Testing Your Pool Water
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- čas přidán 14. 09. 2017
- In this episode you'll learn how to test your pool water for chemicals. Use test strips, (I suggest Aquacheck Pro Test Strips) not liquid kits to test.
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)
To Purchase the AquaCheck Pro Test Strips Click on This Link: amzn.to/3OUlLhc
or if you want to get two at a time for a bit less click on this link: amzn.to/3OWgCFt
When adding acid add 1 quart at a time and use Muriatic Acid for Pools.
Click this link to purchase a 1 gallon jug of Muriatic Acid: amzn.to/3zqVKQQ
or Click this link for a 4x1 gallon pack of Muriatic Acid: amzn.to/3OT7yB5
I also prefer Soda Ash to raise the Ph instead of Bicarbonate of Soda. It's cheaper and works as well.
To Purchase a 15lb Tub of Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) click this link: amzn.to/3d0oZCu
Remember, Ph and Alkalinity will usually both read the same. ie: If Ph is high, Alkalinity will also be high and visa versa.
Stay cool, be safe and ALWAYS watch your kids around water.
Hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and also, please check out my website poolschooler.com for exclusive DIY pool maintenance tools and more direct and priority communication with my for your pool maintenance needs.
DIY Pool Care
Most pool people try to make it more scientific, complicated than it really is. This guy makes is as simple as possible
Lol
This is the most helpful video on what to do with the readings of the test strips. Thank you
So glad it was helpful. Thanks for commenting. Hope you'll subscribe to my channel
plain and simple. Thank you . This is my 2nd season. Loved the usefulness of your video.
Just bought a house with an in-ground pool and really enjoy your videos. Thanks!
Scott Baggett glad to hear it. Thanks so much.
Love the advice. You keep it simple and easy. I appreciate that. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment.
Thank you for these videos. I'm a new pool owner and these have explained a lot.
Red Sky I’m glad they are helpful. More coming soon. Keep watching, sharing and please subscribe.
First full summer with a pool, I jumped in head first (pun intended) with a full size in ground. Been watching your videos and just to let you know you are my go-το-guy,
thanks man!
Joe Kochopolous glad to hear it.
Best video i watch dude. I love it when people keep it simple
Glad you liked it. Hope you'll subscribe to my channel and share it with others.
Thank you, thank you thank you!!!! Straight to the point and so informative. Other videos are so confusing but you just helped me allot, great video. 😊👍🏻
M Car30 so glad to hear that. Thanks for your kind comment.
Thank you, You are a great teacher!
Kenny is amazing and has helped me figure out how to take care of my new pool by myself. Thanks Kenny! Appreciate these videos
Stephanie McCoy thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad these videos are helpful.
You are tha best!!!
Thank you. I hope you subscribed to my channel and for even more great $$ savings tips, tools, checklists and more please check out my website poolschooler.com
Best video explaining how to test you pool, read the strip and what to chemicals to add.
,
Thank you for the comment. And Please do subscribe to my channel.
Thx, this helps with my science project.
Thx, this was helpful!
Thank you for informative video, it really help me what I was looking for.
Glad it was helpful! and please subscribe and share.
Moved into a house between Desert Ridge and Tatum Ranch (Phoenix, AZ)....just figuring out the "pool thing"....thanks for the great info.
So glad the videos help. Thanks for your comment.
Excellent educational content. Thank you sir.👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿🥂🥂
Alexander De Dragon thank you for your kind comment.
Pool School, you are one great teacher. I am learning a lot from you. Keep up the great work.
Norman Cordovez I’m so glad the videos are proving helpful. Feel free to share my channel with all your friends who own pools who want to maintain them themselves. I’d love to hit 1000 subscribers by the end of this year.
YOU ARE THE BEST!!! THX TO YOU AND YOUR VIDEOS I CAN SEE THE BOTTOM OF MY POOL AGAIN!
GREAT NEWS!!!! Hope you'll subscribe and please check out my website poolschooler.com for more great DIY pool owner stuff.
