Why is it important to test the water in your pool?
Water testing in a swimming pool is essential to ensure the safety and health of bathers.
Maintaining the right chemical balance not only prevents health problems, such as skin and eye irritations, but also protects the purification system and the structure of the pool.
In the case of natural pools, where chemicals such as chlorine are dispensed with, water testing becomes even more crucial.
The first thing we ask a customer to do before filling a natural pool is to send us a sample of the water to be filled. This is because the pre-existing water coming from the mains or from a well may already have a lot of nutrients or chemicals in it, and what we really want to test is the new water that will be entering the system.
Riesgos de una piscina sin un análisis adecuado
Inadequately controlled water can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi or algae.
Regular testing helps to identify imbalances and allows corrective action to be taken before problems become more serious. This is especially important in public pools, where water quality regulations must be strictly enforced.
Swimming pool water quality regulations and standards
Regulations for private and public pools vary, but all require certain levels of pH, chlorine and other components to be maintained to ensure water quality.
In natural pools, the selection of plants and the design of the purification system and its size will be based on the results of this water analysis.
Key parameters in pool water analysis
Water analysis is based on the measurement of several physical and chemical parameters. These are the most important ones to take into account:
pHmeasurement in pool water.
The pH indicates whether the water is acidic or alkaline.
In a chlorinated pool, it should ideally be between 7.2 and 7.6.
If the pH is too high or too low, it can cause discomfort to bathers, as well as corrode the pool surfaces.
In natural pools the pH is also one of the key factors, as it directly influences the ability of plants to absorb nutrients such as phosphorus, but unlike chlorine pools, the optimum pH in natural pools is between 8.3 and 8.5.
How chlorinelevel affects water safety
In conventional pools, chlorine is essential to disinfect the water and kill micro-organisms. However, too much chlorine can cause irritation, while too little allows bacteria to proliferate.
In natural pools, we dispense with chlorine, which makes the analysis of other parameters more important.
The role of phosphorus in water quality
Phosphorus is another crucial parameter, especially in natural pools.
If the phosphorus level is high, it encourages algae growth, which can affect the clarity and health of the water.
We use a special meter that determines phosphorus levels in parts per billion.
If the phosphorus in the water is above the recommended levels, we adjust the design of the purification zone to ensure that it is adequately absorbed.
In chlorine pools the phosphorus oxidises but remains in the water and therefore it is necessary to renew some of the pool water from time to time.
Conductivity and its impact on the pool’s ecosystem
Conductivity measures the ability of water to conduct electricity, which is related to the amount of dissolved minerals.
In the case of natural pools, high conductivity can affect the selection of plant species.
In our experience we know that in some regions, such as Alicante, water can have a conductivity of over 3,000 microsiemens, which influences which plants will be best suited to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
Step-by-step procedure for testing your pool water
Sample collection: fill water vs. pool water
It is essential to take a representative sample of the water with which the pool will be filled, not the existing water.
This ensures that the analysis reflects the initial parameters and allows you to predict how the water will behave once it is introduced into the system.
Recommended tools and kits for pool analysis
There are many home test kits available for measuring pH, chlorine and alkalinity.
However, for more technical parameters such as phosphorus, specialised equipment is required.
It is essential to use accurate equipment to avoid measurement errors.
How to perform an accurate phosphorus test
To measure phosphorus, we use a specialised parts per billion (ppb) meter.
It is essential to follow the instructions exactly: prepare the reagent well and make sure to remove any bubbles so that the results are accurate. This is the only way to adjust the purification system and ensure that the water remains in good condition.
Interpretation of water analysis results
Once the results have been obtained, it is time to interpret the data.
If the pH is outside the ideal range, or if the phosphorus is high, corrective measures such as adjusting the filtration system or introducing new plant species should be taken.
How pool water analysis helps to size the purification system
Pool water analysis not only determines the current water quality, but also allows you to predict the purification needs. In natural pools, this is key to designing an efficient system.
Factors to consider when designing a natural pool
One of the most important factors is the amount of phosphorus present in the water.
If phosphorus is high, the purification zone must be sized to absorb it. This allows us to ensure that the selected plants can thrive and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
Necessary adjustments according to pH and phosphorus results
Depending on the results, the design of the purification system is adjusted.
For example, a very high pH requires plants capable of thriving in alkaline water, while an excess of phosphorus might mean increasing the surface area of the purification area.
Tips for maintaining water quality in natural pools
Continuous monitoring of physico-chemical parameters
Regular testing is essential to maintain water quality. Stopping the purification system can lead to an accumulation of nutrients and unbalance the ecosystem of the natural pool.
How conductivity influences the sustainability of natural pools
The level of conductivity influences which plants and organisms can be maintained in the pool. Maintaining the balance between conductivity and other parameters is vital to ensure the sustainability of the system.
Preventing common problems through regular water testing
Regular pool water testing is the best way to prevent the growth of algae, bacteria or bad odour. Detecting imbalances early allows adjustments to be made before the water becomes dangerous or unattractive.
