Sidebar

Why You Need to Test Pool Water and How to Do It

Posted by ,Mar 26th 2021
Why You Need to Test Pool Water and How to Do It

If you own a pool or spa, you must regularly maintain the chemistry of the water. The only way that you can know that your efforts are working is by using a kit to test pool water for pH, salt, chlorine, and more. These test kits are just as important to a pool owner as a skimmer. However, to make the most of the kit, you must know how to use it to get accurate results.

Importance of Taking Time to Test Pool Water

Testing pool water ensures that it has the right balance of chemicals to prevent algae and bacteria growth. If the values fall outside of the expected range, swimming in your pool could make you sick. Therefore, never neglect the chore of testing your pool water.

How to Test Pool Water

To test pool water, use a testing kit. There are different types. For example, the SafeDip 6-in-1 electronic tester only requires you to collect a pool water sample in the cup, turn on the device, submerge the testing stick into the water cup, and press start. Within a few seconds, the device will display six measurements for the pool water, which are:

  • Water temperature
  • pH
  • Free chlorine amounts
  • Free salt
  • Reduction oxidation (ORP)
  • Total dissolved solids (TDS)

When using testing strips and an AquaChek reader, dip the test strip into the water and insert it into the reader. The reader takes seconds to give values for the water's pH, total alkalinity, and free chlorine. Unlike other test strips that require matching colors, this reader eliminates the need to guess.

What the Numbers Mean When You Test Pool Water

After you test pool water, you must interpret the values that you get. You can find tables online that outline expected values. For example, the pH should range between 7.2 and 7.6, total alkalinity between 120 and 150 ppm, and free chlorine from 1 to 3 ppm.

Get Equipment for Testing Pool Water and Maintaining Your Pool from Best Pool Tables for Sale

Don't risk making yourself or your family sick. Get the equipment you need to test pool water online at Best Pool Tables for Salewhere we have more than gaming tables. We also sell everything that you need for home gaming and recreation, including pool and spa maintenance equipment. Come check us out online.