Discover the key pool water parameters every pool owner should test for. Know exactly how to treat your swimming pool and keep your water balanced, clean, and safe.
So let's dive right in, shall we? Let's review what you should be monitoring in pool water and the testing equipment you'll need to make your pool swim-ready.
Alkalinity: The Foundation of Pool Water Balance
Regularly testing and adjusting alkalinity levels is essential to maintain a balanced pool environment. Alkalinity acts as a buffer, stabilizing pH levels and preventing drastic fluctuations.
It's important to keep alkalinity in check to avoid water quality issues. When alkalinity is too low, the pH of pool water can become unstable and corrosive. This can damage pool equipment and irritate swimmers' eyes and skin. Alternatively, high alkalinity will result in cloudy water and reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers.
What is a normal range for Alkalinity?
80 - 120 parts per million (ppm)
We recommend you test with:
Our Pool Digital Alkalinity Checker® HC (HI7754) makes pool testing simple and convenient. Unlike with test kits, our Checker provides a fast and accurate digital Alkalinity reading every time. 
Free Chlorine: Essential for Sanitization
Free chlorine is vital for sanitizing pool water and eliminating harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Maintaining proper free chlorine levels is imperative for water clarity and swimmer safety.
Low levels of free chlorine allows bacteria and algae to thrive due to inadequate sanitization. High levels of free chlorine can cause skin and eye irritation for swimmers. And let's be real, no one wants that!
By testing free chlorine frequently and using chlorine-based sanitizers to make adjustments, you can ensure that your pool water is always crystal-clear, clean, and safe for swimming.
What is a normal range for Free Chlorine?
1.0 - 3.0 parts per million (ppm)
We recommend you test with:
Our Pool Digital Free Chlorine Checker® HC (HI7014) is just what every pool owner needs. Test kits can be tricky and results are inconsistent. Achieve precise and consistent digital free chlorine results with our Checker. 
pH & EC/TDS: Ensure Water Quality and Comfort
Testing pH and conductivity (EC/TDS) is a necessary part of pool maintenance.
pH indicates the acidity of pool water and can impact the effectiveness of chlorine sanitization. If the pH is too low, then the chlorine will become more acidic. When pH is too high, the chlorine is less active and its ability to kill bacteria and algae is reduced. In addition, swimmer skin and eye irritation can occur when pH ranges are off.
Conductivity (EC/TDS) helps assess water purity and identifies the presence of dissolved salts and other impurities in pool water. Low EC/TDS readings suggests inadequate sanitization, while high EC/TDS can signal the presence of contaminants.
What are the normal ranges for pH and EC/TDS?
pH Range: 7.2 - 7.8
EC/TDS Range for Freshwater Pools: 500 - 2500 ppm
EC/TDS Range for Saltwater Pools: 0 - 1500 ppm above salt level
We recommend you test with:
Our Pool Digital Combo pH/EC/TDS Tester (HI981304) is perfect for testing saltwater pools. Stress less about pool maintenance and save time by testing 3 parameters with this user-friendly tester. Get reliable pH, EC/TDS, and temperature readings.
Temperature: Monitor for preference and safety
Whether you prefer a refreshing dip or a warm soak, temperature plays a key role in preventing discomfort and potential health risks. Weather conditions, sunlight exposure, and pool heating systems can all influence swimming pool temperature.
Pool water that is too cold will cause hypothermia, while pool water that is too hot can lead to heat exhaustion or dehydration. Pool owners should regulate temperature to ensure both safety and comfort.
What is a normal temperature range?
Between 78 to 82 °F is ideal, however, temperatures can vary based on personal preferences
We recommend you test with:
Make our Pool Checktemp® Dip Digital Thermometer (HI985394) your go-to. Durable and easy-to-use, get quick, reliable temperature readings. Our thermometer is designed with a long 3 m (9.9') cable, so you can reach deep into pool water and measure temperature at different depths.
Now you'll be ready to show off your pool oasis! By routinely testing these pool water parameters, you will provide a safe and pleasant swimming experience for both you and your guests. Incorporating our Pool Water Digital Testers into your pool maintenance plan will help make your life easier, so you can stress less about testing and spend more time poolside.
