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How to Test Pool Water

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Whether you have a salt system, chlorine or a hot tub/spa you can test the water in one of three ways. You can use a liquid testing kit, test strips, or you can take a water sample to the local pool store. No matter which method you use for your testing the most important part is taking a true sample of your water. ​If any problems happen to arise don't hesitate to get the opinion of a pool cleaning service.

How to properly take a pool sample

For the best overall sample, it is best to take a water sample from as close to the middle of the pool as possible. Also do not take your sample close to a skimmer opening or return jets, there is a good chance the water in these places will not be a good indicator of the overall health of your water.

• Be sure to use a clean container for taking a water sample
• Insert the container upside down into the water
• When you have inserted the container at least elbow deep into the water turn it to collect the sample

Using test strips is the one of the best ways to consistently be testing and maintaining your balance. Test strips also tend to be inexpensive way to test your waters. With your water sample in hand:

1. Quickly dip a strip in and out of your water sample
2. Hold it still in the air for about 15 seconds
3. Match the color with the color on the color guide to find your current levels
4. Adjust the balance as needed

When using a liquid test kit make sure the kit includes phenol and orthotolidine (OTO) for testing pH and chlorine levels. Be sure to hold the water against a white background to accurately compare to the color scale. With the water collector provided in the kit:

1. On the pH testing side add the recommended drops of phenol red
2. On the chlorine side add the orthotolidine
3. Compare the color of the water to the color scale
4. Adjust the balance as needed

A couple times per swim season it is recommended to take a water sample to the local store so they can do a more in-depth test.


If you have a salt water pool the process is a little bit different, but usually a bit easier. You will need to get some specialty salt water testing strips. Mostly testing once per month is fine in a salt water system, but also after heavy rain or heavy use it is recommended just to be sure. When testing, your salt level should be around the 3,200 ppm range, any different and the water will not be able to produce enough chlorine to keep clean and sanitized. Gather your sample as described above:

1. Quickly dip the salt water testing strip in and out of the sample
2. Hold still in the air for about 20 seconds
3. Compare the strip with the scale provided
4. Adjust balance as needed

If all this manual testing is getting on your nerves, it is possible to use all this technology around you to make your testing easier. Digital testing kits are available so you don’t have to continue trying to eyeball everything. These kits tend to be a little more expensive but they will take most the hard work out of the process.
Happy Testing!

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