Each year we receive no less than 50 or 60 inquiries from folks asking about the availability of ‘simple pool test kits’… and each year we say, “Yep! We know a few different ones!”
This year’s simple pool test kit lineup includes the Pool Check 3-Way, 4-Way, 5-Way, and 6-Way test strips.
We also carry the Taylor Basic Phenol Red (pH) & OTO for Total Chlorine (K-1000), Taylor Basic Phenol Red (pH) & DPD for Free Chlorine (K-1001), and the Taylor Troubleshooter (K-1004) test kits.
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No matter which test kit you select, please keep in mind that a test kit will do you absolutely no good if you never use it. Also, waiting until a problem starts to develop before you test will also do you no good.
Pool water testing alerts you to water quality deficiencies that could result in water quality issues (i.e. cloudiness, algae, stains, etc.). Catching the deficiency before it turns into a problem can save you hours of aggravation and quite a bit of money in chemicals that treat algae, cloudiness, staining, and other water problems.
Preferred water quality levels
Another question we get each year: “What levels should my pool water have?”
Below you will find a list of basic pool water parameters along with their optimal ranges:
- pH: 7.2 – 7.8
- Free Chlorine: 1.0 – 2.0 ppm
- Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 180 – 220 ppm, though some say 200 – 400 ppm for plaster and/or gunite pools..
- Cyanuric Acid: 25 – 50 ppm
- Total Dissolved Solids: 500 – 5000 ppm
Please note, however, that not all pools will require the exact same water chemistry to stay safe for swimming and crystal clear so if you have doubts about specific pool water quality concerns, definitely get in touch with a pool water professional (i.e. service company or staff in a local pool store) before adding water treatment chemicals.
Adding the wrong chemicals can make a problem much worse and often times a lot more expensive to correct!
