Whether you’re a new swimming pool owner or have been swimming in your backyard oasis for years, you know the importance of testing the water regularly. To help promote clean, healthy pools, The Water Quality & Health Council is offering FREE pool test kits on HealthyPools.org. 

Kits include simple directions for dipping a color-coded test strip into the pool to determine the water’s pH and chlorine level, which should be measured at least three times a week (especially after heavy use, such as a pool party), and even more often when the weather is hot and humid (ideal conditions for algae growth).

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) states that pools with proper disinfectant levels and pH are less likely to spread germs, including the ones that cause “swimmer’s ear” infections. The free kit includes CDC’s tips for preventing swimmer’s ear.

You can even return to the HealthyPools.org to upload your readings to a national data collection map to see how your pool compares with others across the country.

To order your free test strips, provided by AquaChek/Hach Company, visit HealthyPools.org.