When you walk into a local pool store or when you are browsing pool e-commerce web sites online, you will see a lot of pool chemicals; you will see too many pool chemicals being offered for sale...way too many.
Only buy the pool chemicals that you need.
Every pool owners at least needs:
- a suitable chemical tester (preferably a full test kit but test strips will work just fine)
- a chosen sanitizer, such as chlorine, bromine, or salt
- a supply of shock
- water balancing chemicals for the Alkalinity, pH, and Hardness levels
- maintenance chemicals to help prevent algae, cloudy water, discolored water, stains, scale, and build-up at the surface (waterline) of the pool
Whether you're in the pool store or browsing an online pool store, you will see countless chemicals. Yes, other than what is mentioned above, some of these other pool chemicals you will need and they do have a practical application, primarily if you encounter water clarity problems. But, some pool chemicals are simply an absolute and total waste of your money.
You can read the Pool Manual for additional information about pool chemicals. Via focus groups and industry peers, our Pool Chemical section is considered the most thorough and useful tutorial about pool chemicals.