Having your own swimming pool is a great way to relax in the sun and enjoy the cool water on a hot summers day. Swimming pools require regular maintenance to operate properly and safely. Using the right swimming pool chemicals is essential. They are used in all in-ground swimming pools as well as above ground and fibreglass pools.

Make sure you use the proper amounts of each swimming pool chemical as specified by the owners manual or your local pool professional. It is a good idea to have a swimming pool maintenance calendar set up to help you remember what chemicals should be added and when. Most pool shops offer a free water testing program.

Chlorine is the most common swimming pool chemical used. It helps kill the germs, bacteria and algae that get into the water from our bodies and the atmosphere. This is what does the most work to sanitize your swimming pool. Chlorine is available in tablets, liquid and granular form. You can also choose to purchase a salt water chlorinator to keep your water sanitized clean instead of continually adding chlorine yourself. These chlorinators are available in various sizes and models based on the size of your swimming pool. Check out our "Salt Water Chlorinators" page for pricing and other information.

Algaecide works with chlorine to kill algae that is able to grow in your swimming pool. Chemicals such as pH buffer and Hydrochloric acid are used to regulate the pH balance of the water and help to prevent the chlorine from irritating your eyes and or skin as you enjoy your swimming pool. Water clarifiers are used to help clear up cloudy or murky water. Most filters will not capture these very fine particles. A clarifier (as the name suggests), helps to restore clarity to your pool by bonding these small particles into big ones so that your filtration system can filter them out.

Chlorine stabiliser, or sunscreen as it is sometimes referred to, is a very important part of your water balance during the summer months. Chlorine is a very unstable oxidiser and is broken down by UV rays from the sun. Chlorine stabiliser protects your chlorine from the sun as sun-block does for your skin. This means a saving of up to 50% on your chlorine expenses for freshwater swimming pools and shorter filtration times for salt water swimming pools. No matter what type of pool you have, stabiliser is a must during the swimming season.

Always be very careful when you handle any swimming pool chemicals. Try not to breath in the chemicals. Always wear plastic gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after using them. Make sure they are stored where children and pets can not get into them and NEVER mix chemicals together.