Owning a swimming pool doesn’t have to mean buying every chemical on the shelf. One of the most common questions we hear at Allan’s Pool Shop is:
“Which pool chemicals do I actually need, and which ones are just nice to have?”
The answer depends on your pool, how often it’s used, and the season—but there are a few essentials every pool owner should keep on hand.
The Must-Have Pool Chemicals
1. Sanitiser (Chlorine or Alternative Sanitiser)
This is the most important chemical in your pool. A sanitiser eliminates bacteria, algae, and other harmful contaminants, keeping your water clean and safe to swim in.
Whether you use liquid chlorine, granules, tablets, or a salt chlorinator, maintaining the correct sanitiser level is essential all year round.
Without it: Your pool can quickly become cloudy, develop algae, and become unsafe for swimming.
2. pH Adjusters
Your pool’s pH affects both swimmer comfort and how well your sanitiser works.
The ideal pH range is 7.2–7.6.
Depending on your water test results, you may need:
- pH Increaser (to raise low pH)
- pH Decreaser (to lower high pH)
A balanced pH also helps protect your pool equipment from unnecessary wear.
3. Alkalinity Buffer
Total alkalinity acts as a stabiliser for your pool’s pH. If alkalinity is too low, your pH can fluctuate dramatically, making water chemistry difficult to manage.
Maintaining the right alkalinity means fewer chemical adjustments and a more stable swimming environment.
4. Pool Shock
Even if your chlorine levels look fine, it’s recommended to shock your pool periodically—especially after heavy rain, pool parties, or extended periods of hot weather.
Pool shock helps eliminate contaminants that regular sanitiser may not completely remove and restores water clarity.
⭐ Helpful—but Not Always Essential
These products can make pool care easier, but they’re not always required.
Algaecide
A quality algaecide can help prevent algae growth, particularly during warmer months or if your pool isn’t used regularly.
It’s a great preventative measure but shouldn’t replace proper chlorine levels.
Clarifier
If your pool water looks dull or slightly cloudy, a clarifier helps tiny particles combine so your filter can remove them more effectively.
It’s useful for improving water clarity but isn’t needed as part of your regular maintenance routine.
Calcium Hardness Increaser
Some areas naturally have soft water, which can become corrosive over time.
If your calcium hardness is low, adding a hardness increaser helps protect your pool surfaces and equipment.
Not every pool will need this regularly—it depends on your local water supply.
Stain & Scale Prevention
These products help reduce mineral staining and calcium scale build-up.
They’re particularly useful if your pool is filled with hard water or if you’ve experienced staining before.
🚫 Do You Need Every Chemical Every Week?
Definitely not.
Adding chemicals without testing your water can do more harm than good. Overdosing can waste money, damage equipment, and make balancing your pool even harder.
The best approach is:
- Test your water regularly.
- Only add the chemicals your pool actually needs.
- Adjust based on seasonal changes, weather, and pool usage.
Let Allan’s Pool Shop Take the Guesswork Out
Every pool is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all chemical routine.
At Allan’s Pool Shop, we offer professional water testing and expert advice to help you maintain perfectly balanced water without buying unnecessary products. We’ll explain exactly what your pool needs, why it needs it, and how to use each product correctly—saving you time, money, and frustration.
Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or looking to simplify your maintenance routine, our friendly team is here to help keep your pool crystal clear all year round.
Visit Allan’s Pool Shop Today
Not sure what your pool needs?
Bring a sample of your pool water into Allan’s Pool Shop for a professional water analysis. We’ll recommend only the chemicals your pool actually requires, helping you enjoy cleaner, healthier water with confidence.