As the weather warms up across California, swimming pool season is just around the corner! Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a seasoned expert, now is the perfect time to prepare your pool for a safe, clean, and fun summer. At Benchmark Pool Supply, we’re here to help you get your pool swim-ready with the right chemicals and expert advice. Why Early Preparation Matters Getting ahead of the season saves you time, money, and hassle. By balancing your water before the heat hits, you’ll avoid algae blooms, cloudy water, and emergency trips to the store. Plus, a well-maintained pool makes for a better swimming experience all summer long. Essential Pool Chemicals for Opening Season Here’s a checklist of the key chemicals you’ll need to open your pool properly: 1. Chlorine Chlorine is the cornerstone of pool sanitation. It kills bacteria, controls algae, and keeps your water crystal clear. Stock up on: Liquid chlorine Chlorine tablets Shock treatments (super chlorination) 2. Algaecide Prevent algae growth before it starts. California’s sunny climate can turn even the clearest pools green in a hurry without a strong algaecide treatment. 3. pH Balancers Maintaining the right pH level (between 7.2 and 7.6) keeps swimmers comfortable and your chlorine working efficiently. pH Increaser (soda ash) pH Decreaser (muriatic acid or dry acid) 4. Alkalinity Increaser Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH. If it’s too low, your water can become unstable. Add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to correct low alkalinity levels. 5. Calcium Hardness Increaser Low calcium levels can corrode your pool surfaces and equipment. Test and adjust hardness to protect your investment. 6. Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) In sunny California, chlorine can quickly burn off without protection. Cyanuric acid stabilizes chlorine, helping it last longer under UV rays. 7. Clarifiers and Flocculants If your pool is cloudy after winter, clarifiers or flocculants can help you quickly clear the water before your first pool party. 8. Test Kits or Test Strips Testing is key! Monitor chlorine levels, pH, alkalinity, and hardness regularly to keep your pool perfectly balanced. Pro Tip: Start with a Water Test Bring a sample of your pool water to Benchmark Pool Supply for a free professional water test. We’ll help you pinpoint exactly what you need and how much to add — no guesswork required! Visit Benchmark Pool Supply for All Your Pool Opening Needs We carry everything you need to make this season the best one yet — from trusted chemical brands to expert advice from our friendly staff. Whether you’re opening a backyard pool or managing a commercial pool, Benchmark Pool Supply has you covered. Stop by today or call us to schedule a water test. Let’s get your pool ready for summer!