Armed with what you need to know to keep your pool in tip-top shape, you are probably thinking about all the tools and supplies you will need to maintain and care for your pool. There are a ton of different products out there and not all of them are necessary or even useful. In this brief guide, we will discuss the tools and supplies that every pool owner needs to keep their pool open, safe, and clean. While many of the additional products you can get for your pool are nice or convenient, we will only focus on the tools that you need to have in your proverbial arsenal.
It is easy to go online or to a local pool store and spend a ton of money on pool supplies – there is an amazing variety out there. But there is no need to break the bank, all you need are a few basic tools and you will be good to go.
Water Testing Strips or Kit
Water quality is one of the most important aspects of pool care and maintenance. Good water quality will ensure that your pool is running at optimal functionality, is sanitized, and safe to swim in. Many residential pool owners make the mistake of slacking off on regular water testing, which could alert you to potential problems before they get out of control. Professional pool techs highly recommend regular water testing to ensure that your pool is safe to swim in and not at dangerously high or low levels of chemicals that it can damage your pool equipment and irritate skin and eyes.
The two main types of testing kits are litmus tests and water tests that use chemical drops to test the level of different chemicals and substances in the water. The litmus test is most often used by residential pool owners as they are highly effective and easy to use. The strips will measure total chlorine, free chlorine, water hardness, bromine levels, total alkalinity, pH levels and more. Most people do daily or weekly water tests. Many professionals recommend occasionally taking a water sample into your local pool store to have it professionally tested just to be safe.
- 7-IN-1 TEST STRIPS: Tests the most critical parameters: pH, Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Bromine, Alkalinity, Total Hardness, & Cyanuric Acid
- AQUACHEK ACCURACY: Using medical industry technology, our test strips offer comparable accuracy to liquid tests; No measuring & counting drops of reagent, leaving less room for error
- EASY TO USE: No more messy drops; Just dip the silver strip, remove it, wait 15 seconds, & compare with the color chart on the bottle; Test water at least twice a week for safe & balanced water
- SAFE & CLEAN WATER: Each color pad is designed with unique paper to optimize color vibrancy & mitigate color-bleeding to help maintain healthy water chemistry
- TRUSTED QUALITY: With over 35 years in the business, our products will help professionals maintain healthy pool and spa water chemistry
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Pool Shock
Most people shock their pools about once a week. This is a process of intense chlorination that is designed to sanitize and kill anything that could be growing in the pool water. If you do not shock your pool regularly, you will need to when you notice the water quality, including the look and smell of the water, begin to degrade. This is when it is time to do a shock. Pool shock is generally found in either powder or liquid form. Most residential pool owners rely on powdered pool shock. This is an incredibly strong and dangerous chemical, so you need to use extreme caution when working with powdered or liquid pool shock. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to not overdo it.
- Hth Ultimate Shock Treatment, 1 Lb.
- It Is Convenient, Easy To Use, And Won't Over-Stabilize Your Pool
- 7-In-1Kills Bacteria & Algae; Won't Fade Liner When Used As Directed
- No Assembly Required
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Brush for Algae and Other Debris
Keeping an outdoor pool clean and free of debris can be a bit of a job, especially if your pool is located in a heavily treed area. Even if you keep your pool covered when not in use, debris will collect and mold and algae can start to grow on various parts of the pool surface. Regularly brushing the sides and bottom of the pool with a specially-designed pool brush is imperative to keep the mold and algae down. Most commonly people use either plastic- or nylon-bristle brushes or aluminum- or steel-bristle brushes. If you have a fiberglass or vinyl pool it is important to NEVER use an aluminum steel brush as this will damage the lining of the pool. Steel-bristle brushes are effective for concrete and gunite pools, but they can scratch tile, so caution is advised.
- High Quality Nylon Brush - Our bristle brush features an alumium bracket & reinforced backing for long-lasting durability. It includes 5 rows of sturdy, high-density bristles for powerful scrubbing.
- E-Z Clip Connection - Our wall cleaning brush quickly attaches to most standard 1 1/4 inch poles. Just push the scrub brush and snap it into the pole. Pole sold separately and is not included.
- 20" Extra Wide Sweep Area - The Greenco pool scrubber finishe the job faster due its large size. The 45 degree head bracket makes cleaning the pool easier on your back brushing that will cover larger area and finish cleaning quickly.
- Round Brush for Better Cleaning - The curved edges of the brush make it easier to clean tight, hard to reach spots like corners without damaging the liner or tile. The bristles are designed to clean even the most tightly packed debris, giving your pool a perfect touch every time.
- Not Just for Pools - Use the scrub brush to clean the most stubborn algae buildup quickly and easily from pools, fountains, spas, ponds and more.
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Pool Vacuum
No matter how well you keep your pool brushed and skimmed, debris will still gather in dead spots and on the bottom of the pool. This necessitates vacuuming the pool on a semi-regular basis. Many pool owners will vacuum their pools every other week. If your pool collects a lot of debris, you may need to do this more often. To vacuum a pool, you will need a vacuum head and a vacuum hose. Vacuum heads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which are designed for easy access to corners and other hard-to-reach places.
