When the holiday season is approaching, most people start to test for their swimming pool water. Regularly test the swimming pool water helps reduce any risks of infection of bacteria and prevent small imbalances of the pool. It is also a good way to maintain the lifespan of the pool.
After the cold season, swimming pools are mostly left unattended which results in imbalance pH level, algae intrusion, and other minor to major damages. It is suggested to always test the swimming pool water three times a week to maintain the crystal clear and well-balanced pool.
You can test the pool water more than three times a week depends on the usage and weather. Speaking of testing pool water, here are some methods to use to keep it clean and sanitary.
Pool test strips
The pool test strips are the most convenient test which is popular among homeowners. It is an inexpensive and simple method to test the pool water as well as provide instant results of chlorine, total alkalinity, and pH. Pool test strips are available in bottles consists of 50 strips that you can use to test the pool water during summer.
There are two types of pool test strips, first is the 5-in-1 pool test strips to check the chlorine level, total alkalinity, pH balance, and total hardness. Another type is the 6-in-1 pool test strips which have the same testing lists with the cyanuric acid test as an addition.
Pool test kits
Different from the pool test strip, the pool test kit uses liquid reagents to test the pool water chemistry. The reagents in the test kits alter the pool water to show the level of alkaline, chlorine, and pH.
This type of test kit is not as simple as the test strip and requires a little bit of effort. Judging from the complexity of the tests, many people think that the pool kits are more accurate than the pool test strips.
However, the pool test kits can be a little bit tricky if it is not done accordingly. The color of the water is easier to spot with the test indicator but the result can be different if an extra drop of reagents is added to the water.
The pool test kits are more expensive than the test strips but it can be used all summer long and can be stored for a long time.
Digital testers
Electronic and digital testers become more popular since it delivers the pool water level directly to a smartphone. It uses an electronic meter dipped in the pool water and provides the result of pH balance, chlorine, and TDS level on its screens. Another type is a kind of device which is installed in the pool water and connected to the phone and that provides the detailed result. Even though digital testers are simple but the result can be dubious.
Professional water testing
In case you need further testing for the pool such as microbiological testing, it is best to contact professional water testing. The professional water testing has a better chemical background and test kit to check if the water pool level is a balance or not. They can also prevent any microbe development and does monthly pool water check.
