Megan's Pool Guide

The Complete Guide To Pool Maintenance

By Megan Cox

The complete guide to pool maintenance. Keep your swimming pool sparkling clean this summer with a simple weekly maintenance routine.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Make cleaning your swimming pool convenient with a robotic pool cleaner! Why spend all summer trying to keep your pool clean when you can just let a robotic pool cleaner do the work.

Above Ground Pool Ladders

Make getting in and out of the pool easy with a replacement above ground pool ladder. Most replacement pool ladders are better quality and have slip-resistant steps to prevent falling.

Pool Algaecides

Using a pool algaecide will help keep your swimming pool sparkling clean all summer long! Having algae makes it harder for the chlorine to keep your pool clean. See our picks for best pool algaecides.

Pool Shock

Pool Shock will quickly eliminate algae, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants from your pool water. Keep your pool water crystal clear by using pool shock weekly. See our picks for best pool shock.

Pool Pump Timers

Avoid the inconvenience of plugging and unplugging your pool pump with a pool pump timer. Most pool pump timers are waterproof and can save you money on your next power bill.

Pool Clarifiers

Sometimes, your pool filter needs help getting rid of small particles. A good pool clarifier binds these small particles into larger ones, allowing your filter to remove them easier.

Pool Thermometers

It is getting a little warmer outside. Are you ready to dip your toe in the pool? A good pool thermometer will help you make your decision a little easier. See our picks for the best pool thermometer.

Chlorine Tablets

Chlorine Tablets can help you keep your pool water crystal clear all season long. A good pool chlorine tablet sanitizes, clarifies, and protects your swimming pool against bacteria and algae.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

  • Make cleaning your pool easy and convenient with this awesome Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus automatic robotic pool cleaner. We love this robotic pool cleaner because you can set the weekly schedule to automatically clean the pool for you every day, every other day, or every 3rd day. The powerful dual scrubbing brushes forcefully attack tough dirt and debris on the floor and walls. The large top-load cartridge filters capture leaves and fine debris for an optimal clean swimming pool in 2 hours. This pool cleaner is ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet. You will love the easy-to-use single button operation. This awesome in-ground pool cleaner is backed by an extended 2.5-year manufacturer's warranty! We love the anti-tangle swivel cable that allows your pool cleaner to move around your pool with ease. Overall, a great choice!

  • This easy to use robotic pool cleaner is ideal for pools up to 50 feet and features a single button plug and play system! All you need to do with this robotic pool cleaner is drop it in the pool and go. The patented anti-tangle swivel cable allows your pool cleaner to move around your swimming pool with ease. The powerful dual scrubbing brushes forcefully attack tough dirt and debris leaving your swimming pool floor, walls, and waterline exceptionally clean in about 3 hours. This robotic pool cleaner comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind. Multiple filter options are available for an optimal clean pool. The premier model comes standard with 3 filter options. A bottom-load fine cartridge filter, an ultra-fine cartridge filter, and an oversized fine filter bag. Overall, we were very happy with the performance of this robotic pool cleaner.

  • Make cleaning your swimming pool effortless with this awesome automatic pool cleaner. No hoses or booster pump is required. We love this robotic pool cleaner because you can set the weekly schedule to automatically clean the pool for you every day, every other day, or every 3rd day. This robotic pool cleaner is ideal for swimming pools up to 33 feet. You will love the easy-to-use, lightweight single button operation. It comes with a 1-year manufacturer assurance warranty. The CleverClean technology scans your swimming pool and uses advanced algorithms to efficiently clean your pool's floor and walls. The active brushing system scrubs away debris you don't see. A large top loading filter basket traps and locks leaves and dirt leaving your pool clean. We like that this pool cleaner uses 8X less energy than other cleaners.

Pool Algaecides

  • This awesome pool algaecide improves water quality and simplifies overall pool care. It can treat up to 20k gallons of water and last up to 6 months. We like this pool algaecide because it eliminates all types of algae and reduces overall chemical demand. This pool algaecide is also ideal for saltwater pools! PoolRx pool algaecide is great for year-round pool use! This is a great choice for your pool!

