Mum dips in a tentative toe before sliding in at the shallow end. Dad sucks in his belly, lifts his chin and attempts a half-pike. And the kids destroy the serenity with loud splashy bombs. It’s all part of the fun.

But nothing spoils that fun like itchy red eyes or green-tinged water, so make sure you get your chemistry right. If you’re ever in doubt, give us a shout. We can’t advise you on your half-pike technique, but we do know how to keep your pool or spa happy and healthy. So don’t just jump in at the deep end, drop into a City Farmers and find out exactly how to keep your pool safe and clean.

What the pH?

We don’t have lab coats or singed eyebrows, but we do know a thing or two about chemistry. In fact if there was a Noble Prize for Pool-ology we reckon we’d be in with a chance. For instance, we know that your pool or spa should have a pH of 7.2-7.6, a chlorine level of 1.0-3.0, 80-100 ppm alkalinity, 5% low salt chlorinates and 7% high salt chlorinates.

In English? We’ll help you keep your pool in that happy-place, between a swamp and an acid bath. Although we don’t do water testing in store, we do sell simple kits that even an amoeba could use.

What are you doing in my pool?

What is it about wasps and swimming pools? Don’t they teach their kids to stay away from water? Clearly not. Don’t fret, we’ve got scoops for the insects, leaves and UFOs (Unidentified Floating Objects), as well as brushes, pool hoses and vacuum heads for the slimy stuff.