Pool Accessories

What pool accessories are essential for improving comfort and safety?

To fully enjoy sunny days and your pool, it is essential to be well equipped with the right equipment and accessories. Some accessories are not only practical, they are essential for ensuring the safety of swimmers, improving your comfort while swimming, and keeping the water clean and healthy.

• Accessories to make your pool safer
• Accessories for increased comfort
• Essentials for clear and healthy pool water

Accessories to secure your pool

Safety is the number one priority, especially when there are young children or pets at home. A pool fence that complies with standards* is not only mandatory for in-ground and above-ground pools, but also provides an effective physical barrier to prevent accidents. In addition, alarm systems detect unauthorized movement or openings, providing extra peace of mind and increased surveillance of your pool. Safe, non-slip ladders and steps also play a crucial role. They allow you to control access to your pool with locking systems while providing easy, slip-free access with non-slip steps.
*Quebec pool law requires that all outdoor residential pools, regardless of type (above ground, in-ground, semi-inground), be secured by a fence to prevent drowning. Consult the regulations on residential pool safety.

Accessories for increased comfort

When it comes to comfort, there are several accessories that can enhance your swimming experience and transform it into a truly relaxing moment. A solar cover, for example, helps retain the heat accumulated during the day, extending swimming time while reducing water evaporation. Floating mattresses, inflatable chairs, and headrest cushions add a touch of comfort and enjoyment, perfect for relaxing in the sun or reading a book while floating gently on the surface.

Essentials for clear and healthy pool water

Finally, to ensure clear and clean water throughout the summer, maintenance must not be neglected. Basic chemicals, such as chlorine or bromine, ensure constant disinfection, while occasional treatments, such as algaecides or clarifiers, can quickly correct imbalances. Manual tools, such as brushes, leaf skimmers, and vacuum cleaners, are just as essential for removing debris and preventing algae buildup on the walls and bottom of the pool. To learn more about maintaining your pool water, browse our guide.

How do I choose the right accessories for my type of pool?

Whether you have an above-ground, in-ground, or semi-inground pool, there are certain criteria to consider when choosing the most suitable accessories for your type of pool to ensure it functions properly and you can enjoy it to the fullest during the summer season:

• The first thing to consider is the compatibility of the accessories with your pool. For example, ladders designed for above-ground pools are often freestanding and can be installed without permanent fastenings, while those for in-ground pools require solid anchoring in the ground. Dimensions also vary: a solar cover must be chosen according to the exact size of your pool. In addition, the materials must be resistant to weather conditions, including UV rays, temperature variations, and humidity. An ill-fitting accessory could not only be ineffective, but also wear out prematurely.
• Aesthetics and functionality also play an important role in choosing accessories. An in-ground pool integrated into a modern landscape design can accommodate more discreet accessories, such as built-in storage or decorative jets. Conversely, an above-ground pool will benefit more from practical and easy-to-install accessories, such as storage boxes or colorful inflatable toys that add a playful touch to the space.
• It is important to consider the budget when choosing accessories, without neglecting the durability of the product. Investing in accessories designed to withstand weather conditions will extend their life and avoid frequent replacements. For example, a good-quality solar cover protects the water from debris, conserves heat, and reduces evaporation during the summer. Conversely, well-chosen winterization products—such as a frost-resistant cover or pipe plugs—effectively protect the pool during the cold season. Focusing on quality is a wise choice for preserving your installation and limiting long-term maintenance costs.

Why are pool accessories important for the lifespan of your pool?

Owning a pool often means regular maintenance during the summer season. With a climate like Quebec's, where conditions can be particularly changeable, certain accessories play an essential role in protecting the pool and limiting maintenance costs. When chosen wisely, these accessories not only preserve the structure of the pool, but also maintain its performance year after year.