  • This long-lasting pool algaecide helps clarify pool water and is safe with all pool and filter types. Kem-Tek 311-6 algaecide 60% concentrate is part of the chem lab easy 5 step DIY pool maintenance program. We really like this pool algaecide because it helps clarify your pool water and is safe for all pool and filter types. You will love this long-lasting pool algaecide! Works great for algae prevention!

  • The Clorox Pool & Spa XtraBlue Algaecide is an all-in-one algae killer. This awesome pool algaecide treats up to 25,000 gallons and kills green, mustard and black algae. We like this pool algaecide because it is simple to use. You just pour in the recommended amount and watch the algae disappear when your filter pump is running. This pool algaecide is a great choice for most swimming pools.

Above Ground Pool Ladders

  • Make it easy to climb in and out of the pool with this 52-inch steel frame above ground swimming pool ladder by Intex. This pool ladder has a 300 lbs max weight capacity and a corrosion-resistant frame. We really like the slip-resistant steps because no one wants to fall getting in the pool. This above ground pool ladder is easy to put together. It only took us a few minutes. Designed to work with 52-inch wall heights this awesome above ground pool ladder is a great choice! We highly recommend this ladder for your above ground pool!

  • Crafted to work with above ground pools the Confer Plastics a-frame above ground adjustable pool ladder is a great choice! We really like this above ground pool ladder because it adjusts to fit 48 inches to 54-inch tall swimming pools. This pool ladder has a 300 lb weight capacity and includes a lockable roll guard barrier that simply rolls over the outer steps when not in use. We also like that this pool ladder has an extra-large platform that is equipped with large 18-inch x 5-inch comfortable steps. Perfect choice!

  • This awesome slide-lock a-frame above ground pool ladder is a great choice! We like this above-ground ladder because it is adjustable up to a 56-inch pool. It has a 300 lbs max weight capacity and features an anti-entrapment barrier. This ladder can slide up and lock into place to prevent access to your swimming pool. An anti-entrapment barrier is included. Made from rugged vinyl, this pool ladder has many of the features of much more expensive above ground pool ladders. Overall, this is an awesome pool ladder!

Pool Shock Treatments

  • This powerful pool shock formula kills bacteria without bleaching your pool's liner or affecting pH. Clear cloudy water, destroy microscopic contaminants, and fight algae with Shock XtraBlue. We like this pool shock because it improves filter performance and kills and prevents green, black, and mustard pool algae. The fast-dissolving formula works quickly so you can treat and swim in just 15 minutes. The multifunctional pool shock with algae-fighting crystals creates crystal clear water. We recommend using this pool shock weekly as part of a regular maintenance routine. Great choice!

  • We like this pool shock treatment because it increases the chlorine level in swimming pools to kill bacteria and algae. This pool shock is effective for all swimming pool types including pools with liners and gunite pools, and saltwater pool systems. One bag treats 13,500 gallons of pool water. You can keep your pool water clear and ready for fun all season long with this pool shock treatment. We also like that this pool shock won’t fade vinyl pool liners. Shock your pool weekly to keep free available chlorine levels between 1 and 4 ppm. You will love this pool shock because you will see results in 24 hours.

  • This powerful chlorine shock treatment that is great for regular maintenance! It quickly eliminates algae, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants from your pool water. The main active ingredient in this pool shock is 68% calcium hypochlorite for quick sanitizing. Quickly kills algae and bacteria and removes micro-contaminants that make pool water cloudy. This easy to use swimming pool shock effectively treats 10,000 gallons of pool water per bag. Kills visible algae blooms and invisible bacteria that are dangerous to swimmers. Overall, this is one of our favorite pool shock treatments.

Pool Pump Timers

  • This awesome 7-day outdoor heavy duty programmable digital pool timer features weatherproof construction and is great for an outdoor pool pump, fountains, and other electrical outlets. Heavy-duty material and two grounded outlets make this pool pump timer safe and durable. You can easily set up to 8 on/off programs for the timer’s two grounded outlets. We like this pool pump timer because the outlets are controlled simultaneously, and settings can be as short as one minute.

  • The BN-LINK compact outdoor mechanical pool pump timer is programmable in 15-minute intervals with 48 setting options in a 24 hours period. This pool timer is waterproof, heavy-duty, and accurate. We like that this pool timer because it is made from heavy-duty material and two grounded outlet makes it safe and durable. The programmed schedule will repeat every 24 hours, automatically turning on and off your pool pump so you won't have to. Great choice!

