7 Pool Accessories You Need This Summer

This summer, your backyard pool will be the perfect oasis to escape from your everyday life. Whether you have an above ground, inground, or semi-inground pool, with the ongoing pandemic you will be spending a lot more time in your backyard for the foreseeable future. Not only is a backyard pool a fun investment for the entire family, but it can also increase the property value of your home. Having a pool is one thing, many current and prospective pool owners forget about the importance of swimming pool supplies and accessories. While most pool supplies are important in order to properly maintain your pool, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 7 pool supplies you need this summer available on our online pool supplies store.

Water Test Strips

Regularly testing your water quality is an essential part of pool maintenance. Although many pool and spa stores offer free water quality testing, it can be a hassle to remember to collect your sample and bring it to your local store. Instead, water test strips make it easier than ever to test your water quality. With the ongoing pandemic, keeping some water test strips handy will allow you to test your water and consult with your local pool store without leaving the comfort of your home. These are a quick and easy way to keep track of your water quality all summer long. AquaChek makes a range of swimming pool supplies including reliable and easy-to-use strips which test for chlorine, bromine, pH, and more. These tests can provide a snapshot of your pool water and help you adjust your chemistry and cleaning procedures accordingly. In addition to using test strips to test your water quality once per week, it is a good idea to get your water tested professionally approximately once per month.

Algae Scrub Brush

Algae can wreak havoc on your backyard pool, especially with warm and humid summer days. As soon as you notice algae growth in your pool, it will likely require serious attention to ensure it is properly cleaned. Most algae brushes are made with stainless steel bristles to make it easy to remove algae from walls, steps, ladders, and other surfaces. However, stainless steel brushes can only be used for concrete or tile-lined pools. If you have a vinyl liner, a nylon brush can instead be used to remove algae and other grime. With your scrub brush, you will be able to remove algae as soon as you notice unwanted growth in your pool. 

Pool Shock

Pool owners are usually familiar with the importance of shock for keeping their pool clean. Pool shock helps remove dead skin, oils, microbes, and allergens from water to ensure it is safe for swimming. When your pool water chemistry is properly balanced, the pool should have no smell. If you notice your water starting to smell like a “hotel pool,” it might be time to add some shock. Shock sanitizes water by killing bacteria, algae, and other dangers lurking in your pool. It is a good idea to shock your pool after any major event like a family party or a bad rainstorm. 

Manual Vacuum 

Manual vacuums are important for scrubbing difficult to reach areas of your pool or dealing with unwanted algae growth. Automatic cleaners are great for daily, hassle-free maintenance, but a manual vacuum allows you to deep clean areas of your pool that might need a little extra care. When you are dealing with an algae outbreak, a manual vacuum cleaner can be a lifesaver. 

Robotic Vacuum

Of all the swimming pool supplies available on the market, a robotic vacuum is the only one that can truly transform your pool maintenance routine. In addition to a manual vacuum, having a robotic vacuum cleaner can help simplify your daily pool maintenance. A robotic vacuum makes it easier-than-ever to remove dirt, debris, insects, and plants from the bottom and sides of your pool. Hayward, Polaris and Vektro all make fantastic robotic vacuum models. Robotic cleaning technology has improved over the last few decades, and you can now purchase models that are fully automatic, and some can even connect to your smartphone for remote operation. 

Skimmer

A skimmer comes with a telescopic pole to help clean hard to reach debris floating in your pool. With the warm temperatures of summer, leaves, sticks, flowers, dandelion fluff, and insects can end up floating in your pool. This debris can quickly turn a relaxing swim into an unwanted encounter with a spider or beetle. With a skimmer, you will be able to gently remove floating debris from every corner of your pool before you swim. 

Pool Cover

This summer, a pool cover can help you hold in the water’s heat at night and prevent the build-up of floating debris. A solar cover conveniently allows you to hold in the heat that is captured in your pool during hot summer days. A cover can also capture any leaves or other falling debris that may end up in the pool. 

Multi-Purpose Cleaner

In addition to your normal pool chemistry routine, a multi-purpose cleaner can come in handy when dealing with built-up grime and algae. A multi-purpose cleaner can be used to clean tile, vinyl, stairs, and ladders that may build-up unwanted residue over the course of the summer. With a multi-purpose cleaner and scrub brush, you will be able to easily keep your pool sparkling clean.

Your Staycation Starts Here!

At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, we have over 30 years of experience building and maintaining pools in the Greater Toronto Area. Our online pool supplies store includes all the swimming pool supplies you need to make the most of your summer. With the ongoing pandemic, you can also easily order products online and organize delivery or curbside pick-up. For more information on any of our products or services, contact the Seaway team today at 905-294-8030 (Markham) or 905-853-8500 (Newmarket).