To maintain a healthy pool, regular water testing is important. The frequency for testing your pool water depends on how often your pool is being used along with the weather conditions.
As a pool owner, you should be testing for:
- Chlorine – Chlorine or ‘free chlorine’ is the most popular form of pool water disinfection and should be checked between 2 to 3 times a week. Free chlorine is the most important test as this tells you available chlorine for sanitising.
- pH – Check your pH just as frequent as you check your chlorine balance, 2 to 3 times a week. By keeping your pH balanced your chlorine will stay at its highest level of effectiveness.
- Total Alkalinity – This should be tested once a week as the stability of this test influences the stability of your pH levels.
- Salt Levels – This depends on the type of salt chlorination system you have installed. You should check with the manufacture for their recommendation.
- Calcium Hardness – Calcium hardness should be tested once a month. This tends to fluctuate due to the local weather and any additional chemicals added to your pool.
- Total Dissolved Solids (chemical reactions, dust, pollen, wastes) – If this level is too high, it can disturb the efficiency of your pool chemicals, so make sure these levels are checked on a monthly basis.
- Metals – Metals such as copper, iron, manganese can cause staining if left in your water. That is why you should test for metals every 3-4 months. If you detect metals in your water, they should be removed.
If you do need more information or assistance with testing your pool water, contact the Coffs Harbour Laboratory.
