Avoid Problems with Professional Pool & Spa Water Testing
Circulation, filtration, cleaning testing and chemistry comprise the 5 keys to proper water care. (see below for more details on the 5 keys) Even if your pool water is crystal clear it may not be properly balanced and could be causing damage to your equipment and pool surface. There is no way to know exactly what is going on with your water unless it is properly tested. Just like changing the oil in your car – testing prevents problems BEFORE they cause expensive damage.
Why is water balance so critical? Balanced water is more comfortable for swimmers because it reduces unpleasant odors, burning eyes and itchy skin. Balanced water will also help prevent equipment corrosion and/or scale build-up on pool surfaces and piping. Improperly balanced water can become cloudy and unappealing for swimmers.
At Buddy’s we understand just how important testing is to the health of your pool. That is why we have invested in Bioguard’s Smart Lab technology combined with the ALEX analysis software. Smart Lab is truly state of the art technology designed to accurately measure the most critical factors of your pool or spa water. Those measurements are then fed directly into the ALEX software for a comprehensive analysis with easy to understand product recommendations for your specific pool. The first time you visit our store we ask a few basic questions and ALEX stores that information for all future tests. Best of all, this comprehensive water testing is a FREE service we provide to our retail customers.
We recommend that you bring in your water to be professionally tested by our trained retail staff within 24-48 after pool or spa start-up, then every 4-6 weeks while in use. For pools, we also recommend having the water professionally tested within 2 weeks of winter closing. In addition, the sanitizer (typically chlorine or bromine) and the pH should be tested weekly at home and adjusted as needed.
The more your water is in motion, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to take hold. Maximize your sanitizer’s efficiency by circulating your pool water, preferably during the day, for a minimum of 10-12 hours.
Your filter removes both visible debris and most microscopic matter. Check the manufacturer's guidelines on backwashing to keep your filter clean and operating at peak efficiency. A regular chemical cleaning is necessary approximately every 6 weeks since backwashing will not remove oils and deeply embedded debris.
Algae and bacteria can begin to grow in areas that have little or no circulation. At least once a week, brush and vacuum the walls and floor of your swimming pool. Brushing is recommended, even if you use and automatic pool cleaner. This function is performed as part of Buddy’s weekly Poolmaid™ service.
Certain pool parameters must be regularly measured and adjusted, including active sanitizer (free available chlorine, bromine or bioguanide), total alkalinity, and calcium hardness, among others. Most important are pH and active sanitizer levels which should be tested weekly. You should bring a sample to Buddy’s for a complete analysis when the pool is opened, closed and every 4-6 weeks during the season.
Make sure you apply the right products to your pool water at the right time. Buddy’s recommends using a programmed approach to pool care and our trained retail staff can recommend the precise instructions on what to do. It is just one of the valuable benefits you’ll receive as a Buddy’s customer.