What Testing do I need to Complete on my Swimming Pool? If you have a swimming pool to maintain then you need to make sure you have a solid understanding of the different types of testing that need to be done. You have likely heard the terms tossed around but you need to be prepared to get in there and complete these tests. They need to be done routinely and they need to be done accurately so you get results you can rely upon. Perhaps the most important test to do on your swimming pool is the Ph levels. It is a weekly test that is very simple to perform. You just dip a strip that has chemicals on it into the pool. Then you compare the color you get to a chart that tells you the level that is currently present. From there you can add certain chemicals to balance it if the initial test wasn't within the right range. Chlorine is very common in most swimming pools. This is used to reduce the development of both bacteria and algae. They can spread rapidly if you don't keep them under control. As a result the water can turn cloudy and even green. The right amount of chlorine is important so that you kill what is a problem but you aren't harming those that use the swimming pool. One test that many people overlook has to do with the level of calcium in the water. When you test this though you are actually testing a variety of other minerals as well. They include magnesium, iron, and manganese. The levels of them are going to significantly vary by location. Some water supplies have large amounts of them present while others don't. You only need to test this monthly. TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids and you definitely want to test for it. Based on all of the chemicals you place into the swimming pool this test allows you to make sure they are all in balance with one another. It takes these chemicals into account but also the debris and bodily wastes that are found in the swimming pool water. As you can see there are quite a few variables that can affect the TDS results you will get. You want to test this every month to ensure it is in check. Don't be surprised if you get different readings each time. This is due to environmental changes, the make up of those that use the swimming pool, and how frequently it is being used. You need to be backwashing your filter regularly though to keep your TDS level in check. If it gets too high you may find the only solution is to drain and replace the water in the pool. You want to avoid doing that if at all possible. If you have questions about how to perform any of these tests you need to get more information. Don't guess at them because they results you get will affect the actions you take. It can be complicated taking care of a swimming pool if you don't have accurate information. Those that have learned the facts though find it to be less time consuming and they get things right the first time. As a result they really are happy they have their own swimming pool and they use it all the time.