How To Test Your Swimming Pool pH
If you are a swimming pool owner, part of keeping and maintaining your swimming pool involves making sure that the water is safe and comfortable for you and your family. One of the many chemical checks that you will need to do is a pH check. If you are new to pool ownership, you might want to consider a swimming pool maintenance service to help you get started, but if you want to undertake it yourself, below is how you go about testing your pool’s pH.
pH Test Strips
The best part about pH tests strips is that they are easy to use and quite inexpensive. It is also a fast test to perform on your own. If you have a pool cover, you need to make sure your pool is open. You also need clean and dry hands to accurately perform the test.
Remove the strip and dip it into the water until the water reaches your elbow in an area of the pool where the water is well circulated. Keep the strip in the water for around 30 seconds, or for however long the strip maker suggests. Remove the strip and lay it on a flat surface. Compare the colour that shows up on the strip with the colour chart that comes with the package. Based on this colour you should be able to accurately estimate the pH of the water.
Electronic Tester
These are just as easy to use as test strips, but may require periodic recalibration to ensure they are working properly. Always follow the directions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are getting an accurate reading. They are battery powered, so the batteries will need to be replaced eventually. They should be stored out of the sunlight, and should not receive direct heat exposure for prolonged periods of time.
pH Test Kits
This is the most accurate method for testing your pool’s pH, but it also takes the longest, and costs more than the other methods. Before testing, the pool must be uncovered and the pH comparator tube must be thoroughly rinsed. Dip the tube into the water and fill the tube to the top of the line. Add 5 drops of phenol red agent drop by drop and then compare the colour of the water to the pH colour scale provided by the manufacturer.
A swimming pool is not maintenance free, but the above methods for testing the pH (one of the most important chemical indicators in your pool) are easy to do on your own and not overly expensive. You can also outsource the work to a local swimming pool service provider if you don’t have the time or the expertise to do it on your own. If you have a local swimming pool maintenance service provider that offers free water sampling, use this service, it is invaluable.