How To Test The Pool Water Guide

When it comes to swimming pools, you have a responsibility to ensure they are in a great condition so that they are safe and fun for swimmers to go in. Pools require regular maintenance and upkeep to keep them in good condition.

Pool water testing is a critical component of this maintenance. Pool water can easily become contaminated with harmful substances that can pose a risk to the health and safety of swimmers.

Why You Should Test Pool Water

Swimming pool water testing is essential to ensure the safety of swimmers and the longevity of your pool equipment. Testing the water allows you to maintain proper chemical balance and eliminate any potential health hazards such as bacteria, viruses, and algae. Proper pool water chemistry also prevents corrosion of pool surfaces and equipment, prolonging their life and saving you money in repairs.

As a swimming pool owner, it’s your responsibility to maintain the pool’s cleanliness and safety for everyone who uses it. One of the most critical aspects of pool maintenance is testing the pool water regularly. Swimming pool water testing involves analysing the water’s chemical balance to ensure that it’s safe for swimming. If the chemical balance is off, it can lead to serious health hazards for swimmers, such as skin irritation, rashes, eye irritation, and even respiratory issues.

How Often To Test Pool Water

The frequency of swimming pool water testing depends on the type of system you have. Swimming pools with automatically controlled dosing systems should have the water tested for disinfectant and pH levels a minimum of three times per day. However, manually dosed pools should be tested at least every two hours. These are minimum swimming pool water testing frequencies. You should conduct tests more often if the pool is frequently used.

It’s important that these tests should be conducted before the pool opens to ensure the water is safe for swimmers to use. You should also do the tests just before you close to check if the levels will be safe overnight.

You should note down the results of the pool tests. The records of the swimming pool water testing must be kept for at least five years. Regular swimming pool maintenance is also essential to the hygiene and safety of the pool. It’s important you test the water the minimum number of times previously stated so that you can keep track of the chemical levels.

Understanding Pool Water Chemistry

Chlorine levels are essential for killing bacteria, viruses, and algae in the water. The optimal range for chlorine levels in pool water is between 1-3 ppm. Chlorine helps keep the water clean and clear, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses that can pose health risks to swimmers.

A pH level between 7.2 and 7.8 is considered the optimal range for pool water. Maintaining a proper pH level is essential because if it’s too low, the water can become acidic and corrode the pool surfaces and equipment. If the pH level is too high, the water can become cloudy and irritate the skin and eyes of swimmers.

Total alkalinity refers to the amount of alkaline substances in the water and should be kept between 80-120 ppm (parts per million). Alkalinity helps buffer

pH levels, keeping the water from becoming too acidic or basic.

Calcium hardness refers to the amount of calcium in the water and should be kept between 200-400 ppm. Proper calcium hardness levels help prevent corrosion of pool surfaces and equipment, ensuring their longevity.

Regular water samples should be taken from various points in the pool to assess factors like pH levels, chlorine concentrations, and potential contaminants. The Lovibond® Pool Water Sampler ensures samples are taken at the optimum depth and tests are based on the same sample of water.

 

Types of Pool Water Testing Measurement Methods

There are several effective ways to sample and test water from your swimming pool. This includes the following methods listed below.

Comparators

These tools help measure and match the chemical concentrations of various pool chemicals, such as chlorine and pH levels. This is done by comparing the colour of the water sample with a colour chart. The accuracy of the test is dependent on the operator, especially their eyesight and perception of colour. This test cannot be conducted effectively by someone who has colour blindness, especially across the red and green spectrums.

Some of the comparator products we offer include Lovibond DPD3 Comparator / Photometer Tablets and Lovibond DPD1 Comparator / Photometer Tablets, which come in packs of 250.

Photometers

This tool measures the concentration of specific chemicals in pool water, such as chlorine, pH and alkalinity. Unlike comparators, which rely on colour matching, photometers use a light sensor to check the colour change of the water sample. This makes them more accurate than comparators, which are reliant on the operator’s eyesight.

