Ensure Water Quality

Ensuring water quality at your swimming pool is crucial to keeping swimmers safe. It's important to understand all of the ins and outs of water testing, and to make sure you are taking measurements as required by whatever local regulations cover your facility.

Q: Why test the quality of your water?

A: Testing water quality is important for good health and well-being. The water may have a clean appearance, but looks can be deceiving.

The United Nations considers universal access to clean water a basic human right, and an essential step toward improving living standards worldwide.

There are many different ways to test the quality of your water. Modern test kits are composed of reagents/reactants, testing vials, reducing agents and color charts. The testing process involves the operator collecting a water sample to be tested, adding reagents, and either reducing the color developed with a reducing agent or comparing the color developed with a color chart. The user must estimate the number of specific parameters in the water.

Q: What are some common testing tips?

A: Perform a test as soon as possible after collecting a water sample. If collecting samples for later testing, handle them with care to avoid contamination, and seal containers tightly. Always keep reagents and/or test strips stored in a cool, dark place.

Q: What common mistakes are made while water testing?

A: Take note of the temperature of the testing water (cold or hot water can affect tests). Don't interchange sample vials or cells. It's also important to follow the test manufacturer's directions. Pay careful attention to expiration dates on reagents and test strips.