There are certain tools that every pool owner should have on hand. If used regularly and appropriately, these items will ensure that your swimming pool stays maintained and relatively chemical-free. Sometimes, despite regular cleaning, chemicals, or other additives are necessary. This article also discuss common chemicals and natural chemical alternatives for tough algae problems.

First, here is a list of what you should ask your pool supply store for, and the uses of each object.

1. Leaf skimmer: a large, oval, flat net with a long handle used for skimming debris off the surface of the water. It is important to use this to collect sticks, leaves and trash from your pool before they clog a filter or a drain basket, disrupting your pool water’s circulation. The net handle should be long to enable you to reach debris in most, if not all areas of your pool.
2. Vacuum: A pool vacuum either hooks into your pool’s circulation system or has its own power supply, and is used to suck dirt off of the pool floor. Many of them have sensors that allow them to sweep the pool without a human guide. Vacuum filters require regular cleaning.
3. Algae Brush: Great for use on concrete pools, this brush has metal bristles that get into cracks along walls to sweep away algae and calcium build up. These are not a good option for anyone with a tile pool, the metal bristles scratch tile and grout.
4. Tile Brush: A gentler brush, perfect for keeping calcium deposits and algae spores from sticking to walls. Use it along the walls of your pool and along your pool floor.
5. A pumice stone: Another must-have for tile pools. This will help remove tough build up without harming your grout.

Keeping these objects around and using them regularly is an essential part of being a responsible pool owner. If used regularly, these items will help you avoid chlorine and other chemicals. For pools that already have an algae problem, it may be necessary to purchase chlorine to treat the water, and other chemicals to kill and prevent algae. If you use chlorine you will also need chlorine shock to completely sanitize water and remove bound chlorine.

Natural alternatives to chemicals are mostly preventative but still much preferred. These include: adding a small amount of salt to the water; ionizing the water, with an ionizing filter that releases silver or copper to kill plants; using a generator to oxidize the water and release a purifying agent called ozone; building a “natural pool” or “swimming pond” which controls algae and other problems with the use of naturally filtering plants, landscaped around the edge of the pool.

Having a pool requires regular maintenance and much responsibility. If you are not very eager to use chemicals, natural alternatives and a normal cleaning routine are your best ally. Having the right tools for job will mean that you clean your pool regularly, properly and with ease.