Testing your pool water regularly is the best way to keep your pool looking great. The tests for pH and active sanitizer (usually free chlorine or total bromine residuals) are the most important and should be checked several times per week. Tests for total alkalinity and calcium hardness levels should also be done regularly.

Bring a sample of pool water to us at pool opening, then every four to six weeks, and at closing. This will help you maintain proper balance and greatly reduce the potential for problems.

When analyzing pool water, it is important to obtain a representative sample of water from the pool. It is best to gather water samples from at least 12 to 18 inches below the surface of the water. Use a clean, plastic water sample jar. Rinse the jar with pool water several times before collecting the water sample. While holding the jar up–side–down and in a vertical position, plunge the jar below the water surface. When the water level is at your elbow, tilt the jar into an up right position and let the jar fill with water. Cap the jar while its still submerged.