Testing Your Pool Water

Testing the water in your swimming pool is the first step to keeping it clean and healthy. You can perform the routine tests yourself or have your pool service company do it.

Pool test strips are the easiest do-it-yourself method for testing pool water. There are also entire test kits that are easy to use by following the package instructions.

Pool Works Pools and Spas of Auburndale, FL, would like to share some helpful information about some of the targets of pool water testing and how often each test should be done.

We’ll look at tests for:

• Chlorine
• pH balance
• Calcium
• Stabilizer

Chlorine

Pools with too much chlorine don’t smell very nice, but pool water with the right amount of this chemical is wonderful to swim in.

Chlorine’s main job is to kill algae and bacteria. It’s generally recommended that you test your pool’s chlorine levels two or three times per week.

Optimal chlorine levels are between one and four parts per billion.

pH balance

You may have heard about shampoos, conditioners, soaps and even drinking water that is “pH-balanced.” The scientific term “pH” means “potential of hydrogen,” which probably means nothing to you. In simple terms, pH tells you the balance of acid and alkalinity in a substance.

For pool water, the target pH range is between 7.2 and 7.6. This level makes the water more comfortable for swimmers, protects certain pool equipment and helps chlorine do its job better.

Test the pH balance of your pool two or three times a week.

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral found in all kinds of water, including water that comes directly from a municipal source. We have calcium in our bodies, and certain foods contain calcium.

Calcium is good for us, but too much of it is bad for our pools. When excess calcium exists in pool water, it can damage the surfaces of the pool with scale and corrosion.

Test calcium levels a month and aim for between 175 and 275 parts per million.

Stabilizer

Pool water stabilizer is an additive that helps to keep the sun’s rays from burning off chlorine.

Stabilizer should test at 30 to 150 parts per million. Run the test two or three times per year.

Buying And Using Pool Chemicals And Test Kits

If you’re going to test your own pool water, you’ll need to purchase the necessary chemicals and additives so you’ll have them when you need them. When buying and working with pool chemicals, follow these tips:

• Buy the chemicals from a pool supply store. That way, you can get advice or clarification from a person who understands the composition and correct use of the products.
• Read the labels and understand how to use the chemicals you purchase before you begin using them. The same with the test kit.
• Store pool chemicals in a place where young children and pets can’t access them.
• When adding chemicals to your pool, do so on a fairly calm (not super-windy) day and never while the pool is being used.

Keeping Your Pool Beautiful And Healthy

Pool Works provides pool water testing services along with remodeling, repair and resurfacing for all types of swimming pools in the greater Auburndale, FL, area.

Learn more by giving us a call or reaching out with our contact form.