Pool Water Testing & Swimming Pool Chemistry

Swimming Pool Care

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

There are basically two types of kits:

Dropper Test Kit

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

These pool water test 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.

DPD Pool Water Test Kit

DPD, or N,N Diethyl-1,4 Phenylenediamine Sulfate, for those who want a fancy $100 word, measures the free chlorine as well as pH, hardness, and alkalinity. It’s also called the “pink test system” due to the 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 in bulk as the product 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 of tests is, in my opinion, the most accurate.

OTO Water Testing Kit

OTO, or OrthoTOlidene, (I'd say that about an $82 word) is the other brand of dropper pool water test kit. This pool water testing kit can test for all readings, but usually test for chlorine and pH, and is often called the Duo Test Kit.

If you’re going for a less expensive brand then this would be the pool water testing kit 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.

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 strips should include the levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and hardness. These strips are fast and easy and eliminate the need for taking samples and counting drops.

The basic 3 and 4 square strips can measure chlorine (sanitizer) pH, alkalinity, and hardness 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.

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 test kit, 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.

Use your best judgment and get the best water testing kit 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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Water Testing Kit From Pool Water Testing