The Secret to Crystal Clear Water

Applying the right products to your pool or hot tub water helps you achieve a safe swimming environment with water that’s crystal clear and inviting. Our water care experts are available to help you determine what you need. Bring in a 12 oz. sample of water from your pool or hot tub and we’ll run a FREE and thorough state-of-the-art, computerized test.  In about 2 minutes, you’ll know what you need to achieve clean, balanced water!

We’re going to share the secret of crystal clear water using one of three chemical systems.  They are:

Chlorine Based

Most residential swimming pools use this system which has been around since the 1950’s.  Keeping a steady chlorine residual of 3-5ppm, pH of 7.5 and total alkalinity of 125-175 is the recommended levels for crystal clear results.

Saltwater Based

Many new pools are being installed with a chlorine generator which takes saltwater and converts it to chlorine.  Although there are some initial upfront costs associated with the chlorine generator and electricity, benefits of a saltwater system include lower maintenance, less chemical additions and softer water.

Biguanide Based

For those individuals who experience allergic reactions to chlorine products, a biguanide system provides the necessary treatment to keep the pool or hot tub sanitized without the use of chlorine.

Chemical Categories

The basic 3-Step Program recommended by BioGuard includes Sanitize, Oxidize, and Algae Prevention.  In addition, there are a variety of products that are used to balance and control pH and alkalinity, clean filters and surfaces, and specialty treatments.  As you explore the individual products on this site, you will find a detailed description and instructions for their use, but we’ve also provided a general description of the most popular product categories below to educate you about their role in providing safe, clean water for your swimming enjoyment.

Sanitizers

Sanitizers are the main ingredient of basic pool maintenance.  They keep pool water clear and protected from bacteria.

Algicides

Arvidson has products to kill, prevent and control algae infestations. Use them to avoid murky water, increased chlorine demand and clogged filters. If you have an algae build-up, we recommend that you bring a water sample into any of our stores for a free analysis and recommendation of the product that best suits your pool situation.

Oxidizers

Use oxidizers to shock the water and chemically destroy the organic contaminants introduced by bathers and the environment. Oxidizers restore water clarity, maintain water balance and eliminate the main causes of eye and nose irritation.

Balancers

This large category of products is used to control scale, prevent metallic stains, adjust the pH and total alkalinity and correct mineral imbalances.  Use is determined by the specific needs of your pool or hot tub water.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers prevent free chlorine residual loss due to sunlight.  Use of these products can help reduce maintenance costs and chlorinating product consumption.

Cleaners

From filter, tile and surface cleaners to pool cover cleaner and preservatives – keep your pool environment looking new and inviting.

Clarifiers & Specialty Chemicals

Improve water clarity, enhance and restore the sparkle to your pool water and help your filter work more efficiently with this assortment of “special use” chemicals.

Winterizers

Closing your pool properly means an easy spring opening that requires a minimum of effort, time and money.  Arvidson Pools & Spas hosts annual Pool Closing sessions to help customers learn more about the importance of proper closing techniques and chemicals.

Remember, we are here to help seven days a week!  Our water care experts are standing by ready to help make pool and water care easy for you.  All products on shop.arvidsons.com are available for home delivery in Northern Illinois or free in-store pick-up!