By regularly testing your water, you can ensure that your pool is maintained correctly. Testing with a pool test kit also helps ensure that your pool has the correct pH balance for a clean swimming area. Regular testing also helps protect your pool equipment from malfunction, corrosion, or blockages. You thus need to know how to use your pool test kit correctly.
Pool Test Kit
Pool test kits help you keep your pool clean and sparkling. A pool water test kit is easy to use, with simple instructions to follow. Pool test kits come in different types, including digital water analyzers, those you dip in to get readings, and those that require reagents to determine the chemical levels.
Using Pool Test Strips
Depending on your needs, either 5-in-1 pool or 7-in-1 pool test strips. They are used as a chlorine tester and pool pH tester to keep your water clean. To use a pool strip, you dip it in the water and compare the color readings with the chart given. They are simple to use and very accurate in providing an analysis of your swimming pool water.
The 4-in-1 Pool Test Kit
The 4-in-1 kit is the most common for most pool owners and is 20% more accurate than pool strips. It allows you to check the pH of your water, chlorine levels, test for levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, as well as your general hardness level.
Testing pH Levels
To test for pH Levels using a 4-in-1 pool pH tester, you must first rinse the covers and vials with pool water. You then fill the large reservoir at least a foot high to get a quality sample. You then add solution 4 and swirl for a more accurate reading. The third step involves adding 2-3 drops of pH indicator and mixing by closing and shaking the vial.
Chlorine Tester
The 4-in-1 Test Kit can be used as a chlorine tester. First, rinse the vials and fill the small reservoir to the chlorine fill line to test for chlorine levels. You then add a DPD 1 tablet and shake until it fully dissolves. You then compare the color with the chlorine readings to ascertain the chlorine levels.
Alkalinity Test
You also rinse the vials and covers with pool water to test for alkalinity. You then fill the large reservoir, add a drop of solution 4 and 5, and swirl. After the water turns blue, add solution 3 and count the number of drops till it loses the blue color or turns yellow. The alkalinity levels are acceptable if you get 8-11 drops. The alkaline levels are low if it turns color before drop 8. You then have to raise the alkaline levels. If the drops exceed 12, the pH is too high to be lowered using muriatic acid.
Special Pool Tests
Most standard pool water test kits will test about four to five principal tests you will need. However, you might additional test kits to test for sanitizer levels using Biguanide test strips. To check for saltwater levels, you must use a saltwater pool test kit.
Have Your Pool Tested Regularly?
Pool testing is an economical way to keep the water in your pool clean and safe. Use various pool test kits, depending on your needs, to regularly test your pool waters.