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TESTING YOUR POOL WATER
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Testing the pool water is the most important regular care task, for the health and enjoyment of your swimmers and the longevity of your pool.
- For help with a specific question, you can call our free helpline at 1-800-SOS-POOL (767-7665)
Frequency
Ideal Range (ppm)
Total alkalinity, plastered pools
Every month
80 - 120 ppm
Total alkalinity, vinyl, painted or fiberglass pools
Every month
125 - 150 ppm
pH level of water
Every other day
7.2 - 7.6
Free chlorine
Every other day
1 - 3 ppm
Stabilizer-conditioner (cyanuric acid)
Start and middle of season
Minimum 30 ppm with tabs; minimum 75 ppm with liquid
Shock treatment
Every 7 to 10 days
5 - 10 ppm
Water hardness
Seasonally
100 - 500 ppm
Drain and refill pool
5-7 years
- Test with a clean and accurate kit and fresh agents (replace kit annually)
- The best time to test is early evening
- Circulate water before testing
- Do not take a sample next to return inlets
- For maximum chlorine effectiveness, run pump at night when pool is not being used
- Take samples 18 inches below the surface
- Hold clean test vials upside down and push down in water
- Measure carefully; the lowest point of a sample must meet the fill-line on the test vial
- Add reagent drops to test water while holding the reagent bottle straight upside down
- Do not cover test vials with fingers
- Read results against a white background
- Pour test residue into the water after testing, to oxidize test reagents
Always follow instructions for each test
