Cheap Pool Supplies (Chemicals) From The Grocery Store!

Can You Use Grocery Store Pool Supplies?

I purchased a good quality above ground pool because it seemed like the sensible and affordable solution. While I admit I went for quality, I also opted out of digging a giant hole in my backyard. Living where I do, in the sunbelt, a private pool is a great luxury, but I took the frugal approach. Note that a very cheap above ground pool may not be worth the headache, but a good quality above ground pool, pump, and filter can give you decades of pleasure for a fraction of the cost of an inground pool!

Now in my quest to save money I have found that many orginary grocery store staples can replace expensive pool store chemicals to keep water balanced. If your pool has gotten very bad, it may be in your best interest to visit a pool store because they can give you expert recomendations. But if you just want to maintain your water balance, you have no reason to overpay for pool supplies!

Do Balance Your Water PH with Test Strips – A bottle of test strips or a pool testing kit is one investment you probably need to make. I have found that water balance is key to having sparkling clear and safe pool water. Most of the time, a pool should test with a PH between 7.2 and 7.8. Follow the directions on your pool test kit to determine what your pool lacks.

How Many Gallons of Water Does Your Pool Have? – It is also important to know how much water your pool has. Simply google a formula for this, or even an online form that can tell you. For instance, I have a rectangular pool that is 17′ by 9′. It is 4′ deep. By searching for a ‘swimming pool volume in gallons calculator’, I found a simple formula to tell me I have a little about 4,600 gallons of water. This number isn’t exact but it will be close enough.  You can find similar calculators or formulas if you have a round pool too!

Err On The Side of Caution – You are, of course, using your own judgement here. Add a bit  time and wait. Then test. Then add a bit more. The most common problem people have is adding too much. Besides you never want to directly mix chemicals. Most chemicals should be added while your pump is circulating the water too.

Common Grocery Store Items to Replace Pool Chemicals

Chlorine Bleach is Cholrine. Baking soda can work like ‘Alkalinity Increaser’. Borax is a PH increaser.

Now be sure to only use the supplies mentioned above, AND NOT any detergent with those ingredients. Imagine the mess if you add sudsy soap to your pool.

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