Since I replaced my pool water a few weeks ago and finally bought a Taylor K2006A test kit, I've been testing every day. I don't always to CH or CYA, but I always do FC, CC, PH, TA. Is that excessive or normal? Wondering what others do....
How often do you test your pool water? (poll)
- Thread starter azpooldude
- Start date
-
- Tags
- testing
Wobblerlorri
Bronze Supporter
- Apr 16, 2019
- 2,010
- Pool Size
- 4024
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Liquid Chlorine
I'll have a newly filled pool by Sunday, so I'll be testing daily for a while during our "get to know you" phase.
When you're new to it you need to do it more often as you're learning your pool's "personality".
As a long time TFP'er I can look at the sparkle of my pool and if its a tad dull I know the pH is off. Because I have an autocover my FC is stable as a rock. I always test more when I've made adjustments (added chemicals) and I want to know I got the results I aimed for.
Maddie
As a long time TFP'er I can look at the sparkle of my pool and if its a tad dull I know the pH is off. Because I have an autocover my FC is stable as a rock. I always test more when I've made adjustments (added chemicals) and I want to know I got the results I aimed for.
Maddie
When it comes to pool water testing, and having learned a little about water chemistry here at TFP, I know what my pool does and why, so I dont test very often anymore. I guess Im just a lazy slacker these days.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,474
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
How often you should be testing depends on type of pool, equipment, and environment.
I look at the lights on my SWG a few times a week when passing it. If I see the usual green lights I can count on my CL bring good. I test once a week knowing my pH will need attention.
I look at the lights on my SWG a few times a week when passing it. If I see the usual green lights I can count on my CL bring good. I test once a week knowing my pH will need attention.
- Oct 18, 2009
- 3,637
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Thanks to TFP I just test once a week. I do a full battery of tests about every 2 months and after heavy rains and the pool is overflowing. When I was new to pools I tested daily till I got to know about chemicals and how my pool responded. Every pool is different as to bather load, weather and region. Hope this helps 
I have had my pool for a year and a half. Ran into an algae outbreak last year due to high CYA caused by pool store advice. Since I found this site I have not been back to the pool store and following their advice my water is Chrystal clear. But that algae outbreak still has me a bit nervous.
So I test my FC, CC, and PH daily. The other tests about once every two weeks.
My TA is a bit high so my PH rises. But I keep it in check with muriatic acid small doses maybe 3 times a week. I figure my TA will eventually come down with the acid additions.
So I test my FC, CC, and PH daily. The other tests about once every two weeks.
My TA is a bit high so my PH rises. But I keep it in check with muriatic acid small doses maybe 3 times a week. I figure my TA will eventually come down with the acid additions.
Last year at this time I was blindly going to the pool store for my weekly tests and just buying and dumping in everything they sold me. It is amazing how much this site has taught me. Thanks for all of your help!
My 7 year old granddaughter lives next door to me (the reason the pool went in ?) and she loves to test with me. She asks me every day about my levels and can actually do the FC, CC, and PH tests by herself.
My 7 year old granddaughter lives next door to me (the reason the pool went in ?) and she loves to test with me. She asks me every day about my levels and can actually do the FC, CC, and PH tests by herself.
Excellent!! A little chemistry, a little math and a lotta love shared. Well done!
Maddie
When I open my pool for the summer once a day until it's perfect. Then weekly to bi weekly.
Oly
Gold Supporter
More in the spring to build back up the CYA and monitor pH also watch FC as demand rises. Peak summer I test FC and pH once every 10 days on average. I also anticipate high swimer load and bump FC before and after.
Usually daily in the early part of the season, as I'm dialing in the SWG % for the CYA level. After that about once a week to keep an eye on the pH.
There are a lot of replies that users are testing less than daily. Don't let that lead to a nonchalant attitude toward testing. Testing is an important part of pool care. pH and FC should be done daily. TA, CH can be less often, every 14 days. CYA monthly or if large water replacements are made.
Any less often should only be done once you get very comfortable with the pool and it's care.
Any less often should only be done once you get very comfortable with the pool and it's care.
I have a confession - I don't test often... Probably once a week. In the winter, maybe once ever two weeks. My pool is pretty stable and predictable right now. I should test more often, but since the levels are predictable, I don't often test. I think that's what so great about the methods taught here though. Everything is stable.
I answered twice a week “on average.” In the off season, I can go once a week because the pool is always covered and FC holds due to lack of UV and cold water inhibiting algae. In swim season, I can test every other day and be fine. I can feed my pool 1/2 gallon of 10% LC every day or 1 gallon every other day. The latter is half the work.
- Oct 19, 2018
- 143
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool Universal40
I test FC, CC, and pH about every other day. I simply can't accurately get a reading by comparing colors, either, so I much prefer the titration technique for FC. I wish there was one for pH!