 

Our photometer products include Lovibond Phenol Red Photometer Tablets and Palintest Phenol Red Photometer Tablets.

The Water Test Traffic Light System

This system is a simple and effective method for assessing pool water quality. It uses a colour-coded system to indicate the presence and levels chlorine, alkalinity, and more. The system functions like a traffic light, where different colours represent different levels of chemical balance in the water.

Readings that correspond to the amber zone indicate corrective action is needed. If the readings are in the red zone, this means the pool will need to be closed until corrective action is taken.

The Best Swimming Pool Water Testing Equipment

Investing in a reliable pool water test kit is crucial for maintaining your swimming pool. Here are some of the top-rated pool water test kits on the market:

• Lovibond HSG282 Hot Tub Testing Kit – A comprehensive solution for testing the water quality in hot tubs. It includes all the necessary components for ensuring compliance with HSG282 standards, along with detailed instructions and testing logs to facilitate the process. The kit allows for testing of Free, Total, and Combined Chlorine levels, as well as Bromine and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) to ensure the water is clean and safe for use.
• Lovibond (MD100) 6-In-1 Pool Control Photometer Test Kit – A handheld instrument designed for testing pool water quality. It has a waterproof design, a simple button layout, and a large backlit display, making it easy to use in various settings. The photometer utilizes high-quality interference filters and long-life LEDs for accurate and reproducible results.
• Lovibond (MD100) 3-In-1 Pool Control Photometer Test Kit – This kit uses high-quality interference filters and long-life LEDs as a light source, ensuring accurate and reproducible results. Lovibond® tablet reagents with a guaranteed minimum 5 or 10-year shelf life are included, and liquid reagents can also be used. Test results are automatically recorded with time and date and can be downloaded to a PC using an additional Infra Red interface.

You can find all of these kits and more in our shop.

Maintaining Your Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

Regular swimming pool maintenance and hot tub maintenance are essential if you want to keep your pools and tubs in top condition. Here are five of our top tips for maintaining your pool:

1. Clean the pool regularly – Skim the surface of the pool, brush the walls and floor, and vacuum the debris.
2. Check and balance the chemicals – Test the water regularly and add chemicals as needed to maintain proper levels.
3. Run the pump and filter – Run the pump and filter for at least 8 hours a day to circulate the water and remove debris.
4. Backwash the filter – Backwash the filter once a week to remove trapped debris.
5. Maintain proper water level – Keep the water level at the midpoint of the skimmer to ensure proper circulation.

Buy Pool Equipment at JC Leisure Solutions

If you’re looking for high-quality pool water testing equipment and maintenance equipment, look no further than JC Leisure Solutions. We offer a wide range of reliable and easy-to-use pool water test kits and equipment to ensure the safety and cleanliness of your swimming pool or hot tub. Contact us today to learn more and invest in the best pool water testing equipment on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions Pool Water Testing

How long can pool water sit before testing?

Pool water should be tested as soon as possible after you’ve taken the sample to ensure the accuracy of the results. Water parameters can change over time, especially with factors like temperature, exposure to sunlight, or additional water circulation. If you leave the water sample for too long, the tests may not reflect the true condition of the water in the swimming pool.

What happens if you don’t test your pool water?

Without regular pool water testing, key chemical levels like pH, chlorine, and alkalinity can become unbalanced. This will mean you won’t know if the water is too acidic or too alkaline. Unsafe water can lead to swimmers’ eyes and skin becoming irritated. Unsafe chemical levels can also cause damage to the pool equipment, which can be expensive to resolve.

What time of day is best to test pool water?

You should ideally conduct swimming pool water testing before the facility opens and just before it closes. This ensures the water is safe before swimmers use it and that it has the correct chemical levels over night. In most cases, this will mean you need to test the water early in the morning and in the evening.

How many days can a pool go without chlorine?

Swimming pool water that doesn’t have chlorine or has the incorrect chlorine levels can become unsafe in 24 to 48 hours. Algae and bacteria may begin to grow, which can cause infections and illnesses in swimmers. The water will also become discoloured and begin to smell.