As a pool professional, you know the importance of testing pool water, and that it’s important to educate your customers on the benefits of testing and the dangers of skipping testing. When chlorine and pH levels are too high or low, a pool may be unhealthy to swim in. When chemical levels are off, clients might experience eye and skin irritation or see damage to the pool and associated fixtures. Below is some basic information about pool water testing & equipment that can serve as a tip guide for customers or help you get acquainted with the subject if you’re new to the business.

Your customers’ specific systems will dictate what tests are necessary. Salt water and biguanide systems will have different test requirements than traditional chlorine-based treatment systems. In most cases, you will instruct customers to test for chlorine, pH level, and total alkalinity. In some cases, they may also need to test for calcium hardness, cyanuric acid levels, and total dissolved solids (TDS).

What Is the Best Product to Test the Water in a Pool?

There are several options available, but the most important factors to consider are ease of use, cost, and accuracy. While traditional pool tests are still reliable, many customers will prefer the automation and integration solutions offered by newer technology.

Pool Test Strips

Pool test strips are considered the easiest testing method by many because they only require you to dip the strip in the water and compare it to the included chart. But these tests can only be used once and need to be replaced more frequently. Even though there is less chance of user error in performing the test, some users have difficulty matching the strip color to the legend, which can result in less accurate results.

Liquid Test Kits

Liquid test kits are accurate, but they do take more time and require more work including collecting a water sample, adding drops, shaking to mix, and comparing the results to a legend. Color matching is done from a sample of water rather than a small patch on a test strip, making it easier to match the results of your test sample accurately.

Digital or Electronic Testers

These devices are either dipped in the pool, float on the pool’s surface, or are installed permanently. They provide detailed analyses of the pool water delivered to your smartphone. This is the easiest pool water testing equipment to use and the results are clear – there is no wondering which shade really matches the color on your tester. While they tend to be more expensive, they work with an app to provide real-time results as well as suggestions on what adjustments would make your customers’ pools safe to swim in.

RB software integrates with popular LaMotte pool and spa testing equipment (the LaMotte ColorQ 2X was recently named the “best digital” pool water testing equipment for homeowners who prefer to do their own pool maintenance.) Having easy access to LaMotte’s WaterLink Solutions PRO water analysis software adds valuable and efficient tools for your business, both from your office and on the go via your mobile device. At the click of a button, transfer or add a customer in one from software and push the information to the other. View a customer’s previous water test results from inside the cash register and capture their purchase history. After you complete the Alex water analysis, easily add the items from the shopping cart to the sale. You can even upsell larger sizes or cases through the shopping cart.

See How Water Lab Integration Can Make Your Business More Efficient

RB’s software is designed specifically for pool and spa businesses and is continuously updated using feedback from our clients from across the country. Our software completely manages retail and service in a single system, and our customizable add-ons provide everything you need to maintain excellent customer relationships and boost your bottom line. Find out how our software integrates with popular pool testing equipment and other pool industry vendors – view our virtual demos on demand or contact us today for a no-obligation demo.