Thank You Jesus! So Glad I found this info... You're doing Great Videos!!!!!!
I'm so glad they are helpful.
great Job thank you
Great info!
Thanks please remember to subscribe and share my channel.
Great video
Thank you for watching, and thank you for commenting. Hope you subscribe to my channel and share it with others.
Thank you, thank you. I like all your videos,.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and share it with everyone you know who owns a pool.
Amazing video thank you
Thank you. Hope you'll share my channel with others.
Master what should i use if my pool water have high metal ??
Thank you!! I’m in az too and put up above ground pool and want to make sure I do it right! In az do we keep the pool up in the winter and take some water out? Also any suggestions on the monsoon season? Cover the pool with a tarp/ cover before storms roll in???
Hello Mary Beth. Thanks for the comment. When I've had my above ground pools I didn't empty them during the off season. I left them full and maintained them during the off season (it's really pretty easy) and that worked best for me. I certainly used less chemicals during that time and ran the pump/motor less here's a link to my video on filter run times which should help: czcams.com/video/RRAHlbfYjwg/video.html
Monsoons are a beast, but the main problems they pose are additional phosphates (see my video on Algae and Algaecides and why you don't need them: czcams.com/video/MzGoK4Cd7tc/video.html
And how I cleared my green pool: czcams.com/video/XY-BAdBY0zI/video.html
these should help. You could put a cover on the pool if you can do it in time before a dust storm, but I really didn't have too much trouble when we had one with my above ground pool. Had to do a bit more cleaning, increased the chemicals to maintain ideal levels and clean the filter a bit more. Hope that helps.
and thank you again for watching.
Whenever I get a new bottle of strips I always will bring a water sample to the store for professional testing to compare their results with my strips. It's been my experience that sometimes the strips can be very inaccurate in at least one of the readings.
Thanks Kenny!
Youre welcome. Please check out my latest project at www.tappingtheworld.com
Thank you ..
Soo much
Friendlier
Than 10,000
Videos i watched
That's kind of you to say. Hope you'll subscribe to my channel and share it with your friends and family who own pools.
finally someone who explains these strips to the tee 👏
do you have a video explaing the amount of each product to use in a pool like yours?
I don't. But my videos on chemicals can be adjusted to work with an above ground pool. If basic play pool is around 12-15k gallons and your above ground pool is 3-4k gallons you can just cut it by a third.
Thank you.
Youre welcome. Please subscribe and share.
Thank you for all your advice. You said after about 20 seconds the test strip reading may be inaccurate. Is that 20 seconds after you pull the strip from the water or 20 seconds after the initial 10 to 15 second wait time. Thanks.
It depends on the test strip. For the ones I use I basically dip it and watch it for about 15 seconds and take that reading. It's usually accurate for maybe 10 or so seconds more than that.
If you’re colorblind, you are screwed 🤨. Kidding aside, thank you for the video.
I am new to a salt pool. Will be watching these closely.
Right?! 😉 I did a series on Salt pools I'm working on sorting my videos into playlists to make it easier to find them. I'll start with Salt Pools. Stay tuned.
Hi sir this good information for swimming pool using people. I am aslo working swimming cleaning and maintenance company in Qatar
I'd be interested to know how, if it does, pool maintenance differs there.
Thanks for your videos. So I'm not worried about Cyanuric Acid or Total Hardness?
Sarah Anderson cya should be tested occasionally. I use the aqua check silver strips for that since it tests for that. I test for cya about once every 6 months.
Total hardness is something that you can’t really adjust. You’re at the mercy of your city/county water for that.
@@PoolSchooler Thanks!
Hey Kenny pool dude. Thanks for the video, helped alot. One question. After we add chemicals for the balance of the pool, when do you add pool clarifier?? Right after? Before?. And recommendations,m
If by clarifier you mean cyanuric acid typically I tell people to add that first because it is what allows the water to hold chlorine.
Can you use the phosphorus remover before you balance the chems? Or does it need to be in balance before the pr will work?
