How to Easily Test Your Pool

To make your swimming pool safe and clean to swim in you’ll have to whip it into shape and then also learn how to maintain that beautiful clarity. Testing kits to check the chemicals in your water come in many different varieties and prices so the options to choose from are large. Before you make a choice, however, you should know exactly how to use these tests to make the best-educated decision. Below is a comprehensive list of test kit types and general instructions on how to properly use them. Even though we have listed instructions below make sure you double-check the instructions on whatever product you decide to purchase. The two most common methods of testing are testing strips and drops (aka regent testing).

Testing Strips

1. Take a sample of water from your pool in a plastic or glass container.
   • Do not use a soda or pop bottle unless it has been thoroughly rinsed. The acidity from the soda pop will mess with the accuracy of the pH.
   • Water should be taken from at least 12-18 inches below the water’s surface, where it is best mixed.
2. Fill the tubes in the included testing center to the levels indicated on each tube.
   • It is important to use the correct amount of water with the drops, or your results will be inaccurate.
3. Add the chlorine neutralizer included in your kit to your sample in the tube(s) you are testing in.
   • The usual amount is two drops, but check your instructions for details.
4. Take the particular reagent you are using to test and add it according to the instructions. Remember to use the correct reagent in the correct tube. Many problems with testing come from mixing up the dropper with another one.
5. Cover the tubes and shake well to mix them evenly
6. Check the color you see in the water solution with the color guide either on the device on in the instructions.
   • Put something white behind the water tube to see the color at its clearest.

Drops AKA Reagent Testing 

1. Take a small sample of water from your pool in a plastic or glass container, this sample should be taken from at least 12-18 inches below the water’s surface.
   • To not skew the results, make sure the container has been thoroughly rinsed, especially if it is a soda/pop bottle. The acidity from the pop will mess with the final result of the pH levels.
2. Fill the included tube(s) included in your testing center to the levels indicated specifically by each tube.
   • It is important to use the correct water measurements with each drop, failure to use the correct amount of water will cause your results to be inaccurate.
3. Add the chlorine neutralizer that is included in your kit to each sample tube you are testing in.
   • The usual amount is two drops per tube but check your individual instructions for details.
4. Make sure to grab the correct reagent according to the instruction of the tube/chemical you are testing. Many problems can occur if you mix the wrong dropper with the wrong tube.
5. Cover the tubes and shake well to ensure it mixes evenly.
6. Check the water solution’s color in the shaken tubes with the color guide on the device or included instructions.
   • Put something white (such as a piece of printer paper) behind the water tube to see the color at its clearest.

Digital Testers

As mentioned, these are only two of the most common testing methods there are several less common methods that you can use if you would not like to use the testing strips or the drop tests. Human error is a common worry when it comes to comparing a test strip to the instruction strips. There are smartphone apps and/or digital testers that can measure the balance of your pool; listed on our site on the testers page are numerous digital chemical tests ranging from ten to two hundred dollars. These digital products can instantly test for numerous chemicals and show you the exact measurement of what each is in your pool. These systems can be more expensive than the simple strip or drop testing, but if you’d like to immediately know your results or you don’t trust your eyes to properly match the colors then an electronic system will be best. Remember to frequently test your pool to maintain a crystal-clear pool. With so many different choices of testing kits, you will be able to find the perfect match for you so don’t be intimidated! As long as you take your time and follow the instructions carefully, you’ll be an expert at testing your water before you know it.