How to Test Pool Water
Public pools and water are exposed to numerous people, and therefore the potential for contamination. Commercial pool water testing in Pisgah Forest, NC ensures the safety of the pool and prevents health scandals that could discourage future visitors. All types of pool water testing must involve particular steps so you can ensure it is safe for use. Here is what you need to know for effective pool testing.
Why should you test?
A safe and sanitary swimming pool contains balanced water. When balanced, the water kills bacteria without containing elements that wreak havoc on pool equipment. Balance is determined by the levels of alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness and stabilizer.
Unfortunately, the balance can be thrown off by debris, as well as by skin treatments used by swimmers. A commercial pool requires frequent testing, as safety is of paramount concern and commercial pools are exposed to more elements. This should be a daily or twice-daily routine for water parks and commercial pools.
You can use test strips, a kit or a digital tester to check your water. Commercial pool testers use the latest technology to ensure accurate results and offer effective guidance for your maintenance schedule. When testing, take a sample from a water depth of four to six feet—otherwise, you are merely testing surface water and will not secure an accurate result.
What should you test?
The first element you want to test is sanitizer. This includes chlorine, bromine or Splashes, and sanitizer is the quickest changing element. All of these substances evaporate quickly, and you will want to test them daily until you find the best method to maintain a good level. Too much will corrode surfaces, while too little invites algae and bacteria, so this is an important element to monitor.
pH also changes quickly. It determines the acidity and ranges from zero to 14. A rating of 7 is neutral. The best rating for pools is in the 7.2 to 7.4 range. Chlorine and bromine are more effective at lower pH level, but maintaining a pH below 7 will corrode your equipment.
Alkalinity measures carbonates and bicarbonates in the water. It contributes to pH and sanitizer levels, and your best range is 80 to 120 ppm.
Hardness, meanwhile, indicates the amount of calcium in the water. The best range for calcium is 180 to 220 ppm, although it can be as high as 400 without impacts. If you do not maintain enough calcium, the water will pull it from surfaces, and too much of it will create deposits and cloudy water.
Finally, you want to monitor stabilizer levels. Also known as “conditioner,” stabilizer is comprised of cyanuric acid, which protects chlorine molecules from the sun so it does not evaporate as quickly. While stabilizer is present in most chlorine tablets, most commercial pool managers need to add more to the water, especially if the pool is in direct sunlight most of the day.
Royal Water Works, Inc. offers commercial pool water testing and water treatment in Pisgah Forest, NC. If you require assistance controlling your pool water’s pH, contact us today to schedule a visit.
Categorised in: Water Testing