MandaD123c you first want to make sure your chlorine and ph are in the ideal ranges then you can ad your phosphate remover.
Perfect video very easy and simple explanation I only have one question when I’m low or high how to calculate how much what chemicals I need to add
You don't really need to calculate much. For ph and alkalinity. Muriatic acid add one quart at a time let mix in and retest repeat as needed. With Bicarb, Soda Ash or Dry acid add one pound at a time (of what you need) and test in an hour or so and repeat as needed. Hope that helps. Remember it's not rocket science, so you don't need exacts for the most part.
The scotty of pools
I use Bromine, same procedure
Thank you for the information. I have a question...does that kit come with a chart that tells you how much pounds of chemicals to add to the size gallons of pool to bring it to correct level?
Ramon Ayala it doesn’t. You can probably do a search online and find numerous charts and even interactive calculators I could probably give you that information.
@@PoolSchooler thank you..I'm new to my pool and I am your new subscriber.😎
Ramon Ayala thanks so much for subscribing. Stick with it. You’ll get the hang of it and it’ll get easier.
My Ph is 7.5 which is perfect (as I have an automatic doser) however on the test trips the total alkalinity shows alkalinity to be ultra low for some reason. I thought they were both the same?
That’s my question too, makes no sense to me for the two tests. New pool owner.
hey kenny, thank for the tips. If my PH is low like 6.2, and the recommend for 1.000L is 2-4 grams, how much should i put in the water? The double amount? Thats a big confusion for me.
Diego Dneo to make things simple just add 1/2 pound of soda ash to your pool while the pump motor is running. Give it about 2 hours and Re-test the ph. Repeat that process til your ph reaches the ideal level. Never add more than 1 pound at a time tho.
Diego Dneo
If you have a heater on that pool, you better get the PH above 7.2 pretty fast, or you will be adding a metal remover, to take what is left of your heat exchanger out of the pool. It would be a great idea, to check your alkalinity and calcium levels at this point. Chances are, that you are using tricolor tablets as a sanitizer. Keep in mind, those have a very low PH, usually requiring the addition of soda ash, or borax with each tablet you add.
Kind of like remembering guitar notes which was extremely hard in the very beginning
I like that analogy.
I am new to having a pool so I have a question when I test with a test strip I shouldn't wait while and then check it on the chart or how long should you wait before you check it on the chart a few seconds I think I may be waiting too long and misreading my test strip
Yes, you should wait around 15 seconds give or take a couple.
Kenney,, if you made a video where we see the pool going from green to blue especially when you open it I personally have an inground pool and the steps to follow example do you take care of the pH before putting the chlorine or is it vice versa thank you very much and videos are great
I have two "green to clean" videos (none for "opening" a pool after winter tho). But here's the links to them both. Hope they are helpful: czcams.com/video/mA8BoMe7IVM/video.html
czcams.com/video/XY-BAdBY0zI/video.html
I'm kind of confused about the Ph. You say it's ideal when it's clearly a whole lot lighter on the strip. Care to explain?
I believe the lighting or the way the camera captured it made it appear lighter than it really was.
@@PoolSchooler oh ok. I asked this because I kind of have the same problem with all strips I've tried. I can't really link the ph color to one of the colors on the label. It's just other shades of orange, kind of like in the video
@@MD-jn5kr Yeah I can understand that. But I've found the AquaChecks work well and I can be quite accurate with my testing. It may take a bit to get used to the timing and color but It's honestly never been a problem.
@@PoolSchooler Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer questions! You rock! I still have another question and maybe you have some experience on the subject. What do you think of UV-C lights? They say you can use up to 80% less chlorine with them but at the same time they advise to keep the chlorine levels at normal level (0.6 to 1.5 PPM) so I'm very confused. Do you use less chlorine or the same levels but it keeps for longer or no difference?
