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.
