You’ve finally installed that swimming pool you’ve been dreaming about! Before you jump in head first, there are a few things about pool chemicals, you probably want to know. Figuring out the right chemicals for your pool might sound a bit daunting, but with just a little information, you’ll be off and floating in no time!

It’s important to keep up on regular maintenance, like filling your pool with clean, fresh water. It also pays off to vacuum or skim every day. Each day, new leaves and debris find their way into your pool. It’s also a nice graveyard for bugs and bird bombs. Each time you take a swim in your pool, you leave behind oil, dead skin, and hair. Even products like soap and shampoo end up on your pool water. 

The only thing keeping you protected from all that stuff is the sanitizer you use. Important note: Sanitizer is your new best friend. To make the sanitizer work, the pH, calcium hardness, and alkalinity need to be balanced. You also need chemicals for treating algae, to keep it from staining if you have hard water. 

Whatever type of sanitizer you choose, it all has the same job, and that’s keeping the water clean. Clean means no bacteria, algae, or viruses; enough said. You do have choices when it comes to sanitizers. 

One popular choice is chlorine, mostly because it works, and it’s cheap. Chlorine works by oxidizing the contaminants of your pool. It comes in two forms: granules and tablets. When you use granules, you pour it directly into your pool water, where it dissolves and gets moved around by your pool’s filtration system. It’s not the most effective process. It can take a lot of time, and there’s a chance that the chlorine doesn’t get distributed evenly. 

Tablets come in 1 or 2-inch sizes and can be added to that cute little floating dispenser. (Rubber ducky please!) Tablets can also be added right into the skimmer basket, or the automatic chlorinator. Whichever way you choose, chlorine tablets offer even distribution. Pool hack: The automatic chlorinator has the best rate of dispersion, takes fewer tables, and generally less time. 

If you’ve got an outdoor pool, you also need the chlorine to be stabilized. This helps keep the sun from burning up all the chlorine in the water. Chlorine stabilizers have cyanuric acid added to them. This acid keeps the chlorine in the water up to five times longer. This means a cleaner pool for a longer time. (Yes and yes.)

It may seem like a lot to know at first, but fast as a splash, you’re going to know the perfect cocktail for your perfect pool. Then you can focus on more important things, like making your own cocktail, and enjoying that pool. 

Huffine Pools can help you with your pool maintenance and cleaning needs as well as any installations you need. With their custom designs and personal services, Huffine Pools in Baton Rouge can assist you with the pool plans you have. Visit our website or Huffine Pools in Baton Rouge now! Chris Huffine and his expert pool building team will help you get your dream pool in no time!