Whether you’re planning on building a backyard pool or simply want to find out how testing pool water is done, this article is for you. We’ll discuss the various things you need to check for before diving in (for fun), as well as some do’s and don’ts (for safety reasons).
Table of Contents
What Type Of Pool Should I Build?
If you’re planning on building a pool and aren’t sure what type to get, then we recommend you get one of these three types:
- Spa-Style Pool: This type of pool provides an open view of the water due to the absence of any wall around it. In other words, there’s no chance of you getting accidentally scalded by the pool water due to lack of concealment.
- Inground Pool: If you live in a place where it gets extremely cold in winter, then an in-ground pool might be a good option for you. These types of pools are usually made of concrete with a non-slip interior surface. In addition, they come with an automatic pool cover that can be rolled back for ventilation whenever you feel like taking a swim.
- Aboveground Pool: Aboveground pools are built directly on the ground and can get extremely hot even in the summertime due to the direct rays of the sun. However, they provide a completely closed off view of the water which makes them perfect for those looking for some privacy.
When Should I Test The Pool Water?
One of the first things you should do before using the pool is to test it for safety purposes. To do this, you should do it a few days before your planned date of use just to be sure that there aren’t any dangerous chemicals in the pool that might be harmful to your health. Some examples of toxic chemicals that you might find in the pool include chlorine, ammonia, and mercury. You should also check for any gas leaks as well which could be dangerous if not fixed before using the pool.
It’s also necessary to test the pH levels of the pool water because if the pH levels are off, it could damage your pool equipment or give you skin irritation. The pH levels of the water should be between 7.2 and 8.4.
Where Should I Test The Pool Water?
One of the most important things to check for before using your pool is the condition of the water. You should check for any debris in the pool water including leaves, toys, or any type of organic material that could be floating around in the water.
In addition, you should also test the water at various points around the pool area as well as in the middle. If there are any leaks in the area where the water enters the pool, then this could cause the pH levels of the water to become unbalanced which could cause serious damages to your pool equipment or even damage to your health.
What Tools Do I Need To Test The Pool Water?
You don’t need a lot of tools to test your pool water; all you need is a pair of scissors, a hand pump, some plastic tubing, and a cheap digital meter with a range of 0-10 vph (voltage phase high). If you don’t have any of these items, then it might be a good idea to buy them before starting any kind of work on your pool.
The hand pump will allow you to fill up the container that’s connected to the meter quickly and easily without having to stop what you’re doing and leave your pool area. This is especially useful if you have little ones around the pool area or if you’re trying to do some clean-up after having been in the pool.
The scissors will be used to cut the plastic tubing which will allow you to connect the container to the pump and meter. Never cut plastic tubing using any type of abrasive material (like sand or marble dust) as this could damage your pool equipment.
The digital meter will allow you to easily check the PH levels of the water without any guesswork. You can find these types of meters on sale for a very affordable price.
What Should I Look Out For?
You should always be careful when working around water, whether it’s in a garden or swimming pool. This is because water is very susceptible to theft or accidental damage. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to fence off your pool area (at least a few feet) from public access. In case you do decide to let your children play around the pool area without supervision, then you could install a simple pool lock which can be easily accessed from the inside.
In case you decide to install a pool for the sheer joy of having a few extra days of recreation, then make sure that you purchase a pool cover that is not only easy to roll back but also fastened securely in place when rolled back. This will help prevent both water damage and potential health issues from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Last but not least, make sure that you check the pH levels of the water at various stages of the pool’s operation. Checking the pH levels of the pool water regularly will also help keep the water clean and healthy by preventing algae growth and unpleasant smells from emanating from it.