WATER TESTING

Water testing is an essential part of properly maintaining any body of water. This includes pools, spas, hot tubs, wading pools, spray grounds and water activity centers at both commercial and residential facilities. Water chemistry can change minute by minute, with numerous factors affecting the readings. This includes bathers, environmental debris, rain, and anything that really enters the pool!

What to Test?
Commercial pools (town pools, water parks, hotel/motel pools, community centers, fitness clubs, etc.) must follow state regulations on what to test for and when to test the water. Residential pools should test frequently in addition to the testing that occurs from the pool company’s weekly visit, although it is not regulated.

Pool operators and homeowners want to test to make sure their water balance is in the ideal range for, at a minimum:
· Sanitizer being used (chlorine and bromine are the most popular)
· pH
· Alkalinity
· Calcium hardness
· Cyanuric acid

Why Test?

Why do we need to test our water? Owners and operators need to make sure a sanitizer level is being maintained to combat algae and bacteria from forming. Having the proper sanitizer level will ensure all bather waste is oxidized, any bacteria or algae that is forming is killed off, the pool components won’t be affected by improper water balance and provide an enjoyable swimming experience for their bathers.

How do I Test?
Testing the pool water can be quick and easy with a good test kit. There are many types of test kits on the market. Commercial pools need to be able to show a DPD residual so a more elaborate test kit may be needed than a general backyard test kit. In fact, many states do not allow the dip and test strips as an approved testing method for commercial pools. Still, determining which test kit is the best is often based on user preference and budget. Many homeowners rely on the dip and read test strips. These are chemically treated pads on the strips that develop a color when placed in the pool water. These strips just give you a range or general idea of the parameters of the water chemistry. It’s a quick way to figure out if your pool water is in a good range.

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Need help on how to pick out a test kit or how to test your water? We can help! Give us a call today.