How to Use a Pool Test Kit: The Right Way to Check a Pool's Water Quality

Testing the Pool’s pH Levels

Add five drops of phenol red indicator

Photo © Lisa Hallett Taylor

Fill the large tube to the top solid line with pool water from a depth of 18 inches. Add one drop of solution No. 4 and mix by gently swirling. This solution is sodium thiosulfate, a chlorine neutralizer. Add five drops of Solution 2, a phenol red indicator, and mix by gently swirling. Compare the color with the pH color standards on the plastic tester. Warning: don’t perform this test if the chlorine residual is above 3.0.

• Before You Begin
• Just Dip it
• Fill to "Fill"
• Testing Free Chlorine and Chlorine Residual
• Cap the Vials
• Color Comparison
• Testing the Pool’s pH Levels
• Acid Demand Test
• Testing for Total Alkalinity
• Store High and Dry