At least twice a week. More if you just had a pool party where fourteen kids ate Cheetos in the water. Test after heavy rain, too. Rain is actually slightly acidic, and it will wreck your pH like a bad house guest who complains about the temperature.
I test every Sunday morning with coffee in hand. It’s like church, but you’re worshipping a plastic deity called “balanced water.” You can even talk to it. “Good morning, pH. Please stay between 7.4 and 7.6 today.” It won’t listen, but it’s the thought that counts.
The Final Dip
Testing your pool pH isn’t rocket science—it’s splash science. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll turn the water purple once. You’ll accidentally drop the test strip in the grass and convince yourself “that’s close enough.” It’s all part of the summer circus.
Remember: a well-balanced pool is a happy pool. And a happy pool means your neighbors stop pretending they don’t see you floating on a raft, sipping a drink with a little umbrella. So grab that test kit, channel your inner lab coat, and go de-chlorinate that chaos. Your eyes (and your swimsuit) will thank you.
