The Ultimate Guide To Pool Water Testing
Pool water testing is a crucial responsibility when it comes to owning a pool. You’ve decided it is finally time to open up your pool for the year, but is your pool truly ready? Before you can enjoy casual and relaxing swim sessions and pool parties with family and friends, pool water testing should be conducted.
Pool water should be tested regularly. The main purpose of pool water testing is to make sure sanitizing chemicals and water chemistry are at an optimal level for swimming. This ultimate guide for pool water testing will inform you on the ins and outs of pool water testing so you and others can enjoy the luxuries of a swimming pool.
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How Often To Test Pool Water
It is recommended to test your pool water at least once a week to make sure pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer are balanced and are at proper levels. You should test your pool if the pool is being used more frequently, experienced recent rain, or if chemicals were added.
Understanding Pool Water Chemistry
Understanding pool water chemistry and how to attain a balanced pool water chemistry is the key first step in preparing your pool swimming conditions. The balance of these elements below needs to be neutral for swimmers and not risk damage to the pool’s surface or equipment.
pH Levels
pH is used to measure how acidic or alkaline your pool water is and is the most important chemical aspect of your pool. Having pool water that is too acidic burns a swimmer's eyes and corrodes equipment. If your pool has a high alkaline level, it can lead to scaling and calcium buildup on the pool and its equipment. The pH of your pool should stay in the range of 7.4 and 7.6.
Chlorine Levels
Chlorine is a sanitizer used for disinfecting your pool. The chlorine kills bacteria, germs, and algae. Having proper chlorine levels is an important maintenance factor to keep your pool and all of its swimmers safe. The best levels of chlorine for your pool are between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million. Chlorine is available in liquid, granular, tablet, or stick forms of use.
Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity is defined by the amount of carbonates and hydroxides in your pool. These components of your pool’s chemistry help control and moderate the pH level of your pool. Having low total alkalinity leads to low pH levels and the possibility of corrosive and acidic water that can damage the surface of your pool and equipment in use. The range of total alkalinity in your pool should be in the range of 60 and 200 parts per million.
Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness refers to the amount of calcium in your pool water. Too much calcium creates unstable pool water that is cloudy and can lead to calcification. Not enough calcium and the pool water will consume the calcium on the surface of the pool will damage metal fittings and cause staining. Your pool should range from 80 to 500 parts per million in dissolved calcium.
Cyanuric Acid
Cyanuric acid is a chlorine stabilizer. This acid prevents chlorine from burning off in the sun. This helps chlorine last longer, which will save you money in the process.
Salt (for Saltwater Pools)
Saltwater pools have grown in popularity over the years due to low maintenance and high water quality. Saltwater pools must use salts such as solar salt, mechanically evaporated salt, or mined salt to maintain water chemistry and how long the salt generator will last. Salt also has an impact in determining possible staining or damage to the pool and its accessories. Salt with higher impurities will increase the amount of trouble for your pool and your salt cell.
Pool Water Testing Methods
There are several different pool water testing methods for you to consider. Ultimately, your choice will be dependent on your needs.
Pool Test Strips
Pool test strips are a simple and inexpensive method to test the chemistry of your pool’s water. Pool test strips provide quick results on the levels of chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity in your pool.
Pros:
- Fast, simple, and easy to use
- Inexpensive
- The most popular option for quick analysis
Cons:
- Fewer testing capabilities
- Not as accurate as other at-home tests
- Result times fluctuate
- Hands must be completely dry when removing a strip from its container
Liquid Pool Test Kits
Liquid Pool Test Kits are a far more accurate and expansive solution to determine your pool’s chemistry balance.
Pros:
- More accurate than test strips for testing chemistry levels
- Used by many pool professionals and health departments
Cons:
- More costly for expansive tests
- Some only test two or three chemistry factors
- The testing process can take longer and may be more complicated
- Prone to user error
- Reagent bottles must be held vertically to confirm uniform drop size and drops must be counted as they're slowly added
Digital Water Testing
Digital water testers are exactly what you’d expect, an accurate and fast tool with LCD displays and a water-resistant housing.
