What Chemicals Do I Need for a Healthy Pool?Updated a month ago

Keeping your pool water balanced and safe doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the essential chemicals for sanitation, water balance, and algae prevention, you’ll ensure your pool stays crystal clear and ready for a dip year-round. 

1. Sanitation: Kill Bacteria & Contaminants

Chlorine is the backbone of pool sanitation, breaking down germs and organic matter. Options include:

• Liquid chlorine or granular chlorine: Fast-acting and ideal for regular dosing. Our recommendation goes to the Water TechniX Stabilised Chlorine

• Chlorine tablets: Slow-dissolving for consistent sanitation (use in a floating dispenser or chlorinator). More people prefer having granular or liquid chlorine so they can adjust the dosages as needed.

• Saltwater chlorinators: Generate chlorine from salt, reducing manual dosing (but still require pH monitoring). 

Alternative: Liquid Magnesium Minerals - Requires a Salt and Mineral Chlorinator like the Water TechniX Atomic but leads to a gentler, more spa-like experience for your pool.

2. Balance: Protect Your Pool & Equipment

Proper water balance prevents corrosion, scaling, and skin irritation. Key chemicals include:

• pH Adjusters:

  • pH Decreaser / pH down: Lowers high pH. (Water TechniX Dry Acid pH Decreaser)

  • pH Increaser (sodium carbonate): Raises low pH. (Water TechniX Alkalinity Up)
    Ideal pH range: 7.2–7.6. 

• Alkalinity Increaser (sodium bicarbonate): Stabilises pH swings. Aim for 80–120 ppm. (Water TechniX Alkalinity Up)

• Calcium Hardness Increaser: Prevents plaster damage or corrosion. Ideal range: 200–300 ppm (lower for fibreglass pools). (Water TechniX Calcium Up)

• Cyanuric Acid (Stabiliser): Protects chlorine from Australia’s harsh UV rays. Maintain 30–50 ppm. (Water TechniX Stabiliser)

3. Algae Prevention: Stop Blooms Before They Start

Algae thrives in warm, sunny climates. Combat it with:

• Algaecides: Use preventative doses weekly (e.g., polyquat) or spot-treat blooms. (Water TechniX Algaecide)

• Shock Treatments: Super-chlorinate weekly (or after heavy rain/use) to destroy organic contaminants.

• Phosphate Removers: Reduce algae food sources if blooms persist. (Water TechniX Phosphate Remover)

4. Water Clarity: Tackle Cloudiness & Debris

• Pool Clarifiers: Bind tiny particles for easier filtration. (Water TechniX Clarifier)

• Flocculants: Rapidly clump particles to vacuum them out (use for severe cloudiness). (Water TechniX Floc)

• Enzyme Treatments: Break down oils, sunscreen, and organic waste. (Water TechniX Oxi Shock)

Special Considerations for Australian Conditions

• Hard Water Areas: Use scale inhibitors if calcium levels creep up.

• Heavy Rainfall: Test and rebalance after storms, as runoff dilutes chemicals.

• Saltwater Pools: Check salt levels (Refer to your chlorinator's manual) and stabiliser regularly.

How to Use Chemicals Safely

• Always test water before adding chemicals.

• Follow dosage instructions on labels—overdosing can damage surfaces or equipment.

• Store chemicals in a cool, dry place, away from kids and pets.

• Never mix chemicals directly (e.g., chlorine and acid can create dangerous fumes).

Need to Restock?

Explore our Pool Chemicals Collection for everything from chlorine to algaecides. Pair them with a reliable test kit for hassle-free maintenance.

Final Tip: Start the swimming season strong by balancing your water early, and keep a consistent routine—your future self (and your pool) will thank you! 🌊