  • Designed for industrial, commercial, and residential applications this heavy-duty pool timer is a great choice! You can program up to 12 on and offs operations daily with minimum on and offs times of 1 hour. This pool timer is weatherproof and made of durable materials. We like this pool pump timer because it is easy to install, weatherproof, and easy to use. This pool timer is made in the USA with imported parts. Overall, this is great if you are looking for a heavy-duty pool timer.

Pool Clarifiers

  • Clorox Pool and Spa Super Water Clarifier is a concentrated pool water clarifier that creates crystal clear pool water. The formula combines the small particles that make your water dull, hazy, or cloudy into larger particles that are easier for your filter to remove. You only need 1 ounce of product for 5000 gallons of water to see results. We really like that no dilution needed. You simply apply slowly around the edges of your pool's deep end and allow the pump to run for at least 8 hours.

  • In The Swim Super Clarifier is a super concentrated pool water clarifier. It helps remove small particles from the water by coagulating them together, allowing the filter to easily remove them. This pool clarifier is recommended for use after an algae treatment. We really like this highly concentrated formula, it is easy to use and improves filter function and efficiency. The initial treatment for most pools is 4 ounces per 10,000 gallons. Overall, this is a great pool clarifier!

  • Clear cloudy pool water fast with Robarb super blue water clarifier! This powerful pool clarifier produces and maintains crystal clear pool water without affecting pH balance or other chemicals. We like this pool clarifier because you can use it with all filter types. It will not clog filters. This highly concentrated formula is designed to clear cloudy water super fast. You will love this pool clarifier because it reduces sanitizer demand by removing dirt particles. Great choice!

Pool Thermometers

  • The Inkbird IBS-P01R wireless pool themometer is an awesome choice for most pools and hot tubs. It is easy to read and has a maximum connection distance is 300 feet. We like this wireless pool thermometer because you can check the temperature of your pool without going outside. This pool thermometer is made from high-quality materials and is durable. I found this pool thermometer to be very accurate and to support both Fahrenheit and Celsius readings. Overall, this pool thermometer is a great choice!

  • This pool thermometer is a great low-cost option! It features a large display and is durable and shatter-resistant! We like the eLander floating digital pool thermometer because it is perfect for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and fish ponds. This pool thermometer provides accurate readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius and is easy to use. It comes with a long string and a large display. This basic pool thermometer does everything you need and it is hard to beat the price. We think you will love this basic pool thermometer!

  • The Blufree basic floating shark pool thermometer is a perfect choice. This easy to use floating pool thermometer provides precise water temperature readings and is a lot of fun. This durable pool thermometer is made from high-quality materials and is shatter resistant. The shark cartoon design is fun for the kids. This awesome pool thermometer comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month replacement warranty. We like this pool thermometer because it provides accurate readings and is priced right!

Chlorine Tablets

  • Clorox Pool and spa chlorine tablets are long-lasting tablets that work hard to keep your water clean from both bacteria and algae. Each tablet is stabilized to ensure long-lasting protection from algae and bacteria under the sun's rays. These chlorine tablets are used weekly in your pool's skimmer, feeder, or floater. We like these pool chlorine tablets because they are easy to use and individually wrapped inside the bucket. Overall, these 3-inch chlorine tablets are an awesome choice for your swimming pool!

  • Sanitize and protect your pool all season long with HTH super 3-inch pool chlorinating tablets. You can enjoy yourself swimming knowing your pool is clean. One tablet treats up to 10,000 gallons of water for up to a week. These chlorine tablets are easy to use, just place a tablet in your pool's skimmer, floater, or feeder. We like HTH super 3-inch chlorinating tablets because they destroy algae and bacteria keeping your pool water looking blue. These pool chlorine tablets contain built-in algae protection and clarifier.

  • In the swim 3-inch pool, chlorine tablets are a great choice! These industry-leading chlorine tablets have 90% available stabilized chlorine for long-lasting sanitizing power. The easy-to-open bags are a perfect size for floaters or any automatic chlorine feeder. Each 3-inch chlorine tablet weighs 8 oz. and treats 10,000 gallons of pool water. We like these chlorinating tablets because they are slow-dissolving and work great! For best results, we recommend testing the chlorine level once per week. Awesome choice!