You should test your pool water at least once a week to keep it safe and balanced. Key levels to check include chlorine, pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness. Regular testing prevents problems like cloudy water, algae, and equipment damage—especially important for fibreglass pools in Perth's warm climate.
Why Pool Water Testing Matters
Crystal-clear water doesn’t always mean your pool is in good health. Chemical imbalances can cause skin irritation, encourage algae growth, and damage pool equipment—even if the water looks fine.
At Barrier Reef Pools Perth, we know how vital water testing is to keeping your fibreglass pool in top condition. It’s one of the simplest but most important habits for maintaining a safe, comfortable, and long-lasting swimming environment.
How Often Should You Test Pool Water?
As a basic rule, test your pool water at least once a week. This helps you stay on top of chlorine and pH levels and catch small imbalances before they turn into bigger issues.
However, there are times when you should test more often:
- After heavy rain – Stormwater can dilute chemicals and throw off your pH.
- Following pool parties or high use – More swimmers means more contaminants.
- During Perth’s hot summer days – Intense heat can burn off chlorine faster and encourage algae.
- If your water looks cloudy, green, or has a strong smell – Test straight away.
- After adding chemicals – Always re-test to check the levels have settled correctly.
Even if you have an automatic chlorinator or chemical feeder, manual testing is still essential to ensure everything’s working as it should.
What Should You Test For?
There are a few core components of your pool water chemistry that need regular attention. Here’s what to check, and why it matters:
Chlorine
Chlorine sanitises your pool by killing bacteria and algae. It’s a must for clean, healthy swimming water.
Target level: 1.0 – 3.0 ppm
pH Level
The pH level affects how effective your chlorine is, as well as swimmer comfort. Water that’s too acidic or too alkaline can cause skin irritation and damage to pool surfaces.
Target range: 7.2 – 7.6
Total Alkalinity
Alkalinity stabilises your pH. If it’s too low, your pH can fluctuate wildly. If it’s too high, it may lead to cloudy water and scale.
Target range: 80 – 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness
This measures how much calcium is in your water. Low calcium can corrode your fibreglass pool shell, while high calcium can lead to scaling.
Target range: 200 – 400 ppm
Cyanuric Acid (Stabiliser)
This chemical protects chlorine from breaking down in sunlight. In sunny regions like Perth, stabiliser levels are especially important.
Target range: 30 – 50 ppm
Phosphates and Metals
Optional tests, but worth doing if you’re having ongoing algae or staining issues. These can enter your pool through rainwater, garden runoff or older pipes.
How to Test Your Pool Water
You’ve got a few options when it comes to testing your water:
Test Strips: Quick and convenient. Dip the strip in, compare colours, and get instant results. Great for weekly checks.
Liquid Test Kits: More accurate than strips. These involve adding drops of reagent to water samples and checking the colour reaction.
Digital Testers: A growing trend. Digital meters give clear, easy-to-read results, but cost more upfront. They’re ideal if you like precision.
Pool Shop Testing: It’s a good idea to take a water sample to a professional pool shop every 4–6 weeks. At Barrier Reef Pools Perth, we often recommend this for backup accuracy and help with any unusual issues.
Tips for Accurate Testing
- Collect water from elbow depth, not just the surface.
- Avoid testing near return jets or skimmers.
- Test at a consistent time of day, ideally in the morning.
- Store your test kit in a cool, dry place and replace it each season.
If you’re new to owning a pool or just had a new fibreglass pool installed, our team can help you understand what to test for and how often, based on your local water conditions.
What Happens If You Don’t Test Regularly?
Neglecting water testing can lead to:
- Algae outbreaks
- Cloudy or green water
- Skin and eye irritation
- Scaling or staining on your fibreglass surface
- Corrosion of pumps, filters, and chlorinators
Water chemistry affects every part of your pool system. A simple 5-minute test once a week can prevent costly repairs or time-consuming clean-ups later on.
Pool Care in Perth’s Climate
Perth’s climate presents unique challenges for pool care. Long hot summers, high UV exposure, and low rainfall mean chemical levels can shift quickly. Chlorine can evaporate faster in extreme heat, and water loss through evaporation can throw off your chemical balance.
For pools exposed to full sun or surrounded by paving or decking, it’s especially important to keep a close eye on pH and chlorine. Using a pool cover when not in use can also help maintain chemical balance and reduce water loss.
Need Help Balancing Your Pool Water?
Whether you’re dealing with cloudy water, algae, or just want peace of mind, our friendly team at Barrier Reef Pools Perth is here to help. From installation to aftercare, we provide guidance to keep your pool water sparkling and safe.
We can help with:
- Advice on the right test kits
- Pool water analysis and treatment recommendations
- Equipment checks and chemical balancing
- Support for new pool owners
With our fibreglass pools Perth customers enjoy easy maintenance, but testing still plays a key role in long-term care. Regular testing keeps your pool water healthy and protects your investment for years to come.
Speak With Our Pool Care Experts
Need help understanding your test results? Planning a new pool install and want to know what’s involved in upkeep? We’re here to answer your questions.
Browse our full range of fibreglass pools in Perth at Barrier Reef Pools Perth, or contact our team for advice on getting the most out of your backyard pool.
Stay safe, swim happy—and test weekly.
