Free Water Analysis

Gain Peace of Mind with Our Free Water Testing, Instead of Just Hoping the Water is Safe

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.

Challenges of Pool Water Balancing

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.

Revitalize Your Pool

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.

FAQs About Swimming Pool Water Testing

One of the many services we offer here at Baker Pool & Spa is pool water testing, which is a vital step in making sure your water remains clean and safe for swimming. Below, our team has put together the answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions on this subject to help you get a better idea of why swimming pool water testing matters and how to do it.

Why is swimming pool water testing important?

It’s important to test the chemical balance of your pool water regularly—ideally at least once every two weeks—to make sure the water stays clean and safe for swimming. If the chlorine levels drop too low, your pool water will soon turn green with algae, while if you let them rise too high, the water will irritate everyone’s skin and eyes whenever they go for a swim.

How do I test my pool water?

Performing pool water testing is a fairly simple and easy process. Pool supply companies—including ours—offer kits containing everything you need to run the test. Your kit will contain two vials to collect your pool water samples and test chemicals to check chlorine and pH levels. Mix in drops of the appropriate test chemical into each well, according to the instructions, then compare the color of the water to the chart on the side of each vial to get your results.

What should I do if my pool water tests poorly?

If your swimming pool water testing session reveals your chlorine level is too high, you should add a chlorine neutralizer to your water to bring it back down—add the chemical slowly and check your water periodically to ensure you don’t overdo it. Conversely, if your chlorine level is too low, add more, again checking frequently to make sure to stay within safe limits.

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.

Calcium

When the calcium hardness is too low the water becomes corrosive, which may lead to staining and etching of your pool’s finish. It will also wear down and damage your equipment and metal fittings which may cause your pool equipment to run inefficiently.

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.

My cart
Your cart is empty.

Looks like you haven't made a choice yet.