Pros:
- Does the hard work for you
- Fast and accurate
- Stored results
- Tests water for pretty much everything
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
- Requires regular calibration
- Maintenenace
Professional Pool Water Testing
The final option is professional water testing. Bringing in a sample of your pool water to the ePoolSupply store in Phoenix will provide several benefits like accurate results, advice on corrections, and expertise on what to do next for your pool.
How To Test Pool Water
When testing pool water, no matter the method, test weekly and after higher usage, after rain, and after the addition of more chemicals.
How To Use Pool Test Strips
- Collect your water sample.
- Dip the test strip into the pool water quickly and take it out fast (make sure your hands are completely dry).
- Hold the strip in the air for about 15 seconds and as steady as possible.
- Match colors to the guide on the packaging.
The guide on the test strip packaging will help you match colors and understand the results of the test. For best results, make sure to follow these steps closely.
How To Use Liquid Test Kits
- Collect pool water samples with the water collector provided in the kit.
- Add the recommended amount of drops of phenol red to the water on the side designated for pH testing.
- Add the recommended amount of drops of OTO to the water on the side for chlorine testing.
- Hold the water collector up to a white background and compare the colors to the color scales on the collector. More red in your sample means higher pH levels and more yellow in the sample means higher chlorine levels.
If levels of pH and chlorine are faint and difficult to see, hold the collector up to a white background. Even a sheet of printer paper will allow you to see the results more clearly.
How To Use Digital Water Testers
The key to using digital water testers is the calibration process. You’ll want to make sure your digital water tester is calibrated for the numerous chemicals it tests for. Calibrate your tester for each chemical beforehand. Afterward, test your water, and the results will come to fruition. The biggest issue with this method is neglecting the calibration process, make sure to regularly calibrate your tester.
How To Take a Sample For Professional Pool Water Testing
When preparing a water sample for the professional pool water testing method, there are certain guidelines to follow. You’ll want to make sure that you use a clean bottle to collect the sample and the sample shouldn't sit around for too long. Call the store ahead of time to make sure they can properly accommodate you.
Maintaining Balanced Pool Water
Set Up a Regular Testing Schedule
When setting up a regular pool water testing schedule, you’ll want to have these considerations in mind:
- The recommended testing frequency for the method of choice
- Adjustments that need to be made for your season and climate
- The level of pool usage
- If you use an aerator, pool cover, or water heater, these each affect the chemistry balance of your pool, it’s key to understand how they’ll affect your pool’s chemistry
Adjust Chemical Levels
Another important factor in maintaining the chemistry in your pool is the adjustment of chemical levels:
- Recognize when to correct imbalances
- Understanding the methods that can raise or lower pH levels
- Knowing how to manage chlorine levels
- Grasping how to balance total alkalinity and calcium hardness
Take Preventative Measures
Finally, take proper preventative measures like maintaining a regular maintenance schedule and combat contaminates when they manifest themselves in your pool water.
FAQ
How often should I test my pool water?
You should test your pool water at least twice a week during peak swimming season. If your pool is used frequently or after a heavy rainstorm, it's a good idea to test more often.
What is the best time of day to test pool water?
The best time to test pool water is in the evening after the sun has set. This ensures the water has been circulating all day and avoids the effects of direct sunlight, which can alter test results.
Can I swim right after adding chemicals to my pool?
It is generally recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to an hour after adding most pool chemicals. For chlorine, you should wait at least 2-4 hours, and for some specific treatments, you might need to wait longer. Always follow the instructions on the chemical product.
Why is my pool water still cloudy after adding chlorine?
Cloudy water can result from a variety of issues, including improper filtration, high levels of contaminants, or imbalanced water chemistry. Even with adequate chlorine levels, poor circulation or an imbalance in pH and alkalinity can cause cloudiness.
What should I do if my water test results are consistently off?
If your test results are consistently off, first ensure that you are using your testing kit correctly and that the kit has not expired. Clean or replace your pool filter, and make necessary adjustments to your pool's chemical levels. If problems persist, consider consulting a pool professional.
How can I prevent algae growth in my pool?
To prevent algae growth, maintain proper chlorine levels, keep your pH and alkalinity balanced, and ensure good water circulation. Regularly brush and vacuum the pool surfaces, and consider using algaecides as a preventive measure. Keeping your pool covered when not in use can also reduce the risk of algae.
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