Quote Originally Posted by DanS View Post
I would like to reduce my chemical costs, but I want to make sure I buy the right stuff. I have a salt water chlorinator, so I am focused on opening the pool, and I will not be adding chlorine on a regular basis, but I expect to shock at opening.
Chlorine - Can I use any kind of bleach, or are there specific things that need to be in the bleach or not in the bleach?
Salt - Are there different types, good or bad, etc.?
Baking Soda - Any specific concerns here?

Any good info on brands and stores would also be great.
Thanks for your help,
Dan
Bleach.. you want regular bleach with no special additives... most name brand bleaches are 5.25%, but you can also use "extra strength" 6%... again, the most important thing is don't use anything fragranced or with any kind of preservative/other added chemicals... simple bleach.

Salt... you want the highest purity of salt you can find... and not iodized salt.. water softener salt is most recommended...

Baking soda.. it's all the same.