@@MD-jn5kr I've had a few clients who have had UV units on their pools. My experience with them was they didn't really help much (nor as much as promised in the marketing material) AND they didn't last very long so ALL of my clients have removed them once they quick working. So my opinion (others may disagree and that's ok) is that they're not worth it.
great information...high ph and not able to hold chlorine ?
Check your Cyanuric Acid (stabilizer) levels.
Watch this video for an explanation on CYA and what it does: czcams.com/video/_z55SBsjadw/video.html
My PH has been a rose pink that turns bright pink. I've added PH down several times. Retesting shows a little orange but starts to turn pink again. So is there only a 10 second window to check color and compare to chart?
Debster it depends on the test strip you’re using. But for the ones I use it’s 15 seconds. Check the label of yours. Also I’d suggest not getting that ph down stuff. I’d get liquid muriatic Acid. They come in one gallon jugs and I’d add one to two quarts at a time and re test.
Also. The color on a test strip is going to keep changing after the recommended time. But you do have a few seconds of wiggle room.
What's good to remedy I think they limestone white calcium specks on bottom wall of pool..?
I did a video on Calcium, you may want to watch it as it may answer your questions: czcams.com/video/QC5ZYG27Z48/video.html
One question, my pool is very cloudy so I tested the water with the strips - my PH level was high and my chlorine was very low. So do I treat the PH level problem first (will take a few days since I can only add small amounts) and then fix the chlorine once the PH level is okay or can I do them together? Also you mentioned that I can add chlorine tablets (how many), or liquid chlorine (a gallon?) or a lb of shock to bring back to the level. Once I do that when can I use the test strip to see if my chlorine level is okay?
I'd start with getting the chlorine up ASAP. Use liquid chlorine. How much depends on how big your pool is and what the actual level is. For a 10,000-12,000 gallon pool with ZERO chlorine I'd put in 4 gallons of liquid chlorine (run the pump while doing this and keep it running). DON'T SWIM in it. Wait an hour or two and retest. If your chlorine is back up then begin working to bring the pH down. If it's not up enough add another gallon at a time until it is using the same process of waiting an hour or two with the pump running. Also how many tablets you use depends on your pool as well. This video may help: czcams.com/video/3BiVsHHNaS8/video.html
Once you get your levels all good then testing and adding chemicals as needed once a week is good
And by pouring shock into your pool will that bring all your levels up I've only just bought and had my pool up for 2 weeks no clue what I'm doing
Shock typically won't have much or any effect on the ph or alkalinity. The shock is really to get the chlorine (free chlorine) levels up quickly. BUT as I said in my video on Pool Shock and Why I don't Use it Much, you can raise the chlorine levels better using liquid chlorine. Here's a link to that video: czcams.com/video/tpyyMNqRqi0/video.html
Thanks for video. What should I do if chorine is very high even after turning my chlorinator (salt pool) down to zero after 5 days the chlorine is still showing in the test strip as very high?
Jared Ebeling there’s really nothing you can do to lower the chlorine level. As water evaporates and fresh water is added to your pool it should go down gradually (especially since we have cooler weather now that it’s winter time). If you have a sand filter or a diatomaceous earth filter you can always backwash it to drain off some water which will allow your pool to add more freshwater. But honestly keep your salt generator at zero and give it time and check it weekly. That’s about all you can do.
Pool School thanks heaps. I’m adding water to the pool now. I have a cover on it so will take that off and that may help evaporate some of chlorine maybe. One more question: do you know why my alkalinity would show ultra low on the test strip but the PH shows perfect at 7.5?
Jared Ebeling yes. Even though in my area I have found that pH and alkalinity usually, but not always run a similar level wise. But I have heard from many subscribers that it is not the case in other parts of the country or world. So it is not uncommon for a Alkalinity to be low while the pH is different or visa versa.
Hi Kenny. I just bought a small intex pool and im new to this. When you first fill your pool with water, do you have to put chemicals in before you jump in for the first time? Thanks
It'd be a good idea. Watch this video I did on Start Up Chemicals: czcams.com/video/2atgcgduHRA/video.html. I think it'll help.
