Swimming is an exciting and healthy activity for everybody, and it’s pretty amazing to do it anytime if you have your own pool. However, keeping your pool water in top shape can be costly and challenging. Luckily, there are several pool stores that can test your pool water and advise you on how to mend some existing issues.
Pool store water tests are accurate as long as you carefully follow the instructions on collecting your pool water samples. Various factors can affect the reading of the pool water samples, such as the water collection method and the environment.
In the rest of the article, I will explain the factors that can affect the accuracy of pool store water tests. I will also discuss why and how frequently you need to test your pool water. Read on to learn more if it’s worth using pool store water test services.
Factors that Affect the Accuracy of Pool Store Water Tests
If you’ve just opened the swimming pool for the summer and need pool water testing, you might have heard or read of anecdotal claims on how pool store water tests tend to be inaccurate.
Pool store water tests are accurate, but there can be differences based on various factors. Here are some of them:
The Method Used for Testing Pool Water Samples
Some pool stores test water samples using simple test strips or liquid kits. Many long-time pool owners also use the same tools to test their pool water by themselves. Other pool stores use more advanced methods with reagents and a computer analysis system, making their results more accurate.
You should test your pool water at least once a week, especially when used frequently by many people.
However, regardless of the tools and methods used, there shouldn’t be a significant difference in the readings as long as you pay attention to the following tips:
- Use a sterile container with a cap to collect your pool water sample. This ensures that the sample isn’t contaminated with pre-existing contaminants from the container.
- Collect pool water 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) below the surface. Water samples collected from such depth can more accurately represent your pool chemistry.
- Bring the sample to the pool store within 12 hours of collection. It’ll also help to have your pool water sample tested with an hour for the most accurate results.
The Environment Surrounding Your Pool
Here are some factors that can affect your pool water chemistry:
If you have the same water source and use the same pool treatment as your neighbor, but you got different readings for your pool water samples sent to the same pool store, there’s a high chance that various environmental factors affected the samples.
- Vegetation around your pool. If you have a garden near your pool that receives some fertilizers regularly, there is a risk that your pool is contaminated with such nutrients, affecting the pool water chemistry.
- The materials used to construct the pool. Some materials used to build the pool walls are sturdier than others. Small cracks may lead to soil contaminants, or metals leaching into your pool. The age of the pool also plays a significant role as it affects the integrity of the walls.
- The amount of sunlight your pool receives. Sunlight and heat can affect your pool water chemistry. As surprising as it sounds, collecting water samples from the same pool but from areas with different levels of sun exposure (sunny vs. shaded near a wall or a tree) will likely yield slightly different results.
- The number of people using the pool. More people means more contaminants from peoples sweat, urine, or cosmetic products. Too many pool floats or spilled drinks can also alter your pool water chemistry.
The Time and Location the Water Sample Was Taken
As mentioned, the amount of sunlight the pool water receives can affect its chemistry, specifically the concentrations of chlorine and cyanuric acid (if you apply some). Interestingly, even the amount of sunlight the sample container receives in transit can alter the composition of the water inside.
Related: Why Does Pool Shock Not Dissolve? 3 Reasons
Also, the time of day or how soon after applying pool chemicals you collected the samples will affect their composition.
Poor Maintenance and Human Error
After reading pool store reviews online, you might already be aware of how some people send numerous samples from the same pool to the same store just for fun and yet get vastly different results.
In general, pool store water tests are accurate. However, some issues at pool stores that affect the accuracy include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Contamination of the samples. Pool stores must have strict maintenance and cleaning routines for their equipment. However, these routines might not be followed strictly during a busy day because they are time-consuming.
- Poorly trained staff. Human error occurs in the laboratory due to poor training. Pool water testing is supposed to be simple and easy. Unfortunately, it’s often taken for granted, and some staff members may not understand the importance of maintenance procedures that affect the accuracy of every result.
- Subjective interpretation. The test results from test strips and liquid kits are usually color-coded, making them simple and easy to understand. However, some people interpret colors differently, resulting in slightly different readings.
The bottom line is that the performance of the staff at one store should not reflect the reliability of pool stores in general. Some workers perform their duties better than others and will give you accurate results. The key is to find a pool store with staff dedicated to delivering quality results.
Tip: Be aware that some pool stores will use your sample to recommend treatments based on your results. The recommendations could not be needed or can be alleviated in less expensive ways. Be sure to find a pool store you trust.
Why Are Pool Water Tests Important?
Pool water tests are important because they determine the pH level and the concentrations of toxic and essential chemicals in your pool. Knowing these values will help you understand how to adjust your pool chemistry to optimally safe levels.
How Frequently Should I Test My Pool Water?
You should test your pool water at least once a week, especially when used frequently by many people. Using test strips, you can conduct basic tests like checking chlorine and pH levels at home. For a more thorough examination, you can use a higher quality reagent-based kit or bring your water samples to a pool store at least once every 2-4 weeks.
My favorite test kit by far is the K2006 kit from Taylor. It’s accurate and allows you to determine how to get your pool chemistry perfect, without going to the pool store or paying a pool service to maintain your chemicals for you.
Final Thoughts
Pool store water tests are accurate, especially with advanced water testing methods and equipment. However, human error can get in the way of delivering accurate and reliable results. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a pool store with a staff you can trust.
You can also help obtain accurate results by following the proper water sample collection method and using sterile containers.
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