May is National Water Safety Month
May 14, 2026
How to Get the Most Out of Your Pool Water Test
Start with a Proper Water Sample
Getting accurate pool water test results starts before you ever walk through our door. Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your next pool water test — and help our team give you better recommendations.
- Bring your sample in a clean pool water test bottle. If you don’t have one, stop by and we’ll provide one free of charge.
- Avoid containers that previously held other products — residue can affect test results.
- Never use a glass container. Broken glass is nearly impossible to fully remove from pool decking.
- Bring your sample to us as soon as possible after collecting it. Water left in a hot vehicle for several hours can produce inaccurate results.
If You Have a Salt Pool
When bringing in a sample, it helps to know:
- What percentage your salt system is currently set to
- Your current salinity reading, if available
- How many hours per day your pump is running
These details can help us identify potential equipment or water chemistry issues before they require more intervention.
Variable Speed Pumps: Run Them Longer
Variable speed pumps are designed to run for extended periods — often 24 hours a day at lower speeds. Running continuously at a lower RPM can:
- Improve water circulation
- Enhance filtration
- Reduce algae and chemical imbalance issues
- Increase energy efficiency compared to running a single-speed pump for shorter periods
If you’re unsure whether your pump is programmed correctly, our team can help review your settings.
Have Questions About Your Pool Water?
The best results come from combining an accurate water sample with a few details about how your pool is operating. Stop by our store or contact our team — we’re always happy to help.
