Pool supplies you should have on hand for pool maintenance.
Building a swimming pool in your backyard continues to be one of the most exciting elements of the American dream. It’s a tradition that has transcended suburbia and made its way into all walks of life.
As a pool owner, there are an endless number of designs and features that you can add such as diving boards, water structures, water slides, underwater seating, and much more. Of course, in order to keep your swimming pool in tip-top shape, there are several types of items you’ll need to pick up once it’s finished. To get you started, we’ve compiled a quick list of must-have pool supplies that will help your pool ownership go… swimmingly (sorry, couldn’t resist).
Water Test Strips
Keeping your swimming pool’s water free of bacteria and algae requires that you test the water on a regular basis, preferably once per week. Water test strips will help you keep track of chlorine, bromine, hardness, alkalinity, pH level, and cyanuric acid. They’re not quite as accurate as liquid test kits, but they’re quicker and easier to use.
Pool Shock
There’s no such thing as a swimming pool that doesn’t need treatment in order to keep the water clean and healthy. A lot of people equate swimming pools with a heavy chlorine smell, but the truth is that a properly balanced pool will have very little odor, if any at all. You should always keep plenty of pool shock around because it will increase sanitizer levels, kill bacteria, and remove algae. You’ll also want to use it after a heavy rainstorm or if someone urinates in the pool.
Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Just like everything else in your household, you must clean the surface of your swimming pool on a regular basis. You can either use a multi-purpose cleaner or pick up a product that’s specifically created for pool surfaces. Just be sure that you only use a cleaning product that is safe for use on vinyl, fiberglass, and solar covers. These services are sensitive, and you don’t want to damage them.
Algae Brush
Dealing with algae is simply a part of swimming pool ownership. Many people see it as the scourge of the pool, but the good news is that it’s completely controllable as long as you’re diligent. You should always keep an algae pool brush handy to get rid of any growth. The stainless-steel bristles will easily remove algae from walls, steps, and other areas of the pool However, if you have a vinyl liner, you should only use a nylon bristle pool brush because stainless steel bristles could damage it.
Telescoping Pole
There are two great things about a telescoping pole. First, as you can probably ascertain from the name, these poles extend their length so that you can reach the depths of the pool. Second, you can pick up a model that has interchangeable heads which will allow you to attach options such as a pool skimmer, manual vacuum, or pool brush as needed.
Skimmer Net
As a pool owner, it won’t take long before you’re very aware of all of the items that can fall into a pool. Leaves are typically the most prominent, but you may also find dead bugs, flower petals, small branches, and other debris. As the name suggests, a skimmer net allows you to “skim” the surface of the pool and remove all of these items. Cleaning a pool without one would take much longer, so be sure to pick one up right away.
Pool Cover
For pool owners who would prefer not to use a skimmer, a pool cover is the perfect solution. Simply slide the cover back into place after each use and you won’t have to worry about debris getting inside. This is especially helpful following the winter, because you can secure the pool and open it back up without needing to clean it as thoroughly. Plus, there are also hard-shell versions that you can lock into place, which will keep children and pets from falling in.
Manual Vacuum
If you want to keep your pool clean, you’ll need some type of vacuum. Manual vacuums are inexpensive and will get the job done. They’re designed to clean in the corners of a pool, which can be hard to get to otherwise. As mentioned previously, you can get a telescoping pole and add a manual vacuum attachment for convenience.
Auto Cleaner
Since it takes work to be a swimming pool owner, there’s no reason why you can’t cheat from time to time. The great thing about an auto cleaner is that it takes no effort, yet you don’t have to worry about a subpar cleaning. Auto cleaners for your pool work just like the automatic vacuums for the rooms in your home and they’ll save you a lot of time and effort.
Escape Ramp
It isn’t unusual for a Florida swimming pool owner to find dead frogs in their pool because the amphibians fall in and then drown because they can’t get out. Installing an escape ramp or even a few of them can help these critters get out of the pool safely. This will not only save these animals’ lives, but you won’t have to worry about fishing out any drowned creatures. These ramps are also great for squirrels, mice, birds, rabbits, and any other small animals that fall in.
Pool Floats
The hardest thing about deciding which pool float to get is deciding which not to get. There are so many different types of designs for both adults and children. You can choose something whimsical such as one shaped like a cartoon character or pick up a more functional one for multiple people, complete with spots for foods and drinks. No matter what you decide, though, no pool is complete without at least one or two.
Contact Larsen’s Pool & Spa to Learn About Must-Have Pool Supplies
Stocking up on these must-have pool supplies will assist you with your pool maintenance needs and make ownership a lot easier. As the most reputable custom pool builders in Tampa, Larsen’s Pool & Spa will help you design and install the perfect pool for your backyard. If you have any questions or would like a free, no-obligation quote for our services, give us a call at (727) 786-POOL (7665) today.
