or hazy pool during their summer swim season.

One of the things that we like about this product was that it didn’t affect the pool’s pH levels. It also increased a filter’s efficiency and ability to remove organic debris and dead algae, which is why it’s the best product to apply after the pool is treated with an algaecide or shocked. Best of all, this product is one of the easiest pool chemical products to use. All the consumer has to do is follow its directions, dilute the chemical into the pool water appropriately and then vacuum the pool 8-hours after applying the product. If they do that, then they’ll end up with crystal-clear water everyone will want to swim in.

PROS:

  • Restores a pool to its crystal-clear condition.
  • It’s an easy-to-use and effective clarifying product.
CONS:

  • None.

Best Pool Algaecide: HTH Super Algae Guard 4-In-1 Algaecide

Any pool owner who has been looking for pool chemicals that are capable of quickly destroying algae in their water is going to want to take a closeup look at this algaecide from HTH. This 4-in-1 product is capable of eliminating all common forms of pool algae, including black, green, and mustard varieties. This is a non-foaming formula that gets to work quickly and eliminates algae from the pool without the consumer having to put in a ton of work. This is a product that also dissolves quickly and allows the pool to be used quickly after it’s been applied.

This product is compatible with all pool types, including salt water pool systems and vinyl-lined pools. It’s also a product that’s easy to use. All the consumer has to do is follow the directions found on this product’s package, and then wait for 15-minutes before they use their pool. It’s a concentrated formula in which 4-ounces is capable of working in up to 10,000 gallons of water. Using this product regularly, along with regular pool brushings to remove algae spores, will ensure that the pool remains free of algae all summer long.

PROS:

  • It does a great job of destroying pool algae.
  • This product works quickly.
CONS:

  • None.

Pool Chemicals Guide

When it comes to owning a swimming pool, not everyone is prepared for the maintenance. Beyond the vacuuming and making sure the pumps and filters are in good working order, you also need to use the best pool chemicals. This can be tricky as you need to get it right to ensure the water is clean and hygienic, but also not overflowing with chlorine.

To help make this purchase easier, we have created the following buyer’s guide. By the end of it, you’ll know exactly what you need to keep your pool looking its best.

What To Look For In Pool Chemicals

Easy To Use

Some pool chemicals come with exact measurements ready for you to tip into your pool whilst others are in tablet form. These are particularly easy when you know how many you need, there is no. measuring at all.

Whatever brand you go for, make sure the instructions are simple so you don’t overdo things.

Long-Lasting Effect

You don’t want to be playing around with pool chemicals every other day so look for a product that works but also lasts. Most products are fine to use weekly although in peak summer when more UV rays are causing the chemicals to evaporate, you might need to apply more frequently.

Materials

Because different products are made for different results, it is important to know which is best for your need. Some pool shocks contain potassium peroxymonosulfate, an oxidizing agent to treat the water whilst others use chlorine and other chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate that helps to raise them up the alkalinity.

Sodium bisulfate is used to lower the pH and alkalinity should it creep into the high side.

Value

There is often a good deal to be found int he larger containers. Whether you are purchasing a powder or a tablet, it is good to have an ample supply. It’s not always easy to find the brand you want so to stop yourself from having to go searching for it, and to enjoy the benefits of added value, it can be good to purchase a larger container.

Shelf Life

As with all products in this niche, pool chemicals have a certain shelf life. When they go beyond the recommended usage date, they will not be as effective. Make sure you know how long you have from a brand so you don’t end up wasting product.

Most pool chemical products tend to last up to around 5 years.

Brand

Certain companies are known for making. quality products and there are certainly some brands to avoid. A good way of telling which is going to be worth using as by checking reviews and recommended products such as the ones above.

Why Use Pool Chemicals?

An essential part of pool ownership, pool chemicals serve different purposes. Some are designed to shock the pool after long periods of not being used. This is when the water needs a more intense clean so only certain products will suffice.

Then, there are products that are for continual use. When you use pool chemicals throughout the year, it will stop you from having to use a pool shock and they should be used even in the colder months when you’re not using the pool.

The pH levels need to be optimal of you will be faced with cloudy water. This can ensure the water is safe and does not irritate the skin.

Whatever type you need, they are all designed to rid the pool of algae. Even when you can’t see it, algae can start to build subtly until it spreads rapidly.

Different Types of Pool Chemicals

Shock

If you haven’t cleaned your pool regularly or covered it in the cold season, t is a good idea to use one of these to get the water in better condition beofre you consider using it again.

pH Balance

These are either going to increase or decrease the pH level depending on what product you buy. These are useful when you need to get the right balance and improve the clarity of the water.

It is good to have these to hand as your pH levels are going to fluctuate throughout the year.

Stain and Scale Prevention

As the name suggests, these are good for removing stubborn stains. If you have cleared the likes of black algae, you may be left with some remnants that need to be removed.

Cyanuric Acid

Working as a stabilizer, these help to improve the effectiveness of the chlorine in the water and ensure the water stays cleaner for longer.

Chlorine Tablets

A popular pool chemical, these are used to maintain the hygiene of the water throughout the year. When used consistently, there is less need to use a pool shock as it kills bacteria.

Clarifiers

These are self-explanatory. When the water is cloudy, these products help to maintain the right chemical balance required for clear water.

Algaecides

It is easy to spot build up algae and although the wsater might show small signs of it that can be removed with other chemicals, there often comes a time when only an algaecide will do. Because there are different colors and types of algae, these products differ.

How To Maintain A Pool

A pool chemical mix is one part of keeping the water clean and safe. Without the other key things to remember, you will struggle to get clarity even when using a pool chemical product.

To ensure your water is in the best possible condition, make sure the pumps are running for at least 8 hours a day. Also, it can be a good idea to rinse out any filters and replace broken parts before the signs of neglect start to show.

Regularly vacuum and use a net to get rid of any larger pieces of debris. Algae love to cling onto sticks and leaves so the sooner you remove them, the better.

Every now and then, check that all the parts of your pool are working, from the jets to the filter system.

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