Pool Water Testing

Testing your swimming pool chemistry should be number one on your "Honey-Do" list.

There are basically two types of swimming pool test/spa water testing:

Swimming Pool Water Test Kits

The first is a swimming pool water dropper kit that should include readings for chlorine, combined chlorine, (chloramines) pool pH, pool alkalinity, and water hardness. The most widely used type of dropper kit is called the FAS-DPD K-2006 Taylor pool water test kit.

These kits commonly use a type of “test tube” and eye dropper application.

Adding the Reagents to the water produces a change in the test water color. Then this color change is compared with the accompanying chart.

Some systems may have you “count” the drops and do a little math to get the correct reading.

The two main kinds of dropper systems are called DPD and OTO pool water testing kits.

FAS-DPD K-2006 Taylor Pool Test Kit

DPD Pool Water Test Kit

DPD, or N,N Diethyl-1,4 Phenylenediamine Sulfate measures the free pool chlorine as well as pool pH level, calcium hardness, and pool alkalinity. It’s also called the “pink test system” due to the pool chlorine will, at first, become pink in color.

You need to keep your DPD drops fresh and away from direct light as this may skew your readings.

Try not to buy your Taylor pool water test kit products in bulk as they may become stale and need to be thrown away increasing wasted time and money.

DPD is a little more time consuming and complex due to the proper “swirling” technique, but when properly done you’ll find this system is, in my opinion, the most accurate.

Yellow OTO

OTO Water Testing Kit

OTO, or OrthoTOlidene is the other brand of dropper pool water test kit. This one can test for all readings, but usually test for chlorine and pool pH, and is often called the Duo Test Kit.

If you’re going for a less expensive brand then this would be the one for you.

Designed for a pool or spa with a smaller bather load and for the do-it-your-selfer, it’s a complete system in a convenient package for great swimming pool care and spa water maintenance.

Aquachek Test Strips

Pool/Spa Test Strips

The 2nd type of test kits are called test strips. These strips allow you to simply dip the strip into the pool water then compare the various squares on the strip to the corresponding chart.

The basic 3 and 4 square strips can measure swimming pool chlorine (sanitizer) pool pH level, pool alkalinity, and calcium hard water test all at the same time.

You can get these swimming pool chemistry readings within a matter seconds.

Test strips have come a long way in the last 10 years and seem to be pretty accurate. It’s really up to you to decide which test is right for your situation.

Remember to follow the instructions carefully and don’t take any shortcuts while testing your chemicals.

Pool Test Strip

Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips:

1. Test your chemicals at least once per week in late afternoon or early evening
2. Rinse the vials out before and after each use
3. Test the water from a foot below the surface of the water. If using the dropper system, hold the vial upside down above the water and go straight down. Flip the vial over and come back up. You’ll want the water about 1 foot from the surface.
4. Test water before adding chemicals
5. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes after adding chemicals to swim
6. Take care when handling chlorine and acid. Remember, safety first.
7. NEVER add all chemicals at the same time. Wait at least 2-3 hours before adding a different chemical.

Some chemicals request you waiting 24 hours before adding another so read the label.

Beautiful Custom Built Swimming Pool With Rock Slide

Use your best judgment and get the best pool water test kits for your situation. Some people like the DPD or OTO water testing kit. Some like the test strips.

Either way, just keep your pool water maintenance and swimming pool chemistry up to speed and you'll have the swimming pool that will have your neighbors looking over the fence in envy.

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