With all the fun of having a pool, it can be easy to forget about the maintenance, but testing your water is more important than you may realize. Here are some reasons why you should check your pool often.
Longevity
No one installs a swimming pool hoping that it will crack and corrode. Pools are investments in your home that should last for a long time, which is why proper care is so important. If certain elements get off balance, they can damage the plaster walls. For example, a deficiency in calcium may cause the water to extract calcium from the plaster, creating cracks and holes. Metal components, such as ladders, may also be subject to corrosion if pH levels get too high. Water testing Pittsburgh kits can be used to monitor chemical levels and avoid such damage.
Appearance
The right balance of chemicals is what keeps your water clear. Improper ratios can cause cloudiness and discoloration. Pools that look dirty are off-putting to swimmers and can be an eyesore in your yard. Regular maintenance can keep the water crystal clear, making it look like the relaxing oasis it is.
Cleanliness
Chlorine and other compounds keep bacteria and algae out of your water. Allowing these harmful pathogens to breed puts swimmers at risk of infection or illness. Contaminants such as sweat and urine are inevitable in pools, but the right amount of chlorine can work as a disinfectant, keeping the water clean and safe. The peace of mind from knowing your friends and family are safe is well worth the extra effort.
Comfort
Swimming in water with poor chemical levels can irritate skin, burn eyes and even create fumes that are dangerous to inhale. The right chemical ratios make lounging in the pool comfortable and relaxing, as it should be.
Odor
An overabundance of bacteria can create a musty and unpleasant smell. Conversely, too much cleaner can produce a strong, bleach-like odor. When the correct balance is achieved, all you should only be able to detect is a faint chlorine smell.
Monitoring the chemical makeup of your pool is easy to do with the help of home testing kits that can be purchased at nearly all pool stores. Water should be tested at home two to three times per week and professionally tested at least once a month. Regularly cleaning filters and skimming also help keep things nice and tidy so the chemicals can do their job.