Testing Time

This may seem silly, but when do you test your water? I add chlorine at dusk and sometimes test then. I also test some mornings. I was just wondering when would be the best time to test to get a good view of where the chlorine level is at.:confused:

The BEST time is the time you can consistently get to it--because otherwise it doesn't get done!;)

Given that, the best time is just after sunset, because that's the best time to add chlorine--so it doesn't have to fight UV rays as well.

But I RARELY can take care of it then, so I do it in the morning. The advantage of that is I can be sure that any problems and debris can be cleaned up by the time anyone is swimming.

There's no magic in any one time.....just the same time each time.

Obviously, testing @ night and the next AM gives an unclear picture of your Cl consumption. Like the rest of pool mgmt, consistency is the key.

My 11-year old's Summer job is testing for pH and Cl daily. We certainly don't need to do it that often but it gives here a little spending money, a better understanding of pool water chemistry, and more adult beverage time for her doting Dad. She has chosen to test in the AM 'cause it then frees her up all day.

PS - just saw Carl's post and agree completely that you'll get better chlorine usage if you add in the evening.

Ok, so if time doesn't matter-lets see if I have this right. If my cya is 30 I should never drop below 3ppm and stay between 3 and 6. Am I understanding this correctly? And shock?-why if I'm in those parameters?

Yep, you've got it. 3-6ppm is not an ABSOLUTE range but rather a guide to keep you in a nice range. Below three is probably not a good idea for any length of time.

Shock when you suspect water problems. Google "breakpoint chlorination" or "superchlorination" to better understand why and when you shock.