How to Test Swimming Pools

Swimming pool water should be tested to determine water chemistry.

Periodic testing of a swimming pool's water chemistry is important to keep the water clean, clear and safe for swimming. Testing swimming pool water requires pre-made testing kits that are available at any swimming pool store. The most common swimming pool water-level tests are chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and total or general hardness. Testing kits are available that test all of these factors at the same time.

Things You'll Need

• Goggles
• Rubber gloves
• Pool water testing kit

Instructions

1. Put on goggles and rubber gloves.

2. Fill the testing kit with a sample of pool water. Most pool testing kits have lines to indicate how much water should be added; placing the testing kit one foot below the surface to fill it to obtain more accurate measurements than using surface water.

3. Add the drops of testing chemicals to the water per the directions. If the testing kit only has space for one sample at a time, empty and rinse it between samples.

4. Place the cap on the sample and vigorously shake it to mix the water with the testing solution.

5. The water sample changes color. Compare this color to the color chart that comes with the testing kit.

Tips & Warnings

• The reagents, or testing chemicals, may lose strength over time and need to be replaced. Every testing kit is different, so check the instructions to determine when the reagents should be replaced.

• Never mix pool chemicals or pool water testing kit chemicals together as dangerous chemical reactions may take place. Ensure the testing is done outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.

• The chemicals in the swimming pool water testing kits can be dangerous, and protective eye and hand coverings guard against splashing, spills or accidental mixing.

References

• Michigan State University: Pool Water Testing
• North Carolina Department of Environmental Health: Water Chemistry for Swimming Pools