You’re looking forward to long, lazy afternoons relaxing in your crystal clear water, however to do that we must do regular water testing of the pool water.
It’s all part of pool ownership and good pool health management. The better balanced your water, the less cleaning, water changing and the more you can have those long lazy afternoons relaxing.
Why do I need to test my pool water?
The short answer is that any pool which is using chemicals must be tested regularly to ensure the water is clean, balanced and safe to swim in.
So to have a healthy pool, water testing is an essential part of maintaining water that is crystal clear and algae free, also it’s just as important to maintain the balance of chemicals in your pool. Improper water chemistry can cause damage to both your pool, equipment and beyond that imbalanced water can cause eye irritation and hair discoloration.
To prevent this from happening, swimming pool chemical testing is critical, it validates water quality and determines the necessary dosages for correcting water chemistry issues. Testing your water regularly, is the only way to know for sure what those invisible chemicals are doing in your water.
There must be enough sanitiser chlorine to ensure continuous and effective sanitation, but not too much - as this can cause discomfort for the swimmers.
What options are there to test the pool water?
There are four main kinds of testing methods;
Liquid Testing
Testing Strips
Digital Testing Tester
Professional Water Testing (by far the most thorough and accurate) Bring a water sample to us in store at Rockingham Pool and Spa Solutions or call and book one of our certified Pool Technicians to come to you.
How often do I test my pool water?
How often you test your pool water will vary depending on the time of year;
During Spring and Summer
In-house testing - weekly or more if you are using the pool heavily.
Professional testing - every 2 weeks
Autumn and Winter
In-house testing - weekly
Professional testing every 4 weeks
You may want to test 2-3 times a week if you are new to pool maintenance until you get used to the pool fluctuations.
There are other times that you should test for balanced levels;
After a rainstorm/Thunderstorms
After large groups have used the pool
Before beginning any form of algae treatment (pH testing is mandatory here)
After changes in the weather
After adding water
If you notice any issues with your water, like cloudiness or color changes.
Professional Water Testing. The team at Rockingham Pool and Spa Solutions recommend for the best pool health and peace of mind, that you should get your water professionally tested;
Every 2 weeks thereafter, during Spring/Summer
If you notice any issues with the water, like cloudiness or colour change
Every 4 weeks thereafter, during Autumn/Winter
A professional set of eyes keeps your pool clean, but most importantly family and friends safe.
Pool water testing is essential to good pool health and if you don’t test your pool water you have the following issues;
How do you know what the chemical levels are?
What undesirable substances are in it?
How much and what chemicals to put into the water to create a clean and safe swimming environment?
There’s just one main key to making sure you’re testing pool water accurately! The water sample.
How to get a good sample of pool water for testing.The most important factors here are;
What to use to take the sample in? Use a clean plastic container, plastic cup or plastic bottle (with a cap if you’re taking it to the pool store).
How to clean the container? The plastic container should be rinsed in the pool water, emptied and then the sample taken.
Where do you take the sample from? If possible, take the sample from the absolute middle of your pool about 30 - 45 cm down from the water level.
How do you do it? Hold it upside down so the opening is facing the pool floor. Insert the container into the water elbow-deep, and then turn it right side up to collect the sample.
When is it best to take a pool water sample? Right before testing or going to the pool shop to have it tested.
Important Note:
Do not take the sample near the skimmer opening or any return jets.
Don’t leave your pool water sample in a hot car as it will change the pool water chemistry.