Back-to-school season is here, and while the kids are sharpening pencils, it’s the perfect time for pool owners to sharpen their pool care skills. At Pinch A Penny, we’re bringing you Back to Pool School, your refresher course on how to keep your pool safe, clean, and sparkling. Whether your pool uses chlorine tablets or a salt system, Pinch A Penny’s ABCs of Pool Care are your key to consistent, reliable pool maintenance.
A is for Always add a daily sanitizer. This is the most important step in preventing bacteria and keeping your water safe to swim in.
For chlorine pools, use chlorine tablets in a floater, or automatic chlorinator. Suncoast Complete® 4-In-One Multi-Purpose Tabs are the perfect option to keep your pool sanitized daily. These dissolve slowly and maintain consistent chlorine levels throughout the day.
For saltwater pools, a salt chlorine generator uses pool-grade salt to produce chlorine automatically. Daily chlorination still happens—you just don’t add chlorine manually. Important: Saltwater pools are not chlorine-free. You must use both pool salt and a salt chlorine generator to sanitize the water effectively.
B is for Boost weekly with shock. Even with daily chlorine, your pool needs a stronger dose once a week to eliminate built-up contaminants that regular sanitizing can’t handle. - Shock the pool every week, especially after rain, heavy use, or if the water looks cloudy.
Weekly shocking helps break down chloramines (the byproducts that cause strong chlorine smells) and keeps water crystal clear. Both chlorine and salt pools need to be shocked weekly, salt systems alone can’t meet the increased demand.
Tip: Shock the pool in the evening or at night for better results and reduced chlorine loss from sunlight.
C is for Consistently use algaecide. Algae prevention is much easier than algae removal, and using algaecide weekly gives your pool an extra layer of defense. Choose an all-in-one, non-foaming algaecide compatible with your pool type and use it once a week, even when your pool water looks clean.
Algaecide supports your chlorine, especially during warm weather when algae can thrive. Make it part of your routine to avoid unexpected algae issues.
With Pinch A Penny’s ABCs of Pool Care: Always sanitize daily, Boost weekly with shock, and Consistently use algaecide, you’ll have a simple, effective routine that works for both chlorine and saltwater pools.
Have questions? Need help choosing the right products or reading your water test results? Visit your neighborhood Pinch A Penny for:
Pinch A Penny has been helping pool owners make the grade for over 50 years!
Clear water. Simple steps. Smart pool care.
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