Last Updated on October 21, 2021
If you are someone who is asking the question “where is the best place to buy pool chemicals?” then congratulations, you are probably a new pool owner!
As a pool owner, managing and implementing a proper chemical routine is very important to keeping your pool clear and healthy for your family enjoyment. No family wants to enjoy fun and games in the pool if it isn’t clean!
So, let’s assume that you know all about the correct pool maintenance chemicals you need for your pool, so now where is the best place to get them?
There are a few different places that you can purchase the chemicals for your pool. We will cover the pros and cons here of each.
Let’s take a look at the best place to buy pool chemicals
Leslie's Pool | Walmart | Amazon | |
Online (Amazon.com)
Buying your swimming pool chemicals online from Amazon.com has become very popular. Amazon carries the widest array of pool supplies that you can likely find online. (what don’t they carry nowadays?)
One of the best reasons to buy pool chemicals from Amazon is the ability to use the subscribe feature. By subscribing to a product on Amazon, you can set up a recurring order at the interval you choose. So, for example, if you know you need chlorine tablets each month, you can just set a subscription and your chlorine tablets will arrive each month on the day you choose. This way you never run out of your important chemicals.
HERE is a link to some of the best pool chemicals on Amazon right now.
Pros of buying pool chemicals at Amazon.com
- A wide selection of products
- Usually the best pricing and free shipping
- The convenience of shipping to your home
- Ability to “subscribe”
- Reading reviews from previous purchasers
- Peace of mind purchasing from a secure and trusted website
Cons of buying pool chemicals at Amazon.com
- No personal touch to help answer questions
Online (Specialty pool chemical sites)
There are a multitide of online retailers that specialize in pool chemicals. Some of the top sites include PoolSupplies.com , PoolCenter.com , and LesliesPool.com .
Pool owners can purchase all sorts of pool supplies, from chemicals to floating lounges on some of these sites. Some of these sites have been around for a long time and offer a good variety of products. Some sites carry proprietary products as well.
Pros of buying pool chemicals from specialty pool chemical sites
- Websites usually have helpful information from experts
- Wide variety of products
- Related products available as well
Cons of buying pool chemicals from specialty pool chemical sites
- Usually a slightly higher price
- Free shipping only available with higher purchase amounts
- Some sites have had issues with security breaches of credit card information
Your local pool supply store
Almost every city and small town has one or more local pool supply stores. Sometimes these stores are the physical presence of a pool installer or pool maintenance service company as well.
Pros of buying pool chemicals from your local pool supply store
- Local experts to talk to in-person to answer questions
- Usually have the right products for your local climate
Cons of buying pool chemicals from your local pool supply store
- Limited business hours, so they may not always be open when you need them
- Usually the highest price
- Limited variety if you have a particular brand/product you are looking for
A local big box store (Wal-mart, Target, etc…)
Big box stores carry so many products. Most stores will have a section dedicated to pool chemicals. These stores can be a lifesaver when you realize you need to shock your pool immediately, but the local pool supply store is closed, and you can’t wait for shipping!
You can Shop Walmart Online for pool supplies also.
Pros of buying pool chemicals from a big box store
- Available almost 24×7 at some stores
- Usually fair prices
Cons of buying pool chemicals from a big box store
- Workers will have limited knowledge to answer questions
- Must physically travel to store and transport the products
- Products usually sold in smaller quantities rather than bulk
What are some of the basic pool chemicals you will need?
Chlorine Tablets
- BENEFITS: Sanitizes and protects your pool water so you can enjoy swimming in clean and clear water all season long
- USE: Place a tab in pool skimmer, floater, or feeder for simple, DIY pool care; 1 tablet treats 10,000 gallons of water for up to a week
- COMPATIBILITY: Vinyl-lined pools and saltwater systems
- FEATURES: Kills bacteria and algae; Chlorinates for up to 1 week; Clarifies water; Sun protected for longer chlorine life
Chlorine is the most basic chemical you will need (and the largest quantity). Chlorine breaks down bacteria and sanitizes your pool water. You will need to keep a fair amount of chlorine tablets on hand as you will constantly need to add chlorine tablets to keep your water clean.
Shock
- BENEFITS: Increases the chlorine level in swimming pools to kill bacteria and algae to keep your pool water clear and ready for fun all season long
- USE: Apply directly to pool water as needed; Test pool water and shock weekly to keep free available chlorine levels between 1 and 4ppm
- COMPATIBILITY: Effective for all swimming pool types including pools with liners and Gunite pools, and saltwater pool systems
- FEATURES: Increases chlorine levels; Kills and prevents bacteria and algae; Keeps water clear; See results in 24 hours; 1 bag treats 13,500 gallons; Won’t fade vinyl pool liners
Shock is just a way of adding a large amount of chlorine to your pool all at once. This helps to eliminate any bacteria that your regular chlorination program may not treat. Most pools should be shocked once per week, so this is a chemical you will need to keep on hand regularly.
Algaecide
- BENEFITS: Kills and prevents all algae types including green, black and mustard algae in your swimming pool so you can enjoy your summertime fun
- USE: Apply directly to the pool for easy DIY pool care
- COMPATIBILITY: Great for vinyl-lined and saltwater pool systems
- FEATURES: Non-foaming algaecide formula destroys algae fast for crystal clear water; Swim 15 minutes after applying algaecide to your pool; Dissolves fast; Won’t fade vinyl pool liners
Algaecide is another chemical you will use regularly. This prevents any algae from growing in your pool, and you will typically use it after each shock treatment.
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