Salt water pools still require chemicals for proper water balance, including pH adjusters, stabilizer, and calcium hardness increasers. The salt chlorine generator only produces chlorine, not other essential chemicals needed for safe swimming water.
Pool chemical shelf life varies dramatically: liquid chlorine lasts 2-5 years, granular chlorine 2-3 years, while pH adjusters and alkalinity increasers can last indefinitely when stored properly.
Most pool chemicals can be used in spas, but require different concentrations due to higher temperatures and smaller water volume. Chlorine, pH adjusters, and alkalinity increasers work well, but avoid stabilized chlorine and copper-based algaecides.
Yes, Walmart does carry pool chemicals both in-store and online, including chlorine tablets, liquid shock, pH adjusters, and algaecides. However, selection varies by location and season, with limited availability of professional-grade products.
Pool pH down can technically lower plant soil pH, but it's not recommended due to high chemical concentrations and lack of nutrients. Use garden-specific pH adjusters instead for plant safety.
Yes, saltwater pools still need chemicals including pH adjusters, alkalinity increasers, stabilizer, and calcium hardness increasers. The salt chlorine generator only produces chlorine - you must manually balance all other water chemistry parameters.
Wait times vary by chemical: 15-30 minutes for liquid chlorine, 8-24 hours for calcium hypochlorite shock, and 30 minutes for pH adjusters. Always test water levels before swimming.
Most pool chemicals work within 2-8 hours, but timing varies significantly by chemical type. Chlorine works in minutes, pH adjusters take 2-4 hours, while stabilizer can take 24-48 hours to fully dissolve and circulate.
While pool pH down and hydroponic pH down both lower pH, pool chemicals often contain additives that can harm plants. Use pH adjusters specifically designed for hydroponics to ensure plant safety and optimal nutrient uptake.
Yes, Lowe's carries a wide selection of pool chemicals including chlorine, pH adjusters, shock treatments, and algaecides both in-store and online year-round.
Yes, Intex pools absolutely need chemicals to maintain safe, clean water. Like any pool, they require chlorine for sanitization, pH adjusters, and stabilizer to prevent algae growth and protect swimmers' health.
Most pool chemicals have different expiration dates: liquid chlorine lasts 1-2 months, granular chlorine 1-3 years, pH adjusters 2-3 years, and alkalinity increasers indefinitely when stored properly.
