Parenting Pointers: Must-Have Pool Tools

 By Pool Troopers

 

As a pool owner, there are many things you could have on hand to keep your pool in great condition, but this is our short list of the tools we’ve found to be the most helpful.

 

Pool Skimmer

This is probably the most used tool for any pool owner! A skimmer lets you fish leaves, dirt, and even bugs from your pool easily.

 

Pool Vacuum

For the deeper, hard-to-reach dirt on the bottom of your pool, use a pool vacuum to get the best results.

 

Water Testing Kit

Having a water testing kit for your pool allows you to test the chemical condition of the water and lets you know exactly what is in your pool. Peace of mind in a kit.

 

Chlorinating Chemicals

Most pools use chlorine to keep them sanitized and clean, so you need to have plenty available at all times to keep your pool safe! Of course, saltwater is always an option, too. Remember to store pool chemicals away from children and pets in a cool dry place. Always add chemicals to pool water; never add water to chemicals. Always use PPE when applying chemicals to a pool.

 

If buying, handling, transporting and storing of dangerous pool chemicals makes you uncomfortable, consider hiring a professional pool service.

 

Algaecide

Algae is one of the number one problems that pool owners have, so you need to be prepared for when the time comes! Do not overuse algaecide as that can cause its own problems. Remember your chlorinating regime, if kept up, should be all the algaecide your pool needs.

 

Pool Brush

Nothing beats a good brush when the stains or dirt on the bottom of your pool need scrubbing.

 

Pool Shock

Shock is used to super chlorinate your pool water to kill bacteria in the pool, clear your water if it looks cloudy and treat mild algae. Heavily used pools will need to be shocked regularly in warmer months.

 

Test Strips

Test strips help you determine which chemicals need to be added to your pool in order to keep the water bacteria-free and clean. They measure alkalinity, free chlorine, pH, total chlorine, cyanuric acid, total hardness, and bromine if you use it. Test your water every week—and after any storms. Simply dip the strip in the pool water for a few seconds; the strip will change color and you’ll use a chart to find out what chemicals you need to add.

 

Bonus tip: Your pool shouldn't have a smell, so if your pool smells like a pond or chemicals, it’s time to test it and treat the water.