Best Pool Chemicals

How to Choose Pool Chemicals

Pool chemistry sounds complicated until you break it down. You need sanitizer (chlorine/bromine), pH adjustment (acid/base), and specialty treatments as needed. Master the basics before worrying about the extras.

Essential Chemicals

Chlorine (Tabs, Liquid, or Granular)
Your primary sanitizer. Kills bacteria, algae, and organic contaminants. Tablets are convenient; liquid is fast; granular dissolves quickly. Most pools use tabs for daily chlorination plus shock for weekly boost.

Shock Treatment
Super-concentrated chlorine (usually calcium hypochlorite) for weekly oxidation. Breaks down combined chlorine, kills algae spores, eliminates cloudiness. Essential for weekly maintenance.

pH Adjusters
pH Up (soda ash) raises low pH; pH Down (muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate) lowers high pH. Proper pH (7.2-7.6) keeps chlorine effective and water comfortable.

Alkalinity Increaser
Sodium bicarbonate stabilizes pH. Without proper alkalinity, pH swings wildly. Adjust alkalinity first, then fine-tune pH.

### Secondary Treatments

Algaecide: Preventive measure against algae. Most useful in warm, sunny climates or if your pool has algae history.

Clarifier: Clumps tiny particles into filterable sizes. Useful for hazy water that won't clear.

Stabilizer (CYA): Protects chlorine from UV breakdown. Essential for outdoor pools; comes included in many tablets.

Metal Sequestrant: Prevents staining from iron, copper, or manganese in fill water.

### Cost Realities

Brand-name chemicals often cost more for identical active ingredients. Generic sodium bicarbonate (baking soda from the pool store) is the same as from the grocery store—just more expensive. Shop smart.

### Storage Safety

Pool chemicals are serious. Store in cool, dry locations away from each other (mixing can cause dangerous reactions). Keep away from children and pets. Never store above or below other chemicals.