Quick Pool Chemical Checklist

These are the basic chemicals every pool needs:

• Chlorine (sanitizer)

• pH Increaser (Soda Ash)

• pH Reducer (Muriatic Acid or Dry Acid)

• Alkalinity Increaser (Sodium Bicarbonate)

• Calcium Hardness Increaser

• Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid)

Optional but common:

• Shock

• Algaecide

• Clarifier

Core Pool Chemicals Explained

1. Chlorine (Sanitizer)

Chlorine kills bacteria, viruses, and algae. Without enough chlorine, your pool will quickly turn cloudy or green.

Ideal Free Chlorine Level:
2–4 ppm

2. pH Increaser & pH Reducer

pH controls how acidic or basic your water is. If pH is off, chlorine becomes less effective and swimmers may feel eye and skin irritation.

• Use pH Increaser when pH is too low

• Use pH Reducer (acid) when pH is too high

Ideal pH Range:
7.4–7.6

3. Total Alkalinity Increaser

Alkalinity stabilizes pH so it doesn’t swing rapidly up and down.

Ideal Total Alkalinity:
80–120 ppm

Low alkalinity causes unstable pH. High alkalinity leads to constant pH drift.

4. Calcium Hardness Increaser

Calcium protects pool surfaces and equipment from corrosion.

Ideal Calcium Hardness:
200–400 ppm

Low calcium can damage plaster and metal components. High calcium causes scale buildup.

5. Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid)

Stabilizer protects chlorine from being destroyed by the sun.

Ideal Stabilizer Range: 30–50 ppm

Too little stabilizer causes chlorine to burn off quickly. Too much locks chlorine and makes it ineffective.

How to Balance Pool Chemicals (Step-by-Step)

1. Test your pool water using strips or a liquid test kit

2. Adjust Total Alkalinity first

3. Adjust pH second

4. Adjust Chlorine last

5. Add Calcium Hardness if needed

6. Add Stabilizer only if levels are low

7. Run your pump for at least 6–8 hours

8. Re-test after full circulation

How Often Should Pool Chemicals Be Tested?

• Chlorine & pH: 2–3 times per week

• Alkalinity & Calcium: Once per month

• Stabilizer: Every 1–2 months

In summer, pools often need more frequent testing due to heat and heavy use.

When to Call a Pool Pro for Chemical Balancing

Call a professional if:

• Your readings constantly fluctuate

• Chlorine won’t hold

• Algae keeps returning

• Water burns eyes or smells strongly of chlorine

• You’re unsure how to dose chemicals safely

Professional Pool Chemical Service in Peoria, AZ

If you’re in Peoria or the West Valley, Triton Pools handles all chemical balancing for you — safely and accurately.

• 4.9★ rating with 750+ reviews

• Weekly pool service plans

• Precise water testing & dosing

• Algae prevention and treatment

Schedule your professional pool chemical service with Triton Pools today.

FAQ: Pool Chemicals

What is the most important pool chemical?
Chlorine is the most critical because it keeps the water sanitized and safe.

Can I add all pool chemicals at the same time?
No. Always space chemical additions and follow proper order to avoid reactions.

Is it safe to swim right after adding chemicals?
Usually wait 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the chemical added.

Do saltwater pools still need chemicals?
Yes. Saltwater pools still require pH control, alkalinity balance, stabilizer, and calcium.