In the same way as filtration and treatment, the analysis of the above-ground pool water must be done regularly and meticulously. Moreover, this task is part of the fundamental steps of the interview. It allows you to maintain the right balance of water in order to fully enjoy swimming without risk. Discover in this article, 5 useful tips to carry out the water analysis of your above-ground pool.

Find out about the different parameters to check for the test

Analyzing the pool water is essential to maintain its balance. As a reminder, unbalanced water leads to disorders that affect the pleasure of swimming and deteriorate the state of the pool, and in order to analyze the water of its above-ground pool in the rules of the art, it is necessary to check certain parameters. Among the most important, there is the pH or hydrogen potential. The latter corresponds to the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water. Its ideal value is between 7.2 and 7.8 depending on the disinfectant. Below this value, the water will be considered too acidic, which is likely to cause irritation.

The TAC indicates the ability to absorb changes in the pH of the water. The ideal alkalinity is between 100 to 200 ppm. Water hardness or TH refers to the concentration of magnesium carbonate and calcium. Ideally, the limestone content should be between 15 and 25°F depending on the method of analysis. It is also important to check the level of disinfectant in the water. Its fair value depends essentially on the treatment product used: chlorine, bromine, active oxygen, salt, etc. It is also important to take into account the concentration of the pool stabilizer which must be between 30 and 50 g/m².

Follow the steps of pool water analysis to the letter

Generally, the process remains the same for all analytical methods. First, a pool water sample must be taken below the water line. Some testers such as connected testers or test strips can be directly immersed in the pool. The actual analysis is usually done with a product contained in the tester that reacts to contact with water. This reaction makes it possible to measure the different elements mentioned above. It should be noted that the results obtained with manual testers must be compared with the color chart included in the box. On the other hand, electronic and connected testers indicate the exact and precise value of the different water concentration rates.

Understand the ideal values for water balance

It is important to know that there are no ideal values for all criteria. These vary depending on the disinfectant used. For example, the correct pH for chlorine-treated pool water is between 7 and 7.4 and the disinfectant used should be between 1 and 3 mg/l. If the pool is treated with bromine, the pH value should be between 7.4 and 7.8, and that of the disinfectant between 2 and 4 mg/l. In the case of salt treatment, the ideal pH is between 7 and 7.4 and the disinfectant rate is between 2.5 and 5 g/l. On the other hand, the disinfectant level must not exceed 10 mg/l for pool water treated with active oxygen with a pH between 7 and 7.6.

Choose a convenient and reliable pool water tester

Different tools exist to effectively analyze the water of a swimming pool: strips, tablets, measuring probes, photometers, and many others.

Manual pool water testers

There are two types of manual pool water testers. Test strips are among the most widely used devices. In addition to their attractive prices, they impress for their ease of use and practicality. The strips make it possible to quickly measure the various water parameters such as pH, TAC, hardness, and bromine or chlorine content. They must be immersed directly in the pool water for a few seconds. It is also possible to take a sample of the water from a glass and place the strips there. Whatever method is chosen, the strip will be colored thanks to the reagent that composes it. Then simply compare the colors obtained with the color chart provided with the strip box to read the results.

Like test strips, tablets are among manual pool water testers. They contain a reagent that is colored according to the pH, chlorine level, and other elements of the water. Test tablets are usually supplied with a clear container that is used to remove a small amount of water. Once this step is done, you must place a pellet and wait a few seconds for it to color. As always, the result obtained must be compared with the color chart provided with the product.

Despite their advantages, manual testers still have some drawbacks. They expire and give "more or less" accurate values.

Electronic pool water testers

Although they are more expensive, electronic testers are known for the accuracy and reliability of their results.

Measuring probes or pH probes are devices that can be immersed directly in pool water or in a container containing a sample. They give extremely accurate results but require regular calibration to remain effective. It is also important to know that these are fragile tools that must be handled with care.

Photometers, on the other hand, are electronic and more reliable versions of test pellets. With these devices, the analysis of color matching with the naked eye is no longer necessary. The desired measurement is displayed directly on the screen thanks to the electronic tester.

Connected pool water testers

100% autonomous, connected water testers are the most reliable. Concretely, it is a device to be permanently placed in the pool and which will be connected to a mobile application. This makes it possible to know with accuracy the state of the water of the above-ground pool at any time of the day and anywhere. In addition to pH, bromine, TAC, TH, and temperature, the tester also transmits the forecast weather and UV index to the application. It immediately alerts the owner in the event of an imbalance so that he can react as soon as possible.

Test pool water at least once a week

In order to maintain the water balance of an above-ground pool, preserve the good condition of the pool, and guarantee the comfort and health of bathers, it is recommended to perform an analysis at least once a week. However, it is best to do this 2 or 3 times a week during the summer season. Without analysis and maintenance, the pool water can become green, and cloudy, and promote the proliferation of algae and many bacteria. In addition, unbalanced water is likely to cause skin irritation, itching of the eyes, and many other inconveniences for bathers.
Analyzing the water of an above-ground pool is relatively easy, but must be done regularly and thoroughly. The various chemical elements contained in the water must respect a certain value to maintain its balance and thus guarantee bathing comfort. In case of doubt, it is best to seek advice from a professional and seek his services for the complete maintenance of the pool.