Trouble Free Pool

pH Test

The pH test is a dropped based test using color matching. The solution is dropped into a sample of the pool water in the test vial where the color is matched to the level guide. The pH level plays a big role in the comfort of swimmers eyes and skin.

Extended Test Kit Directions

Total Alkalinity

A drop-based test used to measure the alkalinity in water. Alkalinity helps serve as a buffer for pH, and when monitored properly, it can help to keep pH more stable and predictable.

Extended Test Kit Directions

Calcium Hardness

A drop-based test that measures the hardness in your water. Once measured, it is used to determine if there is a potential for scaling to the pool surfaces (too hard) or possible damaged to the plaster (too soft).

Extended Test Kit Directions

CYA – Cyanuric Acid Test

Cyanuric Acid (CYA) is the chemical name for what is commonly referred to as Stabilizer or Conditioner. It helps to protect available Free Chlorine from the sun while also serving as a buffer to protect the swimmers from chlorine. Accurate testing of the CYA level is absolutely critical to proper pool care and is the one test that is most often performed incorrectly.

Extended Test Kit Directions

Salt Test

The Salt Test is used to determine the concentration of sodium chloride (salt) in pool water. This test is most important for pools using salt water chlorine generators (SWGs). Because other forms of chlorine and pool chemicals leave salt in the pool water as a byproduct, the salt test should be completed before adding salt to SWG recommended levels.

Miscellaneous

PoolMath

PoolMath is a handy app based tool that does all of the calculations required to maintain your pool. PoolMath can figure out the amounts of chemicals to add, what appropriate FC levels are for your CYA level, what your calcite saturation index is, and help you estimate your pool volume.

Miscellaneous

What is TFPC?

We believe any pool owner can achieve and maintain safe, crystal clear pool water, without high expense, by using the science-based, Trouble Free Pool Care (TFPC) methodology. Our approach is to teach you how a product will affect your water, so you can self-test and confirm the expected change, rather than tell you to just add x, y and z product and bring back another water sample for testing. We’re not in this for the money (Trouble Free Pool is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit) so we are able to step back from giving advice, for …

Pool Safety

DISCLAIMERTFP is not a medical authority, nor do we provide medical advice. The following items are simply highlighted as common areas we see discussed here at TFP. Whenever there is a concern for personal safety, contact a physician immediately. Building/electrical codes vary between location. When in doubt, contact a certified specialist for assistance.

Miscellaneous

Bonding vs Grounding

Bonding and grounding are two very different things that are often confused. Grounding serves two purposes. First, a ground conductor provides a low resistance path to conduct lightning strikes to the earth. Second, grounding provides a low resistance path for hot wire shorts to conduct enough power back to the main panel to trip the circuit breaker. Bonding is about making sure that any electrical current that is present around the pool goes through the bonding wire instead of going through you.

Miscellaneous

Common Swimming Pool Myths Dispelled

This article looks at some of the more common swimming pool myths and the truth behind them. Most of the myths discussed here revolve around water quality. As we stress here at TFP, testing your water daily with a reliable drop-based kit and balancing it is the most effective way to maintain a safe and sanitary swimming environment. No gimmicks, no expensive treatments; just five minutes a day!