Sentry Page Protection

​Tip Store: Gardening: Pools and Spas

​Think Chlorine for a Small Pool

A spa is simply a small pool, so don't let sales people fool you. We buy our chlorine from Big W in the largest tub, its a great price, and we only use a small amount. Don't follow the directions, just learn how to test your own water, and you'll save heaps.
​Contributed by Kerry, Karalee, 30th September 2009

​Cheaper Chlorine at Discount Department Stores

Spa chlorine is cheaper at Big W and Safeway than pool shops. Spa clarifier (polysheen etc) is the same product as pool clarifier (spa $18/500ml, pool $7 for 1 litre.) Bromine tablets instead of chlorine tablets last much longer, and are great value. Does anyone know someone who can repair a spa in Wangaratta, our spa shop has no idea?
​Contributed by Karyn Howard, 23rd September 2009

​Half Price Chlorine

​Liquid Pool Chlorine is also known as Sodium Hypochlorite, The normal concentrate is around 13%. Many hardware places sell this at half the price of "chlorine", the only difference being the label! If you live in the Melbourne area there is a place in Laverton North at 166-180 Doherty's Road called Orica Ltd, they sell 15L containers for under $10 but are only open during business hours Mon-Fri. Contributed by K Johnston, 23rd September 2009

​Keep Pool Free of Algae

Use black plastic over pools to stop algae growing in the water. When there is a cold spell, super chlorinate the water and drape black builder's plastic over the entire pool. Algae cannot grow in the dark, and it is not widely told that this method is marvellous, and keeps the pool clean all year. Contributed by Jennifer, Moe, 3rd January 2010