You’re the proud owner of a brand new pool. Now what? The first thing to do is make sure you have all the swimming pool products you need to keep your pool clean and safe.
While it might seem a little overwhelming at first, all these products are easy to use. They also make it easier to enjoy your pool all year long.
All it takes is a little regular maintenance for a pool you can jump into to cool off after a long hot day.
This simple net on a long pole is every pool owner's best friend. You'll use it nearly every time you use your pool to scoop out floating debris. Ideally, invest in a multi-purpose telescoping pool pole that has different attachments, such as the scrubber brush below.
A two-in-one pole allows you to switch between the skimmer and the scrubber brush. The brush cleans the sides of your pool before bacteria turns into dangerous algae and helps your pool walls last longer. Use a steel-bristled brush for granite or concrete pools and a nylon brush for vinyl pools to avoid damaging the liner.
One of the most important swimming pool products. Test strips ($10-$15) are the most common and easiest, but liquid test kits ($25-$35) offer more accuracy. Digital testers ($30-$50) provide the most precise readings. Your water chemistry can change quickly after heavy use or bad weather, so a quick test lets you know if the water is safe or needs rebalancing.
Pool vacuums suck up all the debris that drifts to the bottom of your pool and what you remove when scrubbing the sides. Manual vacuum heads ($50-$100) are cheaper and more effective for targeted cleaning. If you have a telescoping multi-purpose pole, you may be able to use it with your vacuum head. You'll also need a hose and vacuum plate. Robotic vacuums ($500-$1,500) handle everything automatically.
Chemicals are necessary to keep your pool water safe and clean. Chlorine sanitizes the water, but you'll also need shock treatments, pH balancers, alkalinity adjusters, and algaecides. Expect to spend $50-$150 per month depending on pool size and usage. Always read directions and test the water after chemicals have had time to circulate.
Residue builds up on your filter over time, making it less effective and causing cloudy water. A good filter cleaning solution ($10-$20) used regularly keeps your filter working efficiently. How often you clean depends on pool usage, but most pool owners should clean their filter every 4-6 weeks.
A pool cover serves two purposes. First, it keeps your pool cleaner by preventing debris and rainwater from getting in. Second, it's a safety precaution — keeping children and pets from accidentally falling in. Basic solar covers start around $50, while solid safety covers run $200-$500 or more depending on your pool size.
Pool chemistry is the most important thing to get right. Unbalanced water can cause skin irritation, cloudy water, algae growth, and even damage to your pool's plaster and equipment. When in doubt, test the water — it only takes a few minutes and can save you hundreds in repairs.
Pool Chemical Categories
Pool chemicals can seem confusing, but they break down into five main categories:
Chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, and bromine — these kill bacteria and keep water safe for swimming
pH increasers/decreasers, alkalinity adjusters, and calcium hardness — these keep your water chemistry in the ideal range
Concentrated chlorine treatments that kill what regular sanitizers miss — use after heavy pool use, storms, or when water looks cloudy
Preventive treatments that stop algae growth before it starts — especially important in Hawaii's warm, humid climate
Clarifiers, stain removers, and enzyme treatments — these handle specific issues as they arise
Bonus: Pool Safety
In addition to the swimming pool products above, ensure you have pool safety barriers in place. This helps you enjoy your pool without worrying about someone sneaking in and getting hurt. Fencing, a locked gate and even an alarm system are all great ways to protect your pool.
Don't want to worry about all these products?
Koko Head Pool Service handles all the regular maintenance — chemicals, cleaning, filter care, and more. We'll keep your pool swim-ready so you can focus on enjoying it.
Get a Free QuoteIf you don’t want to have to worry about how to use all these swimming pool products, Koko Head Pool Service can help with all the regular maintenance, though we still highly recommend having a skimmer for quick cleanups.