Order and frequency of testing?

[Mamiamjo]

Our pool should be ready in a few more weeks and I'm trying to get handle on the water testing and maintenance.
I have the TF100 test kit ordered and have read sections of pool school on chemicals and testing, but still have several questions...

Is there a certain order that the various tests should be done in?
How often should each of the various tests be conducted?
What else should I do to prepare myself?

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

Specific order to test? Not really. Go ahead and test everything with your TF-100. Based on the results, then you determine what should be done first. We can help. Here is a good TFP page on frequency of testing: Pool School - Basic Pool Care Schedule. Still, every pool is different, so you may test some items slightly differently. But it's a good starting point.

Best thing to do while waiting ... read (and re-read) the links from the Pool School page (link in my sig), and have the Recommended Levels and Chlorine/CYA Chart handy as a reference at all times. Follow those references and you can never go wrong.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh, and practice using the Poolmath Calculator. Pre-load your pool size and different test readings/goals to see how that tool works. It is a fantastic product that will save you a lot of time and effort. Pay particular to the FC row and ensuring you manually enter the correct bleach percentage.

 

[kimkats]

Another easy one for me! What Pat said! LOL

Kim

 

[Patrick_B]

In time, you'll also get a feel for what, and how often it should be tested. FC, pH will be the primary ones, and you'll have a handle on the frequency needed quite quickly.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

As everyone above me has said, FC and pH are the most frequently tested...and since your pool will be new the gunnite has a period where it will be curing.

This may take months, but you'll need to keep a close eye on the pH and may require frequent dosing of muriatic acid (MA) to keep in range.

It will stabilize as it cures and require less pH adjustments.

 

[duraleigh]

I think it is always a good idea to test your fill water when your kit gets in. Those numbers may help you later but, more importantly, it gives you practice with the kit.

 

[Mamiamjo]

Thanks for the help. My test kit should be delivered by tomorrow, so I'll be sure to test my fill water and hopefully, I'll be able to get the hang of it.

 

[Texas Splash]

You'll do fine. If you also ordered the speed stir .... be careful. It's addicting. If you have any questions, just let us know.