There’s nothing quite like taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day, but before diving in, you need to make sure that your pool is clean and the water is sanitary. Swimming in a funky pool is a pretty gross idea to begin with, and potentially getting sick because you decided to take the risk is about as far from having fun as it gets.
A good pool cleaner will help eliminate built-up dirt, algae, and any harmful bacteria in the water. After using one (or a combination if you want to be extra thorough) of these products, you’ll be left with a clean pool and clear water in which you can spend many lazy afternoons stress-free. After our research, we determined the Essential Values Pool Cleaner to be the best overall, although there are some other great picks we’ve selected as well, based on rave reviews on Amazon which you can find below.
The Swimming Pool Cleaner from Essential Values is an all-in-one solution that’ll clean your pool and prevent staining, while also keeping the water clear and pH-balanced due to the natural citric acid base formula that’s free of harsh chemicals. One container of this pool cleaner can treat 20,000 gallons of water, and all you have to do is let the solution sit for ~12 hours, give the walls and floor a quick wipe down (manually, or with a robot pool cleaner), and then turn on the pump to let your pool’s filter do the rest.
This pool cleaner gets the top spot on our list because it is suitable for a variety of surfaces, has a great track record of providing reliable results, doesn’t mess with the water’s pH balance, and is good enough to be used as a stand-alone solution for most pool cleaning needs, providing great value for money.
Second on our list, the HTH Pool Cleaner is formulated to clear up dull, hazy, or cloudy pool water. It works by clumping together particles in the water, making it easier for your pool filter to more effectively catch algae and other debris. It’s suitable for all pool types, including saltwater systems, and you can count on it to not mess with the pH balance of your pool water. Using it is also pretty simple, with your options being either pouring the solution directly into the water or administering it via the skimmer.
Similar to the last pool cleaner, this Clorox product also combines small particles into larger ones, making them easier to filter and remove. If your pool happens to be an absolute algae magnet, using this weekly will ensure your pool water will stay as clear as day.
The amount of solution you get in one bottle provides enough clarifier to keep your pool looking great for an entire season (at a throwaway price, we might add) and the product is efficient and effective. Coupled with the accompanying Clorox Pool App that can help you assess your water quality, this pool cleaner provides an easy way to maintain clean and clear pool water without professional help, making it fantastic for at-home pool maintenance.
The GLB Super Blue Pool Cleaner makes it simple to maintain a crystal-clear pool, regardless of temperature and chemical levels. The concentrated formula is very powerful; you only need 1 oz. of solution to treat 5,000 gallons of water. It quickly helps clear cloudy water and prevents it from becoming hazy again, which helps prevent long-term maintenance and short-term aesthetic issues related to pool water clarity.
Overall, the Super Blue pool cleaner is a solid product that works as advertised, and the 64-ounce packaging is an excellent choice for commercial pools needing regular treatment of large amounts of water, or for home pool owners wanting to avoid the hassle of buying more pool cleaner every couple of months and engaging in additional plastic waste.
Now that you’re well-familiar with the internet’s favorite pool cleaners— here’s a short buying guide to help you get started.
1. Clarifiers:
2. Algaecides:
3. Shocking Treatments (Oxidizers):
4. Staining Removers:
5. Enzyme Cleaners:
Before making your purchase, make sure that the cleaner liquid is safe for use in pools and will not damage surfaces or cause harm. Also, check that the product meets all safety standards set by local and national regulators.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendation for how often you need to use the pool cleaner. Some products are designed to be used daily or every few days to maintain the pool’s cleanliness, while other products may be designed for a deeper clean and may “shock” your pool if used too much, causing staining or a change in water color.
As with anything else, products can vary in their effectiveness, so it’s crucial to consider what each pool cleaner can do to determine which one is the most cost-effective and suitable for your needs.
When using a pool cleaner, it is crucial to pay attention to the dosage of the product. Make sure to follow the manufacturer guidelines to the letter, especially if you’re new to pool maintenance. Some pool cleaners also require diluting before adding to your pool water, so make sure to double-check if your pool cleaner needs dilution before turning the bottle upside down over your pool. After adding the cleaner, wait for the manufacturer-specified duration before running your filter or automatic pool cleaner.
A pool cleaner is formulated to help reduce bacteria and algae growth in swimming pools and to reduce time spent on cleaning the walls and floor of the pool. These liquids contain a variety of chemicals that help to sanitize your swimming pool. When these chemicals react with water, they form a solution that helps break down oils, grease, dirt, and other contaminants that can accumulate in your swimming pool.
Using a pool cleaner can help reduce the amount of time spent cleaning your pool because these chemicals help break down dirt and debris more quickly than traditional methods like skimming or vacuuming alone can do. Plus, since you won’t have to spend as much time scrubbing surfaces by hand, you can spend more time enjoying your swimming pool rather than cleaning it. Also, when used properly, these solutions help keep water safe for swimming by killing bacteria and algae that can cause illnesses if ingested while swimming.
The frequency at which you should use pool cleaner liquids depends on several factors, including product guidelines, how often the pool is used, and the level of contamination present in the water. Generally speaking, most people find it beneficial to put in one dose every few weeks, but this could vary depending on individual circumstances. It’s always best to follow the instructions on the pool cleaner label, and if you're unsure or feeling out of your depth, it's not a bad idea to consult with a professional once.
Yes! Always follow the instructions provided by manufacturers carefully when using these products, as they contain potentially hazardous materials if not handled properly. Things like chlorine can be irritating to the skin and eyes, so proper care is crucial. Also, it’s essential to remember not to add too much product to the water at once, as this could lead to excessive foaming or staining. Also never mix different types of chemicals unless you're 100% sure of what you're doing or have received professional guidance.
Yes! You'll probably need some additional equipment, such as pool brushes and skimmers to do a thorough clean. If you can spend the $$$ and use your pool very often, a robot pool cleaner can be a worthwhile investment to almost completely automate your pool cleaning routine.