The “Backyard Essentials” Shopping List: Everything You Need for Your New Pool and Spa
Congratulations! Your Doughboy® Pool is filled, your Hot Spring® or Freeflow® Spa is steaming, and you’re ready to dive in. But before you host that first neighborhood BBQ, you need to stock your “Backyard Shed” with the right tools.
Think of this as your “New Owner Survival Kit.” Using the wrong chemicals can damage a high-end liner or scaling your heater, so we’ve curated a list of the must-haves specifically for the brands we carry at Pool, Patio, and Spas.
1. The Water Chemistry Kit: The “Big Three”
You don’t need a degree in chemistry to keep your water clear, but you do need these three basics for both your pool and spa.
- A Reliable Test Kit (or Strips): Accuracy is everything. For Hot Spring owners, we recommend the FreshWater® 5-Way Test Strips. They are calibrated specifically for the unique mineral and salt levels of our luxury spas. For your Doughboy, a high-quality liquid reagent kit or 7-way strips will keep your chlorine and pH in the “Sweet Spot.”
- pH Up & pH Down: These are your most-used chemicals. Rain, sweat, and even local tap water can throw your pH out of whack. Keeping these on hand prevents itchy skin and protects your pool’s metal hardware from corrosion.
- Non-Chlorine Shock (Oxidizer): This is the secret to “clear” water. It breaks up “chloramines” (the stuff that causes that strong chlorine smell). A capful after every soak in your Freeflow Spa keeps the water smelling fresh and feeling soft.
2. Brand-Specific Power Players
Because you invested in premium equipment, you want to use products designed to protect it.
- FreshWater® Salt System Cartridges: If your Hot Spring spa is equipped with our salt system, always keep a spare cartridge on deck. They last about four months, and having a backup ensures you never have a “down day.”
- Doughboy® Pool Algaecide: Above-ground pools have a lot of surface area. A preventative weekly dose of algaecide is much cheaper than trying to “fix” a green pool after a heatwave.
- Filter Cleaner Spray: Don’t just rinse your filters with water. A dedicated filter degreaser breaks down body oils and lotions that a garden hose can’t touch. This is essential for keeping your Freeflow “Plug-N-Play” pump running efficiently.
3. The “Hardware” Heroes: Cleaning Tools
Manual cleaning is the best way to inspect your equipment for any issues before they become expensive repairs.
- The “Leaf Gulper” or Skimmer Net: For your Doughboy, a heavy-duty telepole and net are non-negotiable. For the spa, a small “Hand Skimmer” is perfect for grabbing those stray leaves that blow in when you open the cover.
- Non-Abrasive Scrubber Pads: Never use a kitchen sponge on a spa shell or pool liner! We stock specialized “scum sponges” that lift the waterline ring without scratching the high-density polyethylene of your Freeflow or the vinyl of your Doughboy.
- A High-Quality Cover Lifter: If you have a Hot Spring Spa, a cover lifter (like the CoverCradle®) isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifesaver for your back and it prevents your cover from being dragged on the ground, which extends its life by years.
4. The “Lifestyle” Extras: For the Fun Part
Your backyard should be a sanctuary, so don’t forget the items that make it feel like a resort.
- Aromatherapy Crystals: Did you know you can get scents specifically made for hot tubs? Unlike candles, these crystals won’t mess with your water chemistry or clog your filters.
- The “Scum Bug”: This little floating sponge looks like a toy, but it’s a workhorse. It floats in your skimmer and absorbs lotions and oils before they ever reach your filter.
The Bottom Line: Your One-Stop Shop
At Pool, Patio, and Spas, we don’t just sell you a pool or a tub and send you on your way. We carry every single item on this list right here in our showroom.
Not sure what you need for your specific model? Come on in! Bring a picture of your equipment or a sample of your water, and our experts will build a custom “Care Package” just for your backyard.
