Did you know that your swimming pool water can look great yet still not be in balance and safe to swim in? It’s true, so you should regularly perform swimming pool water testing. Here at Baker Pool & Spa, we make that process easy for our customers. You can bring us a small sample of your pool water, and we’ll provide free testing for you. We will then provide you with our recommendation for the chemicals you may need to make the water safe and enjoyable for you and your family.
It might seem like regular swimming pool water testing isn’t needed. However, if you have ever struggled to balance your pool water as you frustratingly looked at a cloudy or even green condition, you know how tricky it can be to get it balanced and the right combination and quantity of chemicals introduced. If you go the typical trial-and-error method, you can experience unsatisfactory results and have spent more on chemicals than was necessary.
If your family is looking at you with sad eyes because they want to swim, but the water isn’t looking very inviting, let us help with swimming pool water testing and quality chemicals to make it crystal clear and ready for them to dive right in! We are here to answer any questions you may have about how to get the most enjoyment from your pool this summer. We also have the equipment and supplies you might need and provide cleaning and repair services should you require them.
Comprehensive Pool Water Testing: From Chlorine to Total Dissolved Solids and Why They Matter
Free & Total Chlorine
If your chlorine level is too low you may get algae and bacteria growth. However, if it’s too high you may get staining. Plus, you will be spending more money than necessary on chlorine.
Total Alkalinity
Low alkalinity can cause rapid deterioration of some types of pool surfaces and fittings or even lead to metal stains. High alkalinity can also cause stains and may lead to scale build-up, which can impact the efficiency of your pool equipment.
Phosphates
Keeping phosphate levels low will help reduce pool problems. It is important to test for phosphates and maintain levels below 125 ppb consistently.
Salt Levels
The ideal salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm (parts per million) with 3200 ppm being optimal. If you have a salt pool.
Total Dissolved Solids
High TDS levels make it difficult for your pool chemicals to dissolve and do their job. This can lead to persistent issues with algae, cloudiness, and staining. Also, pool water with a high TDS level can taste salty.
pH
When your pH is low it means your pool water is too acidic. This can cause burning eyes and skin irritation, and, is corrosive to your pool finish and equipment. High pH can also cause skin and eye irritation, and causes your chemicals to be less effective.
Stabilizer (CYA)
Low stabilizer levels will cause your pool to use more chlorine than necessary which costs you money! High stabilizer levels can lead to stains or spot etching of your pool’s finish.
Metals
Pool water, equipment and surfaces can become discolored due to contamination, sunlight and the presence of metals in pool water. Metals are often introduced into the water via source water, equipment (corrosion of heater parts), pool chemicals or other pool devices.
Optimizer (Borates)
Optimizer helps the BioGuard brominating, chlorinating or biguanide programs work more efficiently. It buffers and helps keep the water balanced. In addition to creating soft and soothing water, this product helps suppress algae growth and is proven to improve water clarity. It also softens water to skin and eyes. Optimizer is pH neutral in pool water and is not degraded by sunlight.
Free & Total Chlorine
If your chlorine level is too low you may get algae and bacteria growth. However, if it’s too high you may get staining. Plus, you will be spending more money than necessary on chlorine.