Testing Your Pool Water

Testing your pool water can be done with a pool kit purchased from your pool professional.

You should get a fresh pool testing kit at the start of every swimming season, and find the type that works best with the chlorination type of your pool. There are four tests that you should do regularly, as follows:

1.Testing Pool Alkalinity

You should conduct a total pool alkalinity test monthly, before any other tests are performed. It is measured in ‘parts per million’ – you should aim to keep your alkalinity levels between 80 – 120 PPM.

2.Testing Pool pH Levels

The pool pH scale runs from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic), where 7 is considered neutral. The optimal pH range for a pool is 7.4-7.6.

3. Testing Pool Chlorine Levels

Chlorine is a sanitiser that controls the growth of bacteria and algae in your pool. In the pool water, chlorine exists as free chlorine and combined chlorine.

When buying a pool chlorine test kit, look for one that shows its readings as parts per million (PPM). When testing your pools water, test for both free chlorine and total chlorine (the sum of free and combined). Your free chlorine level should be between 1 – 3 PPM. 

4. Calcium Hardness Test

The calcium hardness test measures the calcium concentration in your pool. Take a sample of your water to your pool professional – there they can test it for calcium hardness and total dissolved solids.

The best time for pool testing and treatment

Run your pump and filter for at least 10 minutes before sampling and testing your pool water balance. Add the required total alkalinity chemicals/hardness chemicals on the first day. On the following day, repeat the testing process. Continue adjusting your water’s balance until it is in the right ranges. Adjust your pH on the following day.

We suggest that you collect your sample water at the same time and location as previously collected.

Tip: Make adjustments to your pool levels slowly and give them time to take effect and settle.