Wisconsin Swimming Pool Water Testing

Where Can I Get My Pool Water Tested?

Poolside’s staff offers free swimming pool water testing to ensure your pool water is chemically balanced and free of harmful microorganisms. Poor water quality from an imbalance in chemicals can lead to bacteria growth which can be hazardous to you and your loved ones.

How it works

1. Get a sample of your pool water in a clean container—we don’t want to test any outside particles, just your water.

2. Bring your sample down to our showroom.

3. We perform the water analysis test which determines the pH balance and existence of foreign particles.

4. If your water is not up to health standards, our friendly staff can advise you of ways to improve the quality of your pool water. They can show you the chemical products or cleaning equipment you need right there on-site.

You deserve the most of your pool. With the help of our professionals, you’ll get it!

Why Do Pools Need Testing and Treatment?

It is important to keep your pool clean. If water is not treated at all, it will accumulate bacteria that cause infection. On the other hand, too much of a chemical in the water can cause injury or irritation. Unbalanced pool water can cause burning eyes and skin irritation for swimmers. The human body usually has a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8, meaning a pool with this pH balance should not irritate the eyes or skin. Poolside will help you achieve the right balance for your water.

Chlorine and bromine are the two chemicals most often associated with keeping pools clean. These chemicals destroy bacteria and microorganisms in the water. There are many other options for chemicals that can be used to keep your water free of bacteria, microorganisms, and algae. The staff of Poolside will gladly assist you in finding the best chemical treatment system for your pool.

When Should I Test My Pool Water?

Depending on the chemicals you use in your pool, testing should be done daily, weekly, or monthly. Chlorine should usually be tested twice a week while shock treatment is only needed once a week. On top of your usual testing, you should have your water professionally tested several times throughout the summer season. Ask the pool specialists of Poolside for help creating a testing schedule for your water.

Pool Water Testing Methods

There are many different ways to test your pool water. Some only test for one chemical at a time while others are able to test for multiple chemical levels at once. The two most common at-home methods are test strips and testing with drops. Fortunately, both methods have some similarities for easy testing.

First, allow your pump and filtration system to run for one hour before testing to ensure the water is equally mixed. Next, collect a water sample from about 1’ deep (or the length of your elbow) for the most accurate results.

Always test and adjust your water in the following order:

• Alkalinity
• Bromine or Chlorine
• pH

To easily remember the order, just follow the ABCs. Alkalinity is first, followed by Bromine or Chlorine (depending on your pool), with pH being tested last.

Using Test Strips

When using test strips, you will need to submerge one end of the strip into the collected water sample. Depending on the type, this may last from 5 to 15 seconds. Shake off any water drops to avoid an inaccurate reading.

Within a few moments, the special pads on the strips will begin to change colors. These colors represent the amount of each chemical, so pay close attention to the exact shade and hue. Match the color on your strip to the provided guide to determine the amount of chemicals in your water.

• Ideal alkalinity levels are 80-120 parts per million
• Ideal bromine levels are 3-6 ppm
• Ideal chlorine levels are 1-3 ppm
• Ideal pH level is 7.2-7.8
• Other chemicals will list their acceptable amounts on included charts or guides

Using Reagent Drops

Reagents may provide more accurate results than test strips. To test your water with reagent drops, pour the collected water into the provided test tube. Next, add a few drops of the reagent as instructed to the water sample. Shake the mixture for a few seconds. Once the water settles, compare the color to the provided guide to determine the chemical balance.

Always use a new water sample for each test to avoid contamination. If you are ever in doubt about your results, bring in a water sample to Poolside in North Prairie for a free water test!

Spas and Pool Services Throughout Waukesha County 

Whether you need to cool down on those hot summer days, or heat up on those frigid winter nights, Poolside pools & spa services have got you covered. We provide expert pool maintenance, repair, and water testing for the residents of Waukesha County and the following areas: 

Brookfield, Delafield, Muskego, Milwaukee, Mukwonago , New Berlin, Pewaukee, Dousman, Hartland, Oconomowoc , Waukesha 

Contact our Wisconsin swimming pool maintenance specialists for FREE swimming pool water testing to ensure your pool water is safe and healthy.