All my levels are reading min. The chorine, ph, alkalinity and hardness. Ive added chlorine, baking soda, cyanuric acid and a chemical hardner. Am i cancelling things out by adding all these together. Im so confused😩
Adding soda ash will best raise the ph. Baking soda mainly raises alkalinity. CYA - careful with this one. You don't want to over do it. I don't recommend "hardening" your water as you will only increase the mineral content in your pool which is usually calcium. There's no need to increase the water's hardness. You may want to add a gallon or two of liquid chlorine to your pool to get that reading up. These videos may help:
Adjusting the Ph: czcams.com/video/l71Iii4uZgY/video.html
Adjusting Alkalinity: czcams.com/video/60J-OcocMPo/video.html
3 types of chlorine (watch the first 3 1/2 minutes of this one: czcams.com/video/t964L0-IByw/video.html
Pool Shock (and why I don't usually use it).: czcams.com/video/tpyyMNqRqi0/video.html
Cyanuric Acid, What You Need To Know: czcams.com/video/_z55SBsjadw/video.html
Calcium in your pool: czcams.com/video/QC5ZYG27Z48/video.html
I really think these videos will help clear things up for you and help you not be as confused. Hang in there, you'll get this.
What if your Ph is normal but your Cya is low? How do you increase CyA by itself? Thanks for the video.
CYA and pH do not usually affect one another. If your cya is low add cya (watch this video): czcams.com/video/_z55SBsjadw/video.html then watch this video on ph: czcams.com/video/l71Iii4uZgY/video.html
Hello Kenny. I bought a intex 15' x 42" pool and I didn't add chemicals to the pool till 4 days later and now my floaties and pool have like a slimy feeling to them. What do you recommend? I appreciate your help.
Get some liquid chorine and get that chlorine level up ASAP!!! If you have a sand filter backwash it as well.
I appreciate your fast response. Hopefully you get some good karma asap.
Please explain the difference between soda ash and bicarbonate of soda. Is one truly just regular baking soda? I have a salt system, ph and alkalinity are always off.
Soda Ash is Sodium Carbonate. Bicarbonate of Soda is Baking Soda. Hope that helps.
Hello, I took my pool water to get tested and ph was 8.2, all other chemistry was good, i read online from some pool experts that 8.2 is fine, what's your opinion, thanks
8.2 is quite high in my opinion. Add 1-2 quarts of muriatic acid to your pool and it should bring it down a bit.
I added 1 inch chlorine tablet to my 10x30 intex pool but the strip doesn’t detect any free chlorine, how do i solve this please?
To raise the chlorine level more quickly add 1 to 2 gallons liquid chlorine to the pool. Test the water after two hours it should be good the add the tablets to a chlorine tablet floater: These videos may help:
czcams.com/video/3BiVsHHNaS8/video.htmlfeature=shared
czcams.com/video/IAxgAas948U/video.htmlfeature=shared
I use the same test strips you use and they show my pool water being balanced. When I take a sample to the local pool company their test results show low alkalinity and high PH. My pool is crystal clear since I opened it in early June. I do keep chlorine high approx 5ppm. Should I believe the strips or pool company.
Honestly, I would believe the test strips. Depending on the pool supply company you go to there are several that I do not have a very good opinion of. So I would trust your own test strips and if you really wanna get super technical, you can look online and find a digital Pool chemistry tester and spend the money on that, but honestly, I think if your test strips are the same as what I use and they’re not several years old you’re fine.
What do i need to add when 1st filling a 5000 gallon above ground pool?
First and foremost, test the water, ph, alkalinity, chlorine and cyanic acid. Then add your chemicals accordingly. The amounts will vary. But it'll take some additional testing to get the chemistry where you want it to be. Once you have that it's not as difficult to maintain or keep the chems up if youre consistent.
@@PoolSchooler thanks
I put in my muratic acid then it rained that same day. Was that a waste? My readings right now are so far high! Everything is on the highest! Any recommendations?
