Test your pool water weekly
Five minutes a week with a decent test kit prevents 90% of pool problems.
What you'll learn
- The four numbers that matter most (free chlorine, pH, alkalinity, CYA)
- Ideal ranges for San Diego pools year-round
- Why total alkalinity acts as a pH buffer
- When stabilizer is too high and how to fix it
Step by step
- Buy a Taylor K-2006 liquid kit or 7-in-1 test strips.
- Free chlorine: 1–3 ppm. Below 1 and algae gets a foothold.
- pH: 7.4–7.6. Keeps chlorine effective and pool comfortable.
- Total alkalinity: 80–120 ppm. Buffers pH swings.
- Cyanuric acid: 30–50 ppm. Protects chlorine from UV.
Safety note
Numbers look right but the pool still looks off? Take a water sample to any pool store for a free comprehensive test. Don't let them upsell, just get the numbers.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Weekly service, repairs, or emergencies, across San Diego County. A real pool tech picks up.
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