Why You Should Test Your Pool Water
Regularly testing your pool water is about more than keeping the water looking beautiful and inviting when people get ready to jump in it. The main job of pool water testing is to identify germs, organisms and infectious substances that could be harmful to people and the pool itself.
Pool Works of Auburndale, FL, would like to share a little about how and why to test your pool water to keep it safe and beautiful all year long.
Pool water testing
You can test your own pool water with DIY kits, or you can have your local pool service company do it. Without getting overly scientific, pool water testing will focus on the following:
- Total alkalinity
- Calcium hardness
- pH
- Phosphates
- Total dissolved solids
- Metals
- Bromine
- Cyanuric acid
- Free available chlorine
There are trackable levels for each of the above that tell you when the pool water needs chemical adjustment or other maintenance.
Ways to test the water
The following are the four main methods for testing your pool water
1. Liquid test kit
These kits provide accurate results, but they require you to visually compare colors when evaluating results. Test strips (below) are an easier option.
2. Pool water test strip
This water test is easy to use and cost-friendly. One look at the test strip will tell you exactly what you need to know
3. Take a sample to a local pool store
Many pool supply companies provide pool water testing services. The people who work there should be able to give you an accurate profile of your pool’s water
4. Have your pool maintenance company do the test
If you schedule regular pool cleaning, your service technician can handle your pool water testing. This individual is experienced in testing procedures and knows your pool well.
Pool water should be tested several times a week, or according to your test kit’s instructions or your pool cleaning tech’s advice.
Collecting your water sample
For test accuracy, you want a very average and representative water sample. Follow the guidelines below.
- Run the pool pump on high for about an hour prior to taking out your water sample. This way, the water and the substances in it will be mixed well.
- Take your sample away from the pool’s skimmer and water jets. As close to the middle of the pool as possible is ideal.
- Place the tube or other sample container open-side-down into the water so that air is trapped. When you reach a depth of a foot or more, turn the container up so water will fill it.
What pool chemicals do
The chemicals that are recommended for use in private swimming pools are used to reduce or eliminate potentially harmful substances that occur naturally in bodies of water.
For example, chlorine is a powerful killer of bacteria and algae. Another example is a pH adjuster, which helps to prevent excess acid in the water that could corrode certain pool equipment
Pool water testing will tell you when and how much of the various pool chemicals to add.
Testing and maintenance for your Florida pool
Pool Works provides pool water testing, pool cleaning, component repairs and pool resurfacing. Give us a call to learn more. You can also get in touch through our simple contact form.