Also, I have a chlorinator that has 2 tablets at level 3. Poop size 15k gallons. Is that too high ?
Please email me your most current readings on total and free chlorine, pH and alkalinity.
2 things. What about stabilizer? Also in your case with the alkalinity low but pH in the right spot what would you do?
I only test CYA (stabilizer) at the beginning and end of swim season. I did a video on CYA and what you need to know about it. Here's a link: czcams.com/video/_z55SBsjadw/video.html
Regarding your question about the low alkalinity but ideal pH use bicarbonate of Soda to raise the alkalinity without affecting the pH. Here's a link to a short video on raising the Alkalinity of the pool: czcams.com/video/zLQwA3d-e2Y/video.html
Hope these help.
@@PoolSchooler You're the most helpful channel i've come across yet. thanks man! You should do a video on helpful accessories/tools for pool techs.
@@prod.darksynth4506 I appreciate the comment and the suggestion. I have done some on gadgets but not a comprehensive one. BTW, please check out my latest endeavor that I'm producing and directing. Go to www.tappingtheworld.com and check it out. I'm in the process of trying to fund the production so if ya'd like to donna to it you can from that website. 👍
Can the church say Amen! ! ! I need this information 4 real
CHARLES BRICKMORE Amen
I’m firing my $125 a month pool service
I don’t know, that Ph looks more like 6.8 to me. I also have noticed that the color blocks on my strips turn pale on the edges within about 10 seconds, which makes it harder to evaluate the color in the center.
I hear what you're saying about the color but also understand that my phone's camera wasn't the top of the line so there was a bit of "color" loss in the video. (sorry I don't color correct my videos). I'd note that whether you use strips or liquid test kits there is always a + or - variation of some sort (I used liquid kits for over 10 years when I first started doing pools so I'm very aware of their variations as well. BUT as long as your'e close you're fine. I've said this often in many of my videos "pool chemistry is NOT rocket science nor is it an exact science" (since it's affected by so many variables including everything in the weather and surroundings etc). So if you're close you're usually fine.
I have a salt water pool. How do I check it?
This video tells you how: czcams.com/video/30xvXoSAS4c/video.html
I've been having trouble keeping my chlorine at a level readable and my pH and alkali are not reading what's in the safety range my safety Reigns says above this level is okay two swim in and my pH and alkaline level is always lower than that line
You should be fine, but I'd try to get those levels to where they need to be.
I was told by my pool store that the Clorox shock was not strong enough to bring it up.
I would respectfully disagree with whom ever said that. I have some clients who have Clorox shock and although I’m not a fan of shock and prefer to use liquid chlorine to rapidly raise the chlorine levels in a pool I think it works just fine. At least that has been my experience. You might wanna watch my video on “cool shock and why I don’t use it much.” Here’s a link. czcams.com/video/tpyyMNqRqi0/video.htmlsi=WY7lAcg2CqpxARrp
You only use test strips? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Need to make a new video, test strips vs liquid test.
I went with a highly suggested pool repair guy from a pool supply store.
He came to half drain pool and left. I woke up 3 1/2 hours later. He left my auto fill water running during that time and drained 4-5,000 gallons, which majority went into the ground next to my house and the slope to my neighbors below from his leak in his hose. No idea how much actually went to my sewer outtake many yards away around 75 feet. Thank GOD, I woke up and I checked and pulled his pump. He wasn't supposed to show up for another 2 1/2 hours.
My ground is still wet 2 weeks later. I fear a landslide to the pool below that will cost me a few thousand repairing his pool and landslide down his steep incline into his pool.
Do a video with questions to ask to finding a reputable pool repair guy.
Sorry to hear that happened. Unfortunately it's not too uncommon to hear stories like that. I will work on a video. BUT I don't always trust pool stores advice. Best bet is referrals by friends or neighbors who have had repairs done. Also make sure they're licensed, insured and bonded.
Can’t get those strips anymore. Tried to go to their website - not there! Tried calling them - got a runaround by the receptionist who told me I should email them! My pool turned green overnight! I can’t wait several days for an email!
