How to Test your Water with a Testing Strip

Testing your pool is a regular and integral part of pool ownership. It’s essential to maintaining water that is crystal clear and algae free. It’s also important to maintain a good balance of chemicals in your pool because improper water chemistry can cause damage to your pool and equipment. Beyond that, imbalanced water can cause eye irritation and hair discoloration.

Test at least once each week, more if you are using the pool heavily. You may want to test 2-3 times a week if you are new to pool maintenance until you get used to the fluctuations. It can help to pick one day a week to routinely test your water.

Process:

  1. Use a clean, empty cup

  2. Take the sample in the middle of the pool away from jets and skimmers

  3. Dip container upside down until elbow deep, then take the sample

Luckily, our 4 retail locations (Hamburg, Clarence, Fredonia and Erie, PA) have complimentary, computerized water testing stations so you don’t even need to worry about doing your own water tests! Come in with a water sample and get your water tested by our state-of-the-art ALEX water testing system! An added bonus when bringing your water sample in to one of our retail stores for testing is that a knowledgeable staff member will help you select the chemicals you need to properly balance your pool. As an added incentive, 4 times a year we run a special that is 10% off needed balancing chemicals when you bring your water sample in for testing!