Pool chemicals are used to sanitize swimming pools, and chlorine and bromine are commonly used chemicals in pools. The pool chemicals you use play an important role in the maintenance, health and longevity of your pool and pool accessories. When you have a pool with balanced pH levels you spend less time on pool cleaning and maintenance. With the right combination of chemicals working to keep your pool clean and safe you'll notice your swim wear lasts longer, you'll experience less irritation to your eyes and skin, and you'll find your hair will be healthier after prolonged pool use.
If you have a pool then you need pool chemicals to disinfect and sanitize your water and control the growth of harmful algae and bacteria. For many new pool owners pool chemicals come with a steep learning curve. Pool Supplies Canada is here to help you find the right balance of pool chemicals to keep your pool water clean and safe while remaining gentle on your skin, eyes and hair. Our chemical experts have created a variety of pool chemical kits which include all the chemicals you need to keep your pool's water pH balanced, all for one convenient low price.
Browse Water Testing ProductsIf you notice algae growing in your pool then you may not be using enough chemicals to control the growth of algae and other harmful bacteria. If you see the green or brown tinge of algae along your pool liner or floor then you may want to consider an algaecide which comes in liquid and solid block/tablet form.
Stains can sometimes occur on your pool liner, floor or other areas of your pool. These stains could be caused by algae and bacteria, but also from the overuse of pool chemicals or from a misused pool ionizer which may be releasing an incorrect or inconsistent amount of copper and silver ions. Stain and scale control is an effective pool chemical that helps pool owners prevent and treat scale and stains on their pool's lining.
If you've just had a pool party and you invited the whole neighbourhood then your pool water probably needs some extra TLC. Chemical shock is a way to quickly treat your pool after heavy use. Also known as super chlorinating, when you add shock to your pool you're adding three to five times the regular amount of chemicals to your pool water.
Not only will shocking your pool water keep your water clean and safe, it will raise the chlorine levels which will kill bacteria or other organic materials in your pool. Shocking your pool water also boosts the effectiveness of the chlorine in the pool water. You should add shock to your pool regularly. How often you add it varies from pool owner to pool owner and depends on the size of your pool, how frequently you use it, how many people use it and the weather, specifically how hot the temperature outside is.
What is pool pH?
Pool pH refers to the measure of acidity in your pool water. The pH scale is measured from 0 – 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Above 7 and your pool water is basic and below 7 and your pool water is acidic.
What is the ideal pH for your pool?
The ideal pH for your pool water is 7.2- 7.8 because 7.4 most closely matches the alkalinity of your body.
How do you check the pH of your pool?
You can use chemical test strips to test your pool’s pH.
How do you adjust your pool’s pH?
To adjust your pool’s pH, first test the water and then add more chemicals accordingly. Be careful not to add too many chemicals - it’s much easier to add more than to compensate for too many. Click here for a guide to see the ideal ranges for each type of chemical in your pool.
How often should you check your pool’s pH?
You should check your pool’s pH on a weekly basis.
What is a pool oxidizer?
A pool oxidizer chemically destroys organic elements in your pool. Using an oxidizer is also called shocking your pool water, which is necessary to properly maintain your pool. Oxidizers can help you quickly restore your pool’s water clarity.
How often should you use an oxidizer?
You should use an oxidizer in your pool every couple of weeks. Add it to your pool by broadcasting it over the surface.
What is the difference between stabilized and unstabilized pool chlorine?
The main difference between stabilized and unstabilized pool chlorine is that unstabilized chlorine does not contain cyanuric acid, which stabilizes the chlorine and makes it last longer in your swimming pool. Stabilized chlorine is best for outdoor pools because the addition of cyanuric acid helps keep the sun from burning away the chlorine. On the other hand, unstabilized pool chlorine is best for indoor pools.
You can still use unstabilized chlorine to shock your outdoor pool because it doesn’t stay in your pool for long, which allows you to address any water clarity issues without worrying about too many chemicals impacting the quality of your swimming experience.
How often should you add unstabilized pool chlorine to your pool?
If your pool is being used heavily on a regular basis then you could use unstabilized chlorine daily, but you need to do so cautiously because overuse can cause damage to your vinyl pool liner.
What are chlorine tablets used for?
Chlorine is used to sanitize pool water. Chlorine is available in tablet form, and can be added to your pool in several ways, depending on your chemical dispensing system. Chlorine tablets can discolour or damage your liner if they are not properly dissolved, so be careful when adding tablets to your pool.
How often should you add chlorine to your pool?
Add chlorine to your pool as needed. Check the pH levels in your pool and add chlorine as necessary to reach the optimal pH level. Check out this guide for more information about the optimal pH levels for your pool.
What are bromine tablets used for?
Bromine is a popular chemical for hot tubs and spas. It’s available in tablet form – in either slow or quick dissolving tablets. Bromine is usually less irritating on the skin than chlorine.
How often should you add bromine to your hot tub or spa?
Add bromine to your hot tub as needed. Check the pH levels in your hot tub or spa and add bromine as required to reach the optimal pH level. Check out this guide for more information about the optimal pH levels for your hot tub or spa.
What is stain and scale?
Stain and scale helps protect your hot tub or spa from scale buildup and staining, which can damage your system. With stain and scale you can protect your hot tub or spa from the occasional overtreatment.
What chemicals should you use to prepare your pool for winter?
When it comes to preparing your pool for the winter, the most important thing is to ensure that your water chemical is balanced before you close the pool. When you balance your pool’s pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness you can protect your liner from staining during the winter months.
To help keep your pool water clean in the spring use a closing chemical kit. This will help make it easier to open your pool in the spring. Click here for information about closing an inground swimming pool and click here for more information about closing an above ground swimming pool for the winter.
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