Hmmmm. I just did a google search for them and found them all over. Here's a link to one on amazon: www.amazon.com/AquaChek-511710-Chlorine-Test-Strips/dp/B00AN5I6C6
What if the chlorine is too high?
Just stop adding more chlorine for a bit. It will eventually lessen due to people in the pool and evaporation and new water being added because of it. Just make sure you test it daily so it doesn't get too low.
I have a 5000 gallon pool. Filled it today but why are my chemical keep being in balanced it’s frustrating. One minute a strip says i need Ph lowered then it says something completely different like hardiness to high then the other strip says it’s good. Why could this be?
I'm not sure. But you may need so CYA (cyanuric acid which is also called stabilizer or conditioner.). It helps the water molecules hold chlorine. Also, as your pool acclimates itself you can have some fluctuations. It should balance out in time as long as you stay with the testing and chemicals. But do add about a pound or two of CYA to it and make sure it dissolves.
Pool School I’m having a issue with my pool pump that came with it. To me it’s not
Circulating enough. I’m wondering if this is why I have the issues i have. I’m gonna upgrade my pump but will add the CYA
@@arenat9705 That's often the case with most above ground pools. There are several after market above ground pumps and filters that are so much better and more powerful and they usually have adaptors that allow you to retro fit the new equipment to your pool without a bunch of re working.
Why does my pool turn green as soon as I balance the pH? It was crystal blue before at an acidic pH but as soon as I balanced it to 7 it starts turning green.
Sharon Wen it could be several things. Your ph should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Chlorine should be between 3.0 and 5.0. If that’s all good then it could be your filter needing cleaning. Or it’s not running long enough each day. Or you may have high phosphates. You may want to check out my two videos one is “algae and algecides” and why you don’t need them and the other is “how I cleared my green pool”. I think they’ll be helpful.
Sharon Wen czcams.com/video/MzGoK4Cd7tc/video.html
Sharon Wen czcams.com/video/XY-BAdBY0zI/video.html
How much of the dry acid you think I should put in it to normalized? They said put 4 ounces every 3 hrs I still have no test so I wouldn’t know if it’s normalized
I'd follow their suggestions especially with an above ground pool. I'd also make sure you're distributing it around the perimeter of the pool and running your equipment for a couple hours afterwards to insure it gets dissolved and distributed throughout the water. You may have to do it several times to get it balanced. MAKE SURE YOURE TESTING THE WATER BEORE YOU ADD MORE.
Why do you use the strips? Aren't the liquid testers better?
I started out using the liquid test kits but switched to the test strips probably after doing pools (at the time still working for other companies) for about 4 years. I haven't looked back and find that, for me, they work as good as the liquid test kits and are easier and more convenient.
However, there are pool service techs (and pool owners) who prefer the liquid test kits so it's really a matter of what you prefer. As far as accuracy (I know some will argue with me on this) I think they're both accurate enough if used as the instructions say.
@@PoolSchooler After watching your videos I decided to try the test strips and I can see why you prefer it.
Pool oh is 7.2 and alkalinity is 300 pool supply store sold me the dry acid so idk 😐
The dry acid is to get the alkalinity down without having too much effect on the ph. So that sounds about right.
Pool School ok I wasn’t sure first year with above ground pool water is coming from well so I’m like bit scared to put a whole bunch of chemicals she also sold me the Chlor brite shock
Does The Taylor test kit chemicals cause cancer?
The warning labels on some of the reagents used for testing pool chemistry list them as potentially cancer causing and other issues. I'd suggest reading all the warning labels on any of the reagents used for testing pool chemistry.
Pool School thanks man ! I just started In the pool business this year and I’ve watched several of your videos ! They are very helpful
jhonny gaming glad they’re helpful.
What if the Chlorine is high?
