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How Often Should I Test My Pool Water in Summer?

In summer, test free chlorine and pH at home two to three times a week, and bring a water sample to a pool store every one to two weeks for a full test. In winter, once a month is usually enough. Test more often during heat waves, after storms, and after heavy use. Water testing at Top Dog Pool Supply is always free, takes about two minutes, and needs no appointment.
Pentair variable-speed pool pump sold and installed by Top Dog Pool Supply in Bakersfield

What should I test, and how often?

  • Free chlorine and pH: two to three times a week in summer.
  • Total alkalinity: every one to two weeks.
  • Stabilizer and calcium hardness: every month or two.
  • Salt, for salt pools: monthly.
  • Phosphates and metals: when you have algae, stains, or an odd water color.

When should I test more often?

  • During a heat wave.
  • After a wind storm or rain.
  • After a pool party or heavy use.
  • After adding a lot of fresh water.
  • Any time the water looks cloudy, dull, or green.

How do I take a good water sample?

  • Step 1: Run the pump for a few hours first so the water is mixed.
  • Step 2: Use a clean bottle and rinse it with pool water. You need about 16 ounces. We have bottles if you need one.
  • Step 3: Pick a spot away from the skimmer and return jets.
  • Step 4: Hold the bottle upside down, push it down to your elbow, then turn it right side up to fill. Cap it underwater.
  • Step 5: Bring it in the same day, ideally within an hour or two. Keep it out of the sun and out of a hot car.
  • Step 6: Bring it before you add chemicals, and tell us your pool size if you know it.

What does the free in-store test check?

Our Taylor Xpress Flex system runs a fast, precise test that includes free and total chlorine, total alkalinity, total hardness, cyanuric acid, salt, phosphate, borate, iron, and copper. We go over the results with you and tell you what to add, and how much, for your pool's size.

Do you charge for water testing?

No. Water testing at Top Dog is always free, and you do not need an appointment.

Are test strips good enough?

They are fine for quick checks between visits. The colors are hard to read, and strips go bad with heat and moisture, so confirm with a full test every week or two.

How long after adding chemicals should I test again?

Wait 4 to 6 hours with the pump running for basic adjustments. Wait 24 hours after big changes like alkalinity, calcium, stabilizer, or shock.

Can you test salt pool and spa water?

Yes. Tell us it is a salt pool so we check the salt level. For a spa, tell us whether you use chlorine or bromine.

Don't cry, we can help

Bring a water sample to Top Dog Pool Supply. Local pool owners get a free water test on our Taylor Xpress Flex system, and we'll tell you what to add, and how much, for your pool's size. Visit us at 7440 District Blvd Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93313, or call (661) 664-9000. We're open Monday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 4, and Sundays 10 to 4 from April through September.

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ADDRESS
7440 District Blvd Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93313
Phone: (661) 664-9000
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Service Area
Bakersfield, CA, with Zip Codes 93301, 93304, 93305, 93306, 93309, 93311, 93312, 93313, and 93314 HOURS Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Sat: 9am–4pm Sun: 10am–4pm (April–September)
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