Learning how to test pool water is essential if you own a pool. Testing involves using HY-CLOR collection devices and test strips to see whether your pool has the right chemistry.
This blog discusses why you should test your pool water, how to do it in five easy steps, and what to do if you require assistance with testing.
Why Should I Test My Pool Water?
You should regularly test your pool water for two main reasons:
- To maintain its chemical balance and tell you what chemicals you need to add to keep it healthy
- To keep it crystal clear
If you don’t test your pool water on the correct schedule, it may start to look murky, damage your filtration equipment, or even put your health at risk. Unsanitary or imbalanced water also makes the experience of your pool less enjoyable. If it smells bad or stings your eyes, it gets in the way of a pleasurable swimming experience.
Fortunately, pool water testing is safe, accurate and effective when you use the HY-CLOR proven process. Test strips show you which chemicals are in balance, and which you need to adjust on the fly.
How Often Does Pool Water Need To Be Tested?
Many pool owners don’t know how often to test pool water. Fortunately, the answer is pretty straightforward: you should test your pool water a minimum of once per week during the swimming season. Testing at longer intervals can allow algae, bacteria and other dangerous particles to build up to excessive levels, putting your health at risk.
How To Perform a Pool Test
So, how do you correctly test your pool water? Let’s take a look.
Step 1: Choose a Sample Site Away from The Skimmer Opening or Jets
Taking a sample from the skimmer opening or one of the jets could compromise the reading from your measurement. To avoid this, find a spot of open water, preferably at the pool’s deep end.
Step 2: Collect a Sample
Grab your test bottle and place your thumb over the opening to prevent any water from getting in. Insert your arm into the water until it is elbow-deep and then remove your thumb from the bottle cap. Once the sample bottle is full, place your thumb back over the opening and withdraw the sample from the water.
Step 3: Dip The Testing Strip Into The Sample
As a general rule, you should perform water testing at the same time of day every week. This approach helps to smooth out variations that might occur in water composition, for example, after a long sunny day.
To test your sample, take the testing strip included in your kit and dip it into the water inside the sample container and leave it for 15 seconds. You do not need to shake the bottle.
Step 4: Compare The Sample
Next, compare the colours on the strip to those on the HY-CLOR app. If you are unsure how to read pool water test results, you can find instructions on the app.
Step 5: Alternatively, Bring Your Sample To a Hy-Clor Location
Alternatively, if you are still figuring out how to test pool water, you can take your sample to the HY-CLOR kiosk in your local Bunnings Warehouse. Using the state of the art kiosk, you can see the sample test results and our system will provide you with instructions for what you need to do next.
Make sure that you take your sample to your local HY-CLOR kiosk on the same day. For best results, take it within a few hours.
Need Assistance with Pool Testing?
Figuring out how to test pool water is essential. Getting it right allows you to keep your swimming experience safe and hygienic.
If you need assistance with pool testing, get in touch with HY-CLOR. We offer support on our website to answer all your questions and provide instructions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
