Buying the right supplies will give you the most out of your pool, and will keep it healthy and thriving for years to come.
When you bring home a new puppy, with it comes a host of new accessories. A leash, a cute collar, the most expensive dog food you can find, a crate, toys, and the patience for all the tiny puddles you’ll find around your home. When you build a new pool, think of it like that new little puppy. A pool has needs and will function better with the right accessories. Buying the right supplies will give you the most out of your pool, and will keep it healthy and thriving for years to come. Because of this, we have compiled a list of the basic supplies every pool owner needs.
Pool Accessories: Because what is a pool, if it isn’t fun? Pool toys and accessories are quite incredible and diverse. Whether you choose to install colored lights in your pool, a slide, or a tanning ledge, accessories have a way of making each pool complement the owner’s lifestyle. Goggles, basketball nets, floating drink holders- the options are endless.
Pool Heater: A pool heater keeps the fun going, no matter the season! Pools cost money, and to get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to invest in a pool heater. Heated water will allow you to do those early morning laps, without dread, in addition to those late-night swim parties and not-so-polar plunges.
Pool Test Kit: Keeping the chemicals balanced in your water protects your pool, but also protects the bathers. Imbalanced pool water can cause health issues if not remedied. A pool test kit is to pool water what a fire extinguisher is to a house fire. It isn’t going to solve the big problems, but it will give you a safety barrier in a time of need. The test kit will alert you to any issues that need attention, and is a must-have for every pool owner.
Vacuum: Whether you choose a manual version or an automatic one, a pool cleaner is a must-have. An automatic pool vacuum will do the work for you and have your swimming pool clean and ready when you decide to take a dip. A manual version will still get the job done, but requires much more time and effort on your part. Keeping the pool clear of debris and algae will lengthen its life expectancy, and allow you to use much less in chemicals to maintain clear water.
Skimmer net & Pole: A good quality net and pole are worth the money- it can be used to scoop toys and debris out of the pool- there are several types to choose from, but always pick a good quality net. We prefer a deep net over the flat types as it allows you to skim longer before having to empty it.
Brush: A mixed bristle brush (Stainless and nylon bristles) is a good, general purpose brush. You’ll want to use it weekly to brush the walls and floor of the pool to keep stains from setting and to avoid “dead spots” in the pool where water has a hard time circulating properly.
Pool Chemicals: Shock, Tablets, salt, muriatic acid, Alkalinity increaser, etc. Keep at least the basics on hand so you can adjust the water chemistry right after testing. Be sure to store them in an appropriate area, and NEVER mix chemicals. The good news is, you don’t have to run out and buy all of the things if you have a pool company like Pool Stop maintaining your water for you.
