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HOME: ARTICLES: CHEMISTRY: How do I test my swimming pool chemistry? An Introduction Article
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An introduction to swimming pool chemistry testing methods.
This article is written for beginners and first time pool owners. We will be going over several different ways that you can go about testing the chemistry in your swimming pool. We won't be going into depth in this article on how to perform tests but you should have a good idea of what testing methods are out there for you to choose from.
When it comes to testing your pool chemistry, it's important to use a method that is accurate. Our first recommended method is the use of an industry standard (titration) test kit. Titration refers to drop testing, a common method in many chemistry applications. We prefer a Taylor Technologies Complete Service Kit. This test kit is the same kit that a majority of field technicians use and is arguably a pool owner's best investment. Included with this test kit is a swimming pool chemistry manual that does a wonderful job breaking down pool chemistry with pictures, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions. The Taylor kit tests for the following water characteristics:
- Alkalinity
- Calcium Hardness
- Chlorine
- Cyanuric Acid
- pH (with acid demand & base demand)
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Our second recomomendation is the use of Chemistry Test Strips. Just dip your test strip in the water and compare colors for results. These are an alternative to the already mentioned titration kit. The advantage to test strips are their ease of use; making the testing process far less complicated than titration kits. The main disadvantage compared to titration kits is the accuracy achieved. Test kits may give you a rough idea where your chemistry lies but won't give you the same accurate results as the Taylor Kit. Test strips are extremely useful for testing water characteristics that cannot be tested with the Taylor test kit. We recommend AquaChec Test Strips. They offer strips for the following water characteristics:
- Alkalinity
- Bromine
- Calcium Hardness
- Chlorine
- Copper
- Cyanuric Acid
- pH (with acid demand & base demand)
- Phosphate
- TDS - Total Disolved Solids
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