Swim University

Swimming Pool Tools and Essentials

Throughout this website, The Pool Care Handbook, and Video Course, we’ve mentioned a lot of chemicals, tools, and equipment that are essential to keeping your pool clean and clear. Here’s a complete list of everything we recommend for proper cleaning, chemistry, and circulation.

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Pool Chemicals

Please be sure to reference your manufacturer’s instructions before adding any chemicals to your pool. Some products, like alkalinity increaser, can be substituted for household products, like baking soda. Be sure to reference the Pool Care Handbook for more information.

  1. Ph decreaser for pools

    Use this chemical to lower just the pH level in your pool water.

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  2. Ph increaser for pools

    This is a proven way to make the water less acidic when swimming in pools. This chemical helps maintain the right level of pH.

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  3. Pool alkalinity increaser

    Perfect for raising total alkalinity and pH in your pool.

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  4. Soda ash

    This is the main chemical used to increase your pool's pH. So instead of using a branded version of pH Increaser, you can just use soda ash.

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  5. Muriatic acid for swimming pools & spas

    Used for lowering alkalinity and pH in your pool water. It's also used for cleaning pool filter grids, filter cartridges, and concrete pool surfaces.

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  6. 3" stabilized chlorine tablets (pucks)

    Stock up and save money on chlorine tablets for the season by getting the standard 3-inch stabilized chlorine pucks.

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  7. Liquid chlorine

    For an easy-to-use shock to get rid of algae and cloudy water fast, try using liquid shock.

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  8. Calcium hypochlorite pool shock (cal-hypo shock)

    This fast-acting, quick-dissolving swimming pool shock kills bacteria, controls algae, and destroys organic contaminants in pools.

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  9. Non-chlorine pool shock (oxidizer)

    A powerful oxidizing agent that eliminates combined chlorine (chloramines) and provides higher free chlorine levels. Ideal for use with chlorine or bromine-sanitized applications, weekly maintenance, and will not affect other chemical levels

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  10. Cyanuric acid (chlorine stabilizer)

    Keep your chlorine from being burned off too quickly by the sun's UV rays. CYA will help you keep a better chlorine reading in your pool.

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  11. Pool calcium increaser

    Adding calcium hardness to your pool water will protect and extend the life of your pool walls including vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete.

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  12. Pool flocculant

    A fast-acting formula that drops cloudy water particles to the bottom of the pool so you can vacuum it out. Safe for all pools.

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  13. Pool water clarifier

    Clears cloudy pool water by combining particles, making it easier for your filter to remove. Great for all pools. Also compatible with salt water pools.

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  14. Pool algaecide 60 (copper-free)

    A copper-free algaecide to help prevent your pool from turning green.

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  15. Pool metal remover

    Helps prevent staining by removing iron, calcium, manganese, copper and other metals from your pool water. Also helps protect plumbing and pool walls from rust, stain, and scale. Used for all pool openings and closings.

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  16. Pool & hot tub foam remover

    Contains a water-based formula that won't mess up your water chemistry. And it doesn't leave an oily residue or cloud the pool water.

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  17. Chlorine neutralizer for swimming pools

    This chemical removes chlorine and bromine from swimming pool water.

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  18. Pool rx: reduce chlorine usage by 50%

    A simple device you add to your skimmer basket that supplies sanitizing minerals to your pool water so you can reduce your chlorine usage. Allowing you to only use 1ppm of chlorine.

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  19. Pool descaler and stain remover

    A pool cleaner that removes calcium, iron stains, and scale from surfaces, tile, and equipment without scrubbing, acids, or draining your pool.

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  20. Pool opening chemical spring start-up kit

    Everything you need to open your pool. All pre-measured so there's no guessing. Shock, clarifier, algaecide, and oil absorber work together to get your water clean and ready.

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Water Testing

  1. Test strips for pools and hot tubs

    Tests for 7 important chemistries in seconds: Total Hardness, Total Chlorine, Total Bromine, Free Chlorine, pH, Total Alkalinity, and Cyanuric Acid.

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  2. Metals test strips for pools & hot tubs

    This water testing kit offers a convenient way to monitor water quality without the need for reagents. It tests for iron and copper with a range of 0 to 5 ppm and 0 to 3 ppm.

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  3. Digital test kit

    This digital pool and hot tub water test kit checks for Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Bromine, PH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid.

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  4. Liquid test kit for pools and hot tubs

    This complete water testing kit helps keep your pool or hot tub clean and safe to swim in, with easy-to-follow color instructions and all the supplies you need in one box.

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  5. The pool care app

    Enter your water test results. Get a custom treatment plan. Know exactly what chemicals to add to keep your pool clear. Saltwater and hot tub compatible.

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    Start your free 7-day trial. Then it’s only $49/year. Cancel anytime.

Pool Maintenance Tools

  1. Heavy duty pool leaf net

    It's a deep and durable leaf net pool skimmer that can collect a lot of debris all in one skimming. It also includes a lifetime guarantee. This is what the pros use!

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  2. Telescopic swimming pool pole

    Get those hard to reach places with your leaf net, vacuum, or brush. This professional-grade telescopic pole is what the pros use to clean pools thoroughly.

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  3. Weighted butterfly pool vacuum head

    The weighted triangle pool vacuum head is a great way to clean your pool. The weights on the bottom of the vacuum head help to keep it in place while vacuuming.

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  4. Heavy duty pool vacuum hose

    Made to last and designed to work with standard swimming pool vacuum head and telescopic pole for manual vacuuming. The swivel cuff end connects directly onto the vacuum head, whereas the non-swivel end connects to the skimmer. 

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  5. Heavy duty round pool brush

    The wide pool brush with 360-degree reach helps clean hard-to-reach surfaces and tough crevices. Perfect for any type of pool, including vinyl liners, fiberglass, and painted concrete.

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  6. Algae pool brush with stainless steel bristles

    This brush helps remove dirt, contaminants, bacteria, and algae from porous surfaces. For unpainted concrete or gunite pools only.

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  7. Pool backwash hose

    When backwashing your pool filter, use this easy-to-roll up and store backwash hose.

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  8. Digital test kit

    This digital pool and hot tub water test kit checks for Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Bromine, PH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid.

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  9. Teflon lubricant for o-rings

    Use this stuff liberally on all rubber o-rings to get a tighter seal and it'll make them last longer too!

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  10. Pool skimmer socks

    Designed to fit most pool skimmer baskets, it offers a protective layer to prevent pump impeller and shaft seal damage by trapping leaves, grass, hair, and other debris.

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  11. Cheap pool skimmer net

    This lightweight pool skimmer net is perfect for effortlessly cleaning leaves and ultrafine debris from pools and spas.

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  12. Filter cartridge cleaner nozzle

    This Filter Cartridge Cleaner is designed with six prepositive jets, creating high pressure for rapid and efficient cleaning.

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  13. Teflon tape or plumbers tape
    $3.75

    This special tape stops water and gas from leaking where pipes connect. The tape is wide enough to wrap around pipes many times and comes with multiple rolls in one package. Made from strong material that seals tightly, it's perfect for fixing leaky pipes in your home or office.

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    04/08/2026 12:03 pm GMT

Pool Equipment

  1. Automatic robotic pool cleaner for above grounds

    Designed for above ground swimming pools up to 30 feet. It takes less than 2 hours to clean your pool with built-in water filtering and scrubbing.

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