Shipshape carries the largest range of pool and spa chemicals in the area, including algaecides, acid (pH-), Soda Ash (pH+), water clarifiers, cleaning products and a choice of Chinese, European and American chlorines, as well as a range of specialised products specifically suited to various circumstances.
All the chemicals stocked at Shipshape are initially tested by ourselves. We offer a free water testing service from which our staff can advise you on how best to correct any problems and to achieve the perfect chemical balance in your pool. Rather then sell you unnecessary chemicals, Shipshape will always advise you on the correct way to deal with problems with your swimming pool or spa.
Chlorine
Chlorine is the oldest and most popular method of swimming pool sanitation, used in the majority of commercial pools such as water parks, hotels and public pools. In some European countries chlorine is still the only recognised pool water sanitiser and is compulsory in all public and private pools.
Chlorine is available in different forms:
Tablets; comprised of 90% chlorine and slow-dissolving, these are to be either placed in the skimmers or in a dispenser.
Granular; available in different grades and strengths. European chlorine is generally considered to be the best, although Chinese chlorine is the most cost-effective.
3-in-1 or 5-in-1 Tablets; comprised of chlorine, algaecide, floculant, and other sanitisers. These tablets also contain cyanuric acid, which is a stabiliser for chlorine and should not be confused with pH- (sodium bisulphate).
It is essential that chlorine is used correctly, as under- or over-chlorinating a pool can lead to problems. The levels of chlorine should be kept between 1-1.5ppm. Chlorine will only work efficiently if the pH of the pool water is kept between 7.2 – 7.6; any lower and the chlorine will burn off too quickly, any higher and it will work less effectively.
pH Stabilisers
Shipshape also supply pH+ (Soda Ash) and pH- (Dry Acid) in various quantities to maintain your pool water to the recommended pH level of 7.2 - 7.6.
Algaecides
Algaecides are used to treat or prevent the growth of algae in pools. They exist in both liquid and granular forms. The most common form of algae is green, but forms of black, mustard and pink are also common.
As algae can spread rapidly, it is advisable to treat even the smallest bout of algae growth with the relevant algaecide. Algaecides work most effectively when the pH in your pool is between 7.2 and 7.6.
Floculants (Water Clarifiers)
Floculants are used to clear cloudy or milky water. They coagulate the extremely small particles which cannot be filtered, creating larger particles which sink to the bottom of the pool to be vacuumed or are caught by the filter. Floculants can be found in liquid or tablet form.
Other Pool Chemicals
A wide variety of specialised products for pools and spas, such as scum line cleaners, bromine, calcium controllers, water de-foamers, aromatherapy oils and more are also available at all our stores.
For more information on how to care for and maintain your pool, pick up our ‘Pool Essentials’ guide book.