There are only really two ways to reduce the level of chlorine in your pool water. First (and I don't recommend this unless you have super hi CYA levels) is to drain some or all of the water out and refill it which will dilute the concentration of chlorine in the water. OR (and this is my recommendation) Stop adding chlorine to your pool water (testing more often to make sure it doesn't fall to low) and allow the natural process of evaporation of both water and chemical to occur over a period of time (usually it's not too long maybe a week or so depending on your climate) which will reduce it naturally.
Thanks a lot for the quick reply! A new sub here 😃
Pool School it’s been high for about 2-3 weeks I’m in California and the climate is in the low 70s thing is the test strips are also showing the total chlorine and high chlorine are high as well not sure what to do
LEGO Building so I’m guessing that it’s a chlorine pool and not a salt pool. So I would stop adding any chlorine to the pool and test it every 4 days or so til the level reaches the ideal range again.
Pool School I believe it is... just bought this home with out any pool knowledge and hired a pool guy right away thinking he would take care of it all but all I see is him spending less than 5 mins n not really doing anything to it.. So I started checking on the pool since my kids eyes did get irritated.. and that’s what I been doing for the past 3 weeks checking on it with the strips. I was unsure if Anything had to be done since the pool guy isn’t coming weekly like he was on summer... also hasn’t been used but once in those 3 weeks since it’s kinda cold. Now makes me wonder if he maintain the right levels on every category since we hired him.
The PH indicator color looks low on the video. Maybe you couldn't tell with the sunglasses on? It looks lighter than the 6.8...
I think it's more due to the color the camera is picking up. It was not that "orange" when I saw it live. Also, when I show the strip again on the table it's been several minutes so the color had faded substantially by then.
Good teaching Kenny, My chlorine is too high, free as well, how do i remedy this?
Brian about the only way is to just stop adding any more chlorine until the level drops to the ideal range (which is what I’d recommend).
acid not for above ground
I used muriatic acid in my above ground pool no problem. Just make sure your pump motor is running and don't over dose it (no more than 1 qt at a time).
Why is my ph sbowing up aa purple?
Are you using the Aquacheck test strips?
@@PoolSchooler no im not actually. Im using hth test strips. It came with a kit i got. I shocked my pool last night and tested this morning and the ph was purple when yesterday before shock ph was great.
Gage so I’d check out the back of those strips and see how they are colored. I don’t have expience with hth strips either.
@2:16 skip to save time
My ph is 7.4
Thats in the ideal range
So you showed us how to use the strips but then left them too long so the readings were wrong. WTF?
I apologize, It was due to the shooting the video and because I’m trying to explain how things work as I demonstrate how to use them yet elapsed more time than I usually spend. However I do say in the video with those test strips you wait about 15 seconds and I think I say afterwards that it’s been a bit of time right now. So the reality is they are accurate when used as directed anywhere between 15 seconds and 30 seconds after dipping the test drip into the pool water will give you an accurate reading.
Sorry if it caused any confusion.
So I just went back and double checked and at 3:31 into the video I clearly say you wait for about 10 to 15 seconds in order to get an accurate reading. So I clearly state that but unfortunately due to the nature of making a video and explaining things I allowed the audience to see the test strip for quite some time after 15 seconds.
sales pitch
NOPE. I don't make any money if people buy this product or any other product I endorse. I only endorse products that I have personally used and have found to be excellent.
That's not a pool. It's a big ass outdoor bathtub
😂😂.
Guess strips are pretty useless.
I've actually found them to be more convenient and quite accurate. I've been using them for over 14 years after switching from the liquid test kits and have not had any problem with them. But if you like the liquid test kits better that's totally fine too.
Nigga look like Steve Nash
I truly appreciate you taking the time to share this information.
No pool professional worth his salt begins an instructional video on testing your pool water chemistry using friggin test strips. Get a reagent based kit from Taylor and do it right and reliably the first time. Leave the strips for pregnancy tests.
You take to long to explain
My apologies. I try to be concise and to the point and in my attempts to "cover all the bases" I may get too wordy. I'll continue to try to be as brief and thorough as I can.