A private pool is a soothing refreshment on hot days. However, so that the pleasure does not turn into a displeasure, you should pay attention to the water quality. This can be checked with a pool tester. You should use the following measuring devices.
In a nutshell
- Pool testers indicate whether pool water needs chemical additives
- manual and electronic testers available
- digital devices measure chlorine levels and pH more accurately than test strips or the like
- However, test strips are sufficient for small pools
photometer
Photometers are battery operated and show the measured value on a digital display. This eliminates the comparison with a color scale, which is often not clear. Since this pool tester does not have to be shaken, tablets that dissolve easily by themselves should be used. In addition, many suppliers include a stirring rod in the scope of delivery.
application
There are different variants for filling photometers:
- Immerse measurement chamber in pool
- Taking water from the pool with a syringe
Then proceed as follows:
- appropriate reagent tablet added
- Stir tablet to dissolve
- Put on the light protection cover
- Press the button for the parameter to be measured
The test result is then displayed after just a few seconds. Since these measuring devices can only determine one value, the process must be repeated according to the manufacturer's instructions for testing. However, it only takes a few minutes to run multiple tests.
Notice: Not all electronic pool testers can determine pH and chlorine levels.
Advantages and disadvantages
Photometer shows optimal pH value (between 7.2 and 7.4)
- high measurement accuracy
- “Annoying” color scale comparison is no longer necessary
- Synchronization of test results with smartphone and/or computer possible
- exchangeable measuring chamber is an advantage
Pool tester with probes
These testers also run on batteries, but tablets do not need to be used to measure since chlorine levels and pH are measured with electrical probes (“probes”).
application
Before you can use the meter, the chlorine value must first be set. After that, using this pool tester is easy:
- Dip the dipstick (“feeler”) into the pool water as far as it will go
- read the displayed chlorine value
Notice: How often you have to calibrate the meter according to the instructions depends on the product. As a rule, however, the procedure is necessary before every fourth test.
No presetting is required to measure the pH value. All you have to do is immerse the two sensors in the pool water. When the pointer on the display has come to a standstill, the measured value can be read.
After measuring, you should dry the measuring sticks with a clean cloth. Before each test, you should sand them down with a very fine sandpaper to remove any residue. Then they are washed with water and some soap and dried. After about five seconds, the device is ready for use.
Advantages and disadvantages
With digital devices, the often not very clear color comparison for measurements with commercially available test strips is no longer necessary.
- higher effort due to regular calibration and cleaning
- easy measurement
- accurate display
Smart pool tester
Smart pool testers check the water in the pool with various sensors. Depending on the model, the measuring devices can
- swim freely in the water,
- alternatively under a cover or
- be placed in the skimmer.
The size of the smart measuring devices in a conical shape is approximately:
- 15 centimeters in height and
- 11 centimeters in width
application
These water quality testers are used according to the "smart principle": Since the measuring devices are constantly floating in the water, you do not have to check the quality of the pool water, but are informed via the app whether it needs to be optimized.
Advantages and disadvantages
- innovative technology ("reports itself")
- Control of the pool water without action
- fundamental criticism or concerns about smart technologies
frequently asked Questions
Can I buy the tablets for electronic devices?Yes, this is possible without any problems. However, you should make sure when buying later that they are suitable for an electronic measuring device.
What happens if my photometer falls into the water?Since most devices float on the water surface and have a waterproof housing, they should survive a drop in the pool without being affected if you retrieve the meter immediately.
At what intervals should the water quality be measured?It is recommended to test the pool water weekly with the pool testers.