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Well, I test my water everyday until I feel comfortable that I kind of know what's going on - I did that with my pool too. For my pool it took me about 2 years to realize I have a handle on it. Now that my brain block is cleared, it seems that I test the water every other day to every 2 days for both pool and spa. I was having an issue with PH in the spa but I believe I have it solved.If your using Bromine with a feeder then I would recommend that you test every day until you get the bromine dose down pat. If your using Chlorine I would test until you comfortable that x teaspoons will give you y PPM of chlorine. Right now I'm using Vermonter's way of dosing chlorine less the N2 cartridge - I believe I'm going to have to invoke Chas' Law so I didn't want to put it in there. I have found that I need 2 teaspoons to get my 400 gal tub up to 2 -3 PPM Chlorine AFTER I get out.
First water test = sight and smell. If you "see" the water or if you can "smell" the water you have a problem and you need to TEST the water to identify and correct the problem.It is pointless to test "sparkling clean and crystal clear water". It ain't broke, no need to fix it.
So if ya smell chlorine your OK I kan du taht [leans over shoulder and yells to wife hell that waters fine!] Thanks Mac look at all the $$ ya saved me ps I do know what your sayin just a joke
Gary1911, you failed the test, if you smell chlorine, you SMELL something, that is WHEN you TEST the water, your pH is out of balance, now pay attention once again, If you see the water, (that means if its cloudy or anything other than crystal clear) OR if you Smell the water (even if it's chlorine) TEST THE WATER, do you get it now! If your pH is out of balance you will get gas off the water and that is what you smell. So, if you smell something, test the water, you will find out your pH is out of balance.
OOoooooooooohhhhhhhhhh I was just funnin with ya ya know, jokin around, havin a yuck I've got more than my ph out of balance I still can't believe I failed though Gary