- {DEEP CLEAN}: This vacuum head is perfect for deep cleaning of all pool types. Featuring an extra-large Triangle Shaped cleaning area designed for optimal suction, this vac head picks up dirt quicker & more efficiently than the average cleaner
- {WEIGHTED DESIGN} Built In weighted design ensures that the vacuum quickly sinks to the bottom of your pool or spa, stays submerged, and keeps constant contact with the floor to create the optimal environment for debris suction.
- {HOSE COMPATIBILITY} Hydrotools Vac Heads are strategically designed to fit virtually applicable all hoses. The Universal Hose Connector is designed with two ports to fit both 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 inch hose. Its rotating swivel gives added maneuverability
- {POLE COMPATIBILITY} Double reinforced molded handles feature adaptable EZ clip attachment points in order to be compatible to practically all standard sized extension poles and telescopic poles (telepoles) while ensuring durability and easy use.
- {CLEAN BRUSHES} Our pool cleaning vacuums feature strategically positioned integrated brush bristles that help further loosen & capture dirt and debris to increase your vacuuming performance and reduce the amount of time you need to spend cleaning.
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Telescopic Pole
To use your vacuum and skimmer, you will need an adjustable pole called a telescopic pole. This makes it easy to get to those difficult to access areas without having to contort yourself or get in the pool to access them. It also means that even large pools can be cleaned easily. Most telescopic poles reach 25 ft.
- {UNIVERSAL FIT} Features a standardized 1-1/4'' diameter connection port that is compatible with most pool maintenance accessories. Tools include nets skimmers rakes brushes vacuum heads & more. This ultimately simplifies your pool cleaning routine.
- {VERSATILE DESIGN} Telescopic technology coupled with reinforced, slip resistant locking cams provides a wide range of available pool pole lengths. Comes in two pieces, extend from 6 to 12 feet, allowing access to every spot & angle of your pool.
- {LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN} Innovative Hydrotools construction optimizes the way your telescopic pole glides through the water, making cleaning easier, allowing more time to enjoy. Rubber reinforced handle allows for a firm comfortable, enjoyable grip.
- {COMMERCIAL GRADE MATERIALS} Industry leading pole thickness crafted with commercial grade aluminum offers a durable, sturdy extension pole that will last many seasons. Hydrotools poles are coated with an anodized finish for UV & Chemical resistance
- {EASY TO STORE} 2-Piece retractable design makes Hydrotools swimming pool poles ideally sized for storage and transportation - perfect for all uses & applications.
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Multipurpose Cleaner
The surfaces of your pool will, over time, collect debris, body oil, bacteria, and algae. The edges of your pool, the ladder, and the exposed bit of tile or plaster above the waterline will need to be cleaned on occasion and a specially-formulated mild cleaner makes keeping these surfaces clean and sanitary easy.
- Helps Prevent Water Line Build-Up
- Removes Body Oils, Grease and Grime
- Works Well on Multiple Surfaces
- Customer favorite
- Easy to use
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Cleaner for the Pool Filter(s)
While backwashing or hosing off your filter when needed will go a long way towards keeping your pool filter clean, debris, oil, calcium, and other deposits build up over time. There are specially-made cleansers that are designed for use in pool filters to break down and help remove the build-up. How often this will need to be done depends on the conditions of your pool. Keeping an eye on the pressure gauge can give you a good indication of when flow and circulation are reduced – this is when you should use filter cleaner.
- BENEFITS: Removes scale, oils, and other debris from your swimming pool filter
- USE: Designed to be used twice per year; Follow dosing instructions for proper application
- COMPATIBILITY: Cleans all filter types - D.E., cartridge, and sand filters
- FEATURES: Chlorine-free formula; Fast acting filter cleaner
- INCLUDES: One 0.5-gal container of Baquacil Universal Filter Cleaner
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Last update on 2021-08-05
Pool Cover
Even if you live somewhere that you can use your pool year-round, it is recommended to have a pool cover. The cover will help protect the water from having its chemical composition altered by sunlight and will help keep debris from gathering in the pool. If you live somewhere with cold winters, these covers are vital to keeping your pool and its inner workings safe and protected during the cold months. You have to put a lot of chemicals in the water when winterizing it and the cover helps to keep the water from being contaminated by outside substances.
There are, most certainly, tons of other accessories and tools that you may decide you want or need for your pool, but what is described here are the basics that every pool owner will need to care for and maintain their pool year-round.
- 2ft overlap added to Cover - Actual Cover Size is Larger than Ordered Pool Size. Please check Description for Cover Dimensions. Always Order per your Pool Size!
- Protect Your In Ground Swimming Pool From Debris, Also Great for Winter Protection
- Safety Cover Is Flush with Pool Deck When Not in Use
- Reinforced Wear Strips on Underside to Guard Against Abrasion And Fraying
- Comes With Brass Anchors, Stainless-Steel Springs, Installation Tool
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Last update on 2023-09-08