Please bring 32 fl oz (1 quart) of your pool or spa water for testing. Use a clean water sample bottle, a clean plastic water bottle, or any other clean container—do not use old chemical bottles, as residue can affect test results.

Our lab can perform a wide range of tests, including:

• Free Chlorine

• Total Chlorine

• Bromine

• pH

• CYA (Cyanuric Acid / Stabilizer)

• Copper

• Iron

• Sodium Chloride (Salt)

• Total Alkalinity

• Calcium Hardness

• Phosphates

• Biguanide

• Hydrogen Peroxide

• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
  

To ensure a specific test is performed, please let your lab technician know. 

To help us give you the most accurate recommendations, there are a few key things you should know before coming to our lab:

• The size of your pool or spa – Knowing the gallonage helps us calculate proper chemical doses.

• The type of sanitizer you use
  • Pools: Chlorine, Salt, Baquacil, ECOsmarte, or another variation.

  • Spas: Chlorine, Bromine, or Salt.

• The current condition of your water – Is it clear, cloudy, green, foamy, etc.?

Our lab technicians may ask several questions during your visit. This is simply to get a complete picture of what’s going on with your water so we can provide the most effective solutions. If possible, we recommend that the primary person who maintains the pool or spa bring the sample, as they’ll likely have the most insight.

To make your visit even more productive, we also suggest:

• Bringing a list of the chemicals you currently have at home

• Bringing photos of the pool or spa water if you're experiencing any visible issues

We may also ask the age of your pool liner- this is because if a liner is older, certain chemicals become less effective and other elements such as pH & alkalinity become more important as the liner is more fragile. 

These extra details help us serve you faster and more effectively!

For pools, we recommend testing your water in our lab three times each summer:

• At opening – to ensure your water starts off properly balanced.

• Mid-season – to catch any issues before they become problems.

• Before closing – to protect your pool and equipment over the winter.

If you notice issues like cloudy or green water at any point, bring in a sample right away for analysis—early detection makes a big difference.

For spas, we recommend monthly lab tests, especially if you're using your spa regularly. Frequent use can change the water chemistry quickly, and routine testing helps keep it safe and comfortable.

Pool and spa water chemistry is affected by many factors—weather, bather load, organic debris, and even the air. These variables can change constantly, which is why your water may require more attention at certain times.

Each pool is unique. Even if your neighbor’s pool seems balanced, your water could be completely different. Environmental changes from year to year can also make some seasons more demanding than others in terms of maintenance.

Regular testing is essential. We strongly recommend professional water testing several times each season, along with at-home checks of your sanitizer and pH levels on a weekly or biweekly basis.

Unbalanced water can reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers, leaving your pool vulnerable to bacteria, algae, and other harmful contaminants. It can also lead to skin and eye irritation, equipment failure, and long-term damage to the pool structure.

A completely “chemical-free” pool or spa is a myth—water itself is a chemical, and proper treatment is not optional. Protect your health and your investment by maintaining balanced water through routine testing and treatment.

The most reliable way to reach our Lab Department is by emailing [email protected].

Our lab technicians are often assisting customers in-store, which can make it difficult to answer phone calls or return voicemails promptly—especially during peak season. To ensure your questions are answered as quickly as possible, we recommend sending us an email or using the Contact Us form.

You’re also welcome to stop by the store with a water sample, and one of our lab techs will be happy to assist you in person- which is likely what they will recommend over email.