As the New Jersey summer hits its peak, your swimming pool is likely getting a workout with weekend pool parties, weekday cannonballs, and everything in between. But with all that fun comes a very real need: keeping your pool water balanced and safe. That’s where mid-summer water testing comes in.
At Jersey Chemicals in Paterson, NJ, we’re here to make sure your backyard oasis stays crystal clear, safe, and inviting all season long. Here’s everything you need to know about testing your pool water this time of year.
💧 Why Mid-Summer Water Testing Is Crucial
By late July and August, your pool has already endured:
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Increased swimmer load
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Higher temperatures
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More frequent chemical adjustments
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Rainstorms and debris
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Intense sun exposure (which burns off chlorine)
All of these factors can throw off your pool’s delicate chemical balance, leading to cloudy water, algae growth, skin and eye irritation, and potentially even damage to your pool equipment or surfaces.
🔬 What Should You Be Testing?
When testing your pool water, you want to focus on these key elements:
✅ Chlorine (Free and Total)
This is your main sanitizer. Free chlorine should typically be between 1.0 to 3.0 ppm. If it’s too low, bacteria and algae can take over.
✅ pH Level
pH controls how acidic or basic your water is. The ideal range is 7.4 to 7.6. If it’s off, it can reduce chlorine effectiveness and cause discomfort to swimmers.
✅ Alkalinity
Think of alkalinity as the buffer for pH. Aim for 80 to 120 ppm to help stabilize your pH levels.
✅ Calcium Hardness
Too low, and water will leach calcium from your pool surfaces. Too high, and you risk scale formation. Keep it between 200 to 400 ppm.
✅ Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
This protects chlorine from being destroyed by UV rays. For outdoor pools, 30 to 50 ppm is recommended.
🧪 How Often Should You Test?
During the heart of the swimming season, we recommend:
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Chlorine & pH: 2 to 3 times per week
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Alkalinity & Stabilizer: Weekly
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Calcium Hardness: Every 2 to 3 weeks or after major refills
And don’t forget, after heavy rain, a big pool party, or adding chemicals, it’s always smart to retest.
🛠️ At-Home Test Kits vs. Professional Water Testing
At-home test strips and kits are great for quick checks, but they can sometimes give inconsistent results.
That’s why we encourage you to bring a water sample to Jersey Chemicals for FREE in-store testing. Our professional equipment and expert advice ensure pinpoint accuracy, and we’ll tell you exactly what products and dosages your pool needs.
🧴 Stock Up on What You Need
If your water’s off balance, don’t panic. We carry a full line of premium pool chemicals, including:
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Chlorine (liquid, tablets, and granular)
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pH increasers & reducers
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Alkalinity & calcium adjusters
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Stabilizer
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Algaecides & clarifiers
Need guidance? Our team is always ready with tips and personalized advice based on your pool’s unique needs.
🏊 Keep Your Pool Sparkling Through Labor Day
Mid-summer is a critical time to stay on top of pool water chemistry, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right testing routine, quality products, and the expert help from Jersey Chemicals, your pool will stay swim-ready for the rest of the season.
📍 Visit us in Paterson, NJ, and let’s make sure your pool water is as perfect as your summer memories.
Need help now?
Stop by the store with a water sample or give us a call. Our friendly team is ready to help you test, treat, and enjoy your pool all summer long.