What is the best way to test swimming pool water?

Asked by: Rebekah Guth

How to Use Test Strips

1. Collect a water sample.
2. Dip a strip into the water, quickly in and out. No need to let it stay submerged or soak.
3. Hold it still in the air for about 15 seconds. No shaking!
4. Compare the strip to the guide on the packaging, and match up the colors on both.
5. Adjust your chemicals accordingly.

What is the most accurate way to test pool water?

The two most popular ways of testing pool chemicals are pool test strips and pool testing kits. Whether you use a kit or a strip, it should measure chlorine and pH levels. These measurements show two of your pool’s most important chemical readings.

How do you know if your pool water is good?

A pH level of 7 means that water is neutral; above 7 means the water is alkaline, while below 7 indicates acidity. Aim for a pH level of between 7 and 7.6. If the water pH is higher than 8, anyone who swims in the pool is at risk of skin rashes, while a pH of lower than 7 can sting swimmers’ eyes.

What should I look for when testing pool water?

Typical water tests include measurements for Free and Total Available Chlorine, pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid. If your pool has a salt system, the salt level should also be checked.

How can I test my pool water without strips?

Time to Test the Water
Get a small sample of your pool water into a clear container. Then, put a few drops of the red cabbage juice and wait to see if the color starts to change or remains the same. Your swimming pool water will change color and tell you how your pH levels are.

Are test strips accurate for testing pool water?

Are pool test strips accurate? Pool test strips provide accurate readings of your pool’s chemistry. In fact, pool test strips are a more reliable method of testing your pool water than a liquid test kit. Pool test strips eliminate the risk of human error.

How often should you put chlorine in your pool?

Shock is liquid or granular chlorine. You should add one gallon (or one pound) of shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water every week to two weeks. During hot weather or frequent use, you may need to shock more frequently.

How can I test my water at home without a kit?

Fill the bottle one-third full, add a few drops of pure liquid soap and shake vigorously for a few seconds. If there is a distinct lack of fluffy bubbles and the water appears cloudy and/or milky, your water is hard.

How do I know if there is chlorine in my water?

Signs of Over-Chlorinated Water

1. Hazy or cloudy water.
2. Discolored water, typically yellow or brown.
3. The smell of chlorine.
4. Stubborn, brown rust stains on drains, tubs, and toilets.
5. Dull hair.
6. Soap residue.

How much do pool test strips cost?

Sold by: JNW Direct. Save 5% now and up to 10% on repeat deliveries.

How often should I test my pool water?

every two weeks

This can lead to excessive chlorine levels which can damage blankets and pool equipment. Therefore, you should be testing your pool water’s chlorine and pH levels every two weeks. Maintaining proper water chemistry will reduce the amount of work needed when you’re ready to start swimming again.

What does it mean when free chlorine is low?

Things that cause low free chlorine levels are excessive sunlight, high bather loads, and improper water chemistry. An increased organic activity in your swimming pool will also cause the little bit of chlorine that’s in there to be used up faster too.