Maintaining a swimming pool requires a number of swimming pool supplies. Vacuums, pumps, filters, and pool chemicals all work together to keep pools clean. There are other swimming pool supplies that are called specialty pool products because they are purely ornamental. Some of these swimming pool supplies include fog machines and fountain heads.

Pool Pumps

Pool pumps are swimming pool supplies that move water throughout the system. They prevent the water from stagnating. Stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Pool pumps for above-ground pools are usually housed underneath the pool, while the pool pumps for excavated pools are usually buried. Swimming pool pumps also force water through the swimming pool's filtration system.

Filters

A series of filters is fitted for both above-ground and excavated swimming pools. The filters collect particles and dirt in the pool water. To function properly, they have to be emptied out regularly. For this reason, the filters for above-ground and excavated pools are usually located above the ground near the pool's edge.

Vacuums

A swimming pool vacuum is also an important piece of pool maintenance equipment. It removes mildew and algae buildup between pool tiles. The suction from pool pumps is rarely strong enough to dislodge them, so a vacuum fitted on long rods with wheels is used to provide focused suction. A swimming pool vacuum is rolled across the swimming pool floor, picking up mildew buildup as they go along.

Chemicals

Pool chemicals are used to disinfect the pool and kill the microorganisms and metal particles invisible to the naked eye. Cyanurated chlorine is the most commonly used pool chemical. It effectively kills bacteria and germs that thrive in the water. The eradication of microorganisms can also be done by using bromine tablets. Phosphates are used to remove metal particles and ions. They remove the charges from metal ions, rendering them inert and allowing them to be sucked into the pool's filtration system.

Specialty pool products

Specialty pool products are the swimming pool supplies that are used to beautify and give additional character to swimming pools. The fog machine is a specialty pool product used to give pools an eerie and mysterious effect. It produces nontoxic fog by vaporizing a glycerin-based liquid. The rapidly cooling vapor resembles a mist that settles on the water's surface. The fog machine also works well with colorful lighting to change its quality and intensity.

Fountains are also popular specialty pool products. They create sprays, jets, and streams of water that give the swimming pool a more festive feel. Some fountains can create arcs and domes of water where swimmers can bathe or relax under. They are installed along the edge of a swimming pool, and are powered by a second pump.