Testing Your Pool & Hot Tub Water at Country Leisure
You probably already know how to test for basics like chlorine levels and pH balance. But what about phosphates? Or salt levels, if you have a salt water pool? Then, there are potential contaminants like copper, iron, and calcium. If you’re leaving those out, you could be leaving your pool or hot tub vulnerable to potential damage, not to mention an unsightly appearance. We house a Water Lab here at Country Leisure that will test your water, specifically designed for Oklahoma water conditions, for FREE!
How to Take a Proper Pool or Hot Tub Water Sample
The most important factors here are where you take the sample from, and how you do it. If possible, take the sample from the absolute middle of your pool or hot tub.
1. Use a clean cup or bottle
2. Hold it upside down so the opening is facing the pool or hot tub floor.
3. Insert the bottle into the water elbow-deep, and then turn it right side up to collect the sample.
Important: Do not take the sample near the skimmer opening or any return jets. Also, make sure not to leave your water sample in a hot vehicle prior to bringing it to us – the sooner we test after the sample being taken, the more accurate the results will be.
What Do We Test For?
We’ll test your water using the Lamotte WaterLink Spin Touch Lab™. Just bring in a small container with your pool or hot tub water and we will test for the following chemicals:
Free Chlorine
Total Chlorine (or Total Bromine for spas)
pH
Total Alkalinity
Calcium Hardness
Cyanuric Acid
Iron
Copper
Borate
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Phosphate
Salt (for salt water chlorine generator pools)
The test takes about 2-3 minutes and comes with a full printout of current water conditions and recommendations. Again, completely free of charge!
How Often to Test Pool Water
To ensure the pH and alkalinity remain balanced, and to keep your sanitizer at optimal levels, test your pool water at least once a week. You’ll want to test it more often if the pool is getting a lot of use or if it’s rained, and every time you add chemicals.
Even if you know how to test pool water yourself, take a sample to a pool store once a month for a pro check, and when opening and closing your pool.