Among the most important pool maintenance accessories are:

• The winter cover is a must-have. It protects the pool during the long winter months by preventing the accumulation of snow, ice, and debris. By limiting exposure to frost, it prevents cracks in the structure and damage to equipment such as skimmers and pipes. A well-fitting cover also reduces spring cleaning, allowing the pool to be put back into service more quickly and at a lower cost.
• Other protective accessories, such as leaf nets and protective covers, also help to preserve the pool. By preventing leaves, insects, and other debris from reaching the water, they reduce the load on the filtration system. With less stress, the system wears out less quickly and consumes less energy. This translates into long-term savings on both replacement parts and electricity consumption. The right accessory can also save money on chemicals. A well-covered and protected pool is less exposed to external contaminants, which limits water imbalances. As a result, less chlorine, pH correctors, and algaecides are used. In addition, by reducing evaporation, certain accessories such as solar covers help conserve water for longer, which is both economical and environmentally friendly.

How do I choose and use the right chemicals for my pool?

Keeping your pool water clear, healthy, and pleasant requires regular maintenance and the use of appropriate chemicals. Proper treatment is not limited to adding chlorine from time to time: it relies on a balance between different products, a well-defined frequency of use, and precautions for handling.
Chlorine remains the most widely used product, particularly in stabilized form, which is more resistant to UV rays and ideal for outdoor pools. Unstabilized chlorine, on the other hand, is more suitable for shock treatments or indoor pools. Bromine is an interesting alternative, especially for people who are sensitive to odors or irritation, as it is gentler on the skin and eyes. More and more owners are also opting for a salt system, which generates chlorine naturally from salt dissolved in the water, offering more automated maintenance and a gentler swimming experience.
Beyond disinfectant, it is crucial to monitor the pH of the water. An unbalanced pH can reduce the effectiveness of products, promote algae growth, or cause irritation. pH regulators, whether to increase or decrease pH, help maintain the water within an ideal range, generally between 7.2 and 7.4. [1] Adding algaecides, especially during hot weather or after heavy rain, helps prevent green or slippery deposits from forming on the walls.
The frequency of product use depends on several factors:

• Water temperature.
• Pool usage.
• Weather conditions.
• The type of treatment chosen.

In general, one water test per week is recommended to adjust dosages. It is also advisable to perform a shock treatment, especially after heavy use or a storm.
Finally, storage precautions should not be overlooked. Chemicals must be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, away from children and animals. Mixing certain products together can be dangerous, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter.
It would be advisable to add a “good pH test” table to improve ranking or write a full article on this subject.

Which floats and pool toys should you choose to have fun safely?

Pool toys and floats are essential for making the most of hot days. Whether inflatables, air mattresses, floating balls, or diving rings, these accessories add a touch of fun to every swim. But to ensure that fun goes hand in hand with peace of mind, it is essential to choose products that are both entertaining and safe.
The quality of the materials is a fundamental criterion. Floats made of thick vinyl or reinforced PVC are more resistant to punctures, UV rays, and temperature variations. Anti-leak valves ensure airtight inflation and prevent sudden deflation, which can be dangerous, especially for children.
Safety also depends on compliance with standards. It is important to choose accessories without small detachable parts, which could pose a choking hazard. Toys must be age-appropriate and used under adult supervision, especially in family pools. To extend the life of these accessories, proper maintenance is essential. After each use, it is recommended to rinse them with clean water to remove chlorine residue, then dry them completely in the shade. Storing them away from sunlight and bad weather, in a trunk or shed, will prevent cracking and discoloration.

What supplies are essential for effective pool maintenance?

To enjoy clear, pleasant water all summer long, proper pool maintenance is essential. To make this maintenance hassle-free, there are accessories available that make cleaning easier and help prevent problems such as cloudy water, algae, or deposits on the walls.
The leaf skimmer is undoubtedly the most commonly used tool on a daily basis. It allows you to quickly remove leaves, insects, and other floating debris from the surface of the water. For a more thorough cleaning, a brush is essential: it is used to scrub the walls and bottom of the pool, preventing the accumulation of algae and dirt. The pool cleaner, often connected to a filtration system, does this job by sucking up the impurities that settle at the bottom.
Water analysis is an important step in maintaining proper chemical balance. Test strips or electronic testers can be used to quickly measure pH, chlorine, or bromine levels and adjust treatments accordingly. Regular monitoring, ideally once a week, prevents imbalances that can affect water quality and swimmers' health. For those who want to limit manual effort, cleaning robots are invaluable allies. They provide autonomous cleaning of the bottom and sometimes the walls, saving time while keeping the pool clean.