Using Your Senses to Test Pool/Spa Water

Most pool service technicians have some type of contract with their customers.

These contracts can include something as simple as running tests and cleaning the pool/spa. More involved contracts might include things such as adding treatment chemicals, servicing equipment, etc., which could require the use of a lot of tools. Did you know that some of the basic tools needed for diagnosing problems are actually free and with you every day? Those tools are four of your five senses!

• Sight: Use your eyes to scan the pool (or spa) to see if there are any blatant “in-your-face” problems like algae, cracks, scaling, discolored water, and galvanic corrosion.
• Smell: Use your nose to identify any odd odors — the big one being chlorine. If you smell chlorine (especially in an indoor pool), what you’re smelling is combined chlorine, and we all know that combined chlorine is NOT a good thing.
• Hearing: Use your ears to catch unusual noises like impeller cavitation thuds or air-sucking noises. These odd sounds usually indicate a severe equipment issue and must be dealt with immediately.
• Touch: Use your fingers to help identify whether there’s algae near the surface (usually a slimy feel) or if it’s a metal stain (rough, sandpaper-like feel).

There is one sense though that you should NEVER use, and that is taste — for obvious reasons.

Using four of your senses, along with proper testing, goes a long way in helping you provide balanced, healthy water for your customers while protecting their investment.