Brand New SWG Pool...What to do with testing???

[teat461]

We just got our pool installed last week. We went to local pool supply for water testing and bought what chemicals were recommended. But now I want to learn to do my own testing.
WHERE do I start? What test kit is recommended? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Tanner M]

I would start by returning everything that the pool store sold you. The only thing you would really need to keep (which i buy at lowe's or home depot) is acid to lower PH and maybe some CYA. Enjoy!

 

[Pool Tool]

Welcome! Test Kit Comparison here for your reading: Pool School - Test Kits Compared

Here is the most recommended test kit: TFTestkits.net

The K-2006 is also a good kit, but the TF-100 comes with more reagents and is a better value. TFT also sells K-1766 Taylor Salt Test (drop test) or Salt Test Strips - Aqua Chek to verify your salt levels. Once you get a kit, folks will assist along with the links in Pool School to get you up to speed.

 

[teat461]

Thanks for the quick replies. What can I buy besides the pool supply chemicals? Someone told me to buy baking soda at Sams club and muriatic acid at Lowes.

 

[themadangler]

I'm new here but I think you should get a good test kit first, test your water, post the results and someone will give you guidance on what to do next.

 

[teat461]

Thanks for the quick reply. Do I buy muriatic acid and if so what does it take the place of? Someone also told me to use baking soda (bulk from Sams Club).

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks for the quick reply. Do I also need to buy salt test strips with this kit? That is the one I was leaning toward because of recommendations on this site.

 

[themadangler]

Thanks for the quick reply. Do I buy muriatic acid and if so what does it take the place of? Someone also told me to use baking soda (bulk from Sams Club).

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks for the quick reply. Do I also need to buy salt test strips with this kit? That is the one I was leaning toward because of recommendations on this site.

If you have the test kit, the first step would be to test all the parameters of your water and post your results so advice can be given. Yes to a kit that will test salt since you have a swg. I use the Taylor k1766 not strips

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[kimkats]

Here ya go:

Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

BUT I really want you to read this a few times. It is a LOT of info. so take it tiny bites at a time:

Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

When you get your test kit and start using what you have read it will really all start coming together.

Kim:cat:

 

[duraleigh]

You can't determine what your pool needs until you perform effective tests to find out what it already has.