Find a Product Search Welcome Choose a Store FIND A STORE POOL LIFE BROWSE PRODUCTS SERVICES OWN A FRANCHISE We Offer Free Computerized Pool Water Tests The easiest test you'll ever take! No need to study! Your neighborhood Pinch A Penny offers a FREE seven-point computerized water test. Getting your water tested is important because it ensures you pool has proper water chemistry, which will save you money on chemicals and may prevent damage to your pool’s finish and equipment. What We Test For: Chlorine levels If your chlorine level is too low you may get algae and bacteria growth. However, if it's too high you may get staining. Plus, you will be spending more money than necessary on chlorine. pH When your pH is low it means your pool water is too acidic, which can cause burning eyes and skin irritation. Also, low pH is corrosive to your pool finish and equipment. This could lead to costly repairs or refinishing costs. pH that is too high means your pool water is too basic. This also causes skin and eye irritation, as well as causes your chlorine and bromine less effective. When this happens you can get scale build-up. Your pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6. Acid/Base Demand This detailed test determines how much Suncoast pH Minus or Suncoast® pH Plus your pool needs when the pH is out of balance. Total Alkalinity Your Total Alkalinity should be above 100 ppm. Low alkalinity can cause rapid deterioration of some types of pool surfaces and fittings. It can also lead to metal stains. High alkalinity can cause stains as well. It may also cause scale build-up, which can impact the efficiency of your pool equipment. High alkalinity can also prevent the pH from being balanced, which will lead to the issues detailed above. Calcium Hardness When the calcium hardness is too low the water becomes corrosive, which may lead to staining and etching of your pool’s finish. It will also wear down and damage your equipment and metal fittings. When the calcium hardness is too high, scale starts to build up and staining can occur. This may cause your pool equipment to run inefficiently. The only way to reduce calcium hardness is by adding fresh water. Calcium hardness should be between 200 and 400 ppm. Stabilizer Low stabilizer levels will cause your pool to use more chlorine than necessary, and that costs you money. High stabilizer levels can lead to stains or spot etching of your pool’s finish. Your stabilizer should be between 40 and 100 ppm. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) The TDS in your pool should be below 3,000 PPM. High TDS levels make it difficult for your pool chemicals to dissolve and do their job. This can lead to persistent issues with algae, cloudiness, and staining. Also, pool water with a high TDS level can taste salty. The only way to lower TDS is to dilute the pool with fresh water. We want your pool to be the perfect pool. Stop into your local Pinch A Penny for a FREE water test bottle and get started on your way to a clean and healthy swimming pool. Find A Pinch A Penny Near You Additional Information Follow Us: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Sign Up For Special Offers & Pool Care Advice Email Address Sign Up Company About Us Careers Charitable Giving Customer Service FAQs Franchises Privacy Policy Shop Online Store Finder Pool Life ABCs of Pool Maintenance Understanding Water Balance Keeping your Pool Sanitary Pool Stain Removal Pool Water Problems Pool Safety Tips Mechanical Troubleshooting Resources Find a Store Free Water Test Gift Cards Rewards Program Product Rebates Product Recalls Shipping & Delivery My Account Sign In Register Reset My Password Pinch A Penny Pool Patio & Spa is your headquarters for pool and spa supplies & chemicals, chlorine tablets & shock products, toys, floats & swim gear, swimming pool pumps, motors & filters, automatic pool cleaners, pool heating systems, above-ground swimming pools and other swimming pool accessories. Franchise opportunities available in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi with limited opportunities available in Florida, Georgia & Alabama. Pinch A Penny® is a registered trademark of Pinch A Penny, Inc. All other indicated registered ® trademarks are the property of the respective owners and the use hereof does not imply their approval or endorsement of Pinch A Penny® products. © 2021 Pinch A Penny, Inc. PO Box 6025 Clearwater, Fl 33758. All Rights Reserved.