In order to keep your pool healthy and clean, you’ll need to regularly test the water. At least once per season you should have the pool water professionally tested. That way you will know that your test kit is accurate. If you are having trouble, you should get it tested professionally more often. Here are some simple tips to help you with testing your own water at home.
Grab Your Sample
When you are getting a sample of water to test, it is important to grab from below the water’s surface. Oils and other contaminants tend to collect right on the surface of the pool and they will affect your test results. Reach down under the water’s surface about 12 to 18 inches to get the best sample possible. You’ll also want to make sure that the pool has been on and circulating for a while before grabbing your sample. This will ensure that you are getting a good representation of what is in your pool at the time of testing.
Test Kits
There are quite a few different test kits available. Some are specific to spas, while others only test for one thing at a time. Be sure you pick the right kind of test kit for your pool. Also, make sure you give the kit enough time to work before just assuming it is a dud. It can take up to 20 seconds for the kit to change colors, so if nothing is happening, just give it a minute. Check the expiration date on your kit often. They do expire. And only add the chemicals to the water AFTER you have done your testing, otherwise you will not get an accurate reading.
High Chlorine Levels
High chlorine levels can mess with all of your test results. If you are experiencing high chlorine levels in your pool, it can cause other chemical tests such as pH and alkalinity to come back wrong too. You’ll need to fix the high chlorine levels before you try to test for anything else. Testing in the morning before the sun has come out will give you the most accurate reading. Sunlight burns off some of the chlorine as the day goes on, so it is best to take your reading early in the morning.
If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to swim the whole summer season. If you are struggling with keeping your chemicals balanced, you may want to call in an expert. If you are looking to remodel your pool or if you’d like to make some upgrades, be sure to check out our website and our full line of services.
