The Essential Pool Chemicals Every Aussie Pool Owner Should Have

The following is general advice only. Requirements for individual pools and pool systems may vary.

Maintaining a pool isn’t just about skimming leaves or keeping it looking blue—it's about keeping the water clean, balanced, and safe for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a first-time pool owner or a seasoned backyard swimmer, having the right chemicals on hand is crucial to maintaining a healthy pool all year round.

We’ve put together a simple guide to the must-have chemicals every Australian pool owner should keep stocked.

1. Chlorine – Your Pool’s Primary Sanitiser

Chlorine is the most common and effective way to kill bacteria, control algae, and disinfect your pool water.

Available in:

  • Liquid (sodium hypochlorite)

  • Granular (calcium hypochlorite)

  • Tablets (stabilised chlorine)

👉 Tip: For outdoor pools in the summer time, opt for stabilised chlorine—it lasts longer under the Aussie sun. Regularly test your water to ensure that the level of stabiliser (cyanuric acid or CYA) remains within range. If your CYA is too high, you should opt for liquid chlorine.

2. Cyanuric Acid – The Chlorine Protector

Also known as a chlorine stabiliser, cyanuric acid protects chlorine from breaking down due to UV rays. Without it, your chlorine can disappear fast—especially in summer.

  • Ideal level: 30–70 ppm

  • Best for: Outdoor pools

You’ll only need to add it occasionally - and potentially not at all if you use stabilised chlorine - but it’s a key player in maintaining chlorine effectiveness in summer.

👉 Tip: Monitor CYA levels carefully during winter, as the sun’s UV rays are not as effective in breaking down chlorine. The remedy for CYA levels that are too high is draining water and refilling the pool - which is not easy and is undesirable. So, monitor your CYA levels carefully or come in-store for a free water test.

3. pH Balancers – For Water Comfort and Chlorine Efficiency

Keeping your pH balanced is vital. Too high or too low, and your chlorine won’t work properly, plus it can cause skin irritation and equipment damage.

  • pH Increaser: Sodium carbonate (soda ash)

  • pH Decreaser: Hydrochloric acid or dry acid

  • Target range: 7.2 – 7.6 (generally - but check your pool’s equipment for your specific range)

We recommend testing your pH weekly to stay on top of fluctuations.

4. Alkalinity Increaser – The pH Buffer

Total alkalinity acts as a buffer to stabilise your pH.

  • Product: Sodium bicarbonate (bicarb soda)

  • Ideal range: 80 – 120 ppm

If your pH is constantly jumping around, your alkalinity might be too low. This is a simple fix with the right product.

5. Calcium Hardness Increaser – Protect Your Pool Surfaces

Soft water (low in calcium) can pull minerals from your pool surface, leading to etching and corrosion.

  • Product: Calcium chloride

  • Target levels: 200-400ppm (again, check your pool’s equipment for your pool’s optimal range)

    • Ask our team which level is best for your pool type.

6. Algaecide – Extra Defence Against Algae

Even with perfect chlorine levels, algae can sneak in—especially after hot weather, rain, or heavy use. An algaecide acts as a preventative or treatment option.

  • We recommend regular (fortnightly) use as a preventative measure

  • Choose a product that suits your sanitiser system

We stock several non-foaming, copper-free options—just ask us what’s right for your pool!

7. Pool Shock (Oxidiser) – Refresh Your Water

Shock treatments help to:

  • Eliminate organic waste

  • Destroy chloramines (that “pool smell”)

  • Clear cloudy water

Types:

  • Chlorine-based (calcium hypochlorite)

  • Non-chlorine (potassium monopersulfate)

Use it after big pool parties, storms, or when your water starts to look a bit dull.

8. Clarifier or Flocculant – For Crystal-Clear Water

Dust, pollen, and fine debris can leave your water looking cloudy.

  • Clarifiers bind tiny particles so your filter can trap them.

  • Flocculants clump particles together and sink them for vacuuming.

Great to have on hand after heavy rain or cleaning treatments.

9. Phosphate Remover – Stop Feeding the Algae

Phosphates are algae’s favourite food—and they often sneak in from leaves, tap water, and fertiliser runoff. A phosphate remover is super effective at reducing this food source and helping prevent future outbreaks.

Keep Your Pool Chemistry Balanced All Year

Maintaining the right chemical balance isn’t just about having clean water—it’s about protecting your investment and keeping swimming safe and enjoyable. At WaterPro Pool and Spa, we’re here to make it easy.

✅ Need help testing your water? Bring a sample in for a free automated test - taking the guesswork out of your results.
✅ Out of chemicals? We stock all the essentials—and can recommend exactly what your pool needs. We can also come to you with our Retail2U options.
✅ New to pool care? Ask us for a starter kit or quick lesson—we’re happy to help.

Final Checklist – Essentials for Your Pool Chemical Kit:

  • ✅ Chlorine (sanitiser)

  • ✅ Cyanuric acid (stabiliser)

  • ✅ pH increaser & decreaser

  • ✅ Alkalinity increaser (buffer)

  • ✅ Calcium hardness increaser

  • ✅ Algaecide

  • ✅ Shock treatment

  • ✅ Clarifier/flocculant

  • ✅ Phosphate remover

Got questions? Need advice?
Drop into WaterPro Pool and Spa (2/439 Gympie Road, Kedron), give us a call (1300 447 665), or contact us. Our friendly team is here to help you keep your pool sparkling, balanced, and ready to dive into!