How To Test Pool Water

If you wondering “How To Test Pool Water” it is actually pretty simple.  You have three options.  1. You can take your pool water to your local pool store. 2. You can hire a professional pool service company to test it for you.  3.  You can invest a Test Kit and “Do It Yourself”.

There are several test kits on the market, but the Taylor Test Kit is the most accurate.  However, the drawback is the price tag, and it can be time consuming.  If you are on a budget, we do recommend Aquacheck as a good number 2. We will talk about that in a moment.

How To Test Pool Water

“Test strips” are the most common household kit used to test pool water.  They are easy to use, disposable and can give a fair reading of your water chemistry.

The difference between test strips and a Taylor Test Kit is simple.  Test strips provide a “snap shot” while the Taylor Test Kit provides 100% accuracy.  In fact, most pool stores use a Taylor Test kit behind the counter.

Comparing apples to apples, the Taylor Test Kit retails in stores for over $100, while test strips retails for over $25.

How To Test Pool Water

There are five chemical levels that every pool owner needs to keep track of in order to test their pool water:

FC – Free Chlorine – A sanitizer which keeps your pool water safe and free of germs. Chlorine must be constantly replenished. (# depends on CYA)

pH – Acidity/Alkalinity – Needs to be kept in balance to prevent irritation and protect the pool equipment. (7.2 to 7.8)

TA – Total Alkalinity – Appropriate levels help keep the pH in balance. High levels can cause pH to rise. (60 to 120, sometimes higher)

CH – Calcium Hardness – Appropriate levels help prevent plaster damage. High levels can cause calcium scaling. (220 to 350, vinyl can be lower)

CYA – Cyanuric Acid – Protects chlorine from sunlight and determines the required FC level. (outdoors 30 to 80, indoors 0 to 20)

Magic Pool Services is now offering “At Your Home Water Testing”.  Click HERE for more info.

If you have a quick question on how to test pool water,
fill out the form below and we will get back to you.

Hi, my name is Chris Spoerl, President and Owner of
Magic Pool Services.  If you are looking to hire a pool service, let us give you 10 Things To Look For In A Pool Service.

1. Credibility  – If you had an illness, would you go to the cheapest Doctor ?  The answer is that you would want a credible Doctor to treat your injury.  There are a million pool companies in Central Florida, but very few are actual trustworthy of being in your back yard.  Be sure the company you hire has -

2. General Liability Insurance – If something goes wrong, you want to be sure the company you hire has general liability insurance.  This will protect both you and the company.

3. Business License – Be sure the company you are hiring has a business license with the county, and it is registered with the State Of Florida.

4. Certified Pool Operator – Many states now require that pool technicians have a CPO Certificate to manage both residential and commercial pools.

5. Log Book – Very important that all pool service companies keep either a written record or electronic record of each visit.

6. ID Badges – 99% of the companies that operate in Central Florida do not require their employees to have ID Badges.  This is very important for the both the safety of your family and the employee.

7. Uniformed Employees - My homeowner’s are spending their hard earned money to have a company clean their pool.  You never get a second chance for a first impression.

8. Safe Work History – Most companies do not educate their employees on safety, nor provide training.

9. Certified Pool Contractor License – In order to perform pool repairs or installations, the State Of Florida requires that the company has a “CPC License”.  If the company performs repair work without it, YOU will be held liable and there is no recourse for damages or shoddy work.

10 Things To Look For In A Pool Service

10. Customer Reviews - Number 10 goes full circle to number 1.  “Credibility“.  What do others say about a pool service is IMPORTANT.  Are the reviews favorable ?  You cannot get good results with poor service.

Hiring the right pool service is a very important decision as your pool is the 2nd largest investment on your home.  A few extra dollars to pay for a reputable company will be worth it if something goes wrong.

Magic Pool Services.

Our online pool store is still under construction, but our goal is to have it complete by July 2012.  We also plan to roll out more ideas to help make your life easier.

In the mean time, have a look around and your input is greatly appreciated.

We strive to become the best pool service in Orlando by setting an example that others will follow.

Thanks again for your support.

Christian Spoerl

President

Magic Pool Services provides Pool Supplies In Longwood.

Why go to the pool store when the pool store can come to you ?

We offer FREE DELIVERY* from our online store.

Contact Us Today for a FREE ESTIMATE at 407-504-7665.

Visit our website at: www.magicpoolservices.com

Magic Pool Services provides Pool Supplies In Winter Park.

Why go to the pool store when the pool store can come to you ?

We offer FREE DELIVERY* from our online store.

Contact Us Today for a FREE ESTIMATE at 407-504-7665.

Visit our website at: www.magicpoolservices.com

Magic Pool Services provides Weekly Pool Service in Orlando FL.

Visit our website at www.MagicPoolServices.com

Call 407-504-7665 for a FREE ESTIMATE

Did you know most homeowner’s never recieved any education about their pool ?  Think about when you bought your house, did you have time to speak to the previous owner on how to maintain the pool ?

The good news, at Magic Pool Services we can help.

We train homeowner’s on site, for what is called a “Pool School”.
Depending on your learning level, the course takes about an hour.

We offer -

• FREE Professional Water Analysis
• Water Chemistry Tutorial
• Equipment Tutorial
• Maintenance Tutorial

To schedule an appointment, please call us at 407-504-7665.
You can visit our website at www.MagicPoolServices.com

The average homeowner will spend hundreds of dollars each year on chemicals. Not to mention the time of going to the pool store, and the labor required to maintain the pool.

In most cases, it is actually cheaper to hire a pool service.

Did you know…

• Buying chemicals is not only expensive but dangerous for your family
• Transporting chemicals is hazardous and can damage your vehicle
• Routine pool maintenance is time consuming and can be frustrating

At Magic Pool Services we can help.

Prices at $60 per month.

Call us at 407-504-7665 for a FREE ESTIMATE.

Visit our website at www.magicpoolservices.com

I am a pool profesional, but I don’t know what this is ?

As you may or may not know, the average temperature during the winter in Orlando is 72 degrees.

Most folks from up north assume you close your pool.  In Central Florida, you do not. You still need to test your water each week and adjust the chemicals, and perform regular maintenance.

Just because it cools down outside, does not mean you can walk away from these responsibilites.  If you do, it will lead to larger problems and most likely your pool will become a swamp !

As a consumer, spend the extra money for the 3 months to continue pool service.  It is a lot cheaper than paying $600 for a Green To Clean.

I always wanted to “pay it forward”, but last Thursday I put my beliefs into action.

I was picked up by Josh, an off duty fireman who escorted me to the Downtown Orlando MDA Lockup.

Once I arrived, I was processed and found “guilty”.

During the event, I met people from all walks of life, and most importantly mothers spoke on how the MDA really helps kids.

I even noticed Magic Pool Services was given a “Star” for participating.

At the end of the event, we raised over $1,200 for the MDA.  It was short of our goal, but we still finished in the top 15.

I am really proud that I was able to do something for others, and I encourage everyone to “Pay It Forward” when you can.

On Sunday night, the MDA even gave Magic Pool Services props on TV, how cool is that ?