What’s Actually In Your Pool Water? Why Regular Testing and Balancing Matters

When you look at a clear, inviting pool, it’s easy to assume the water is clean and safe. But behind the sparkle, pool water is a complex chemical environment that requires regular testing and balancing to stay healthy. If you're a pool owner in Mississauga, understanding what’s in your water—and why it matters—can save you money, protect your equipment, and keep swimmers safe.

At Pallett Pool and Spa, we help homeowners maintain perfectly balanced pool water through professional testing and ongoing service. Here's why water chemistry matters, what you're really swimming in, and how we help keep your pool in top shape.

The Hidden Chemistry of Pool Water

Even the clearest water can harbor problems if its chemical balance is off. A well-maintained pool should have a precise balance of several key components:

• Chlorine or sanitizer – Kills bacteria, viruses, and algae.

• pH level – Measures how acidic or basic the water is; affects swimmer comfort and chemical effectiveness.

• Alkalinity – Helps stabilize pH and prevent sudden fluctuations.

• Calcium hardness – Too low can corrode surfaces and equipment; too high can lead to scaling.

• Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) – Protects chlorine from being burned off by the sun.

• Total dissolved solids (TDS) – A high level means there are too many contaminants in the water.

If any one of these levels is too high or too low, it can cause problems for both swimmers and your pool system.

What Happens When Water Isn’t Balanced?

1. Skin and Eye Irritation

Water that’s too acidic or too basic can irritate swimmers' eyes and skin. Ironically, many people blame chlorine for this, when it’s usually an unbalanced pH level that’s to blame.

2. Cloudy or Green Water

Algae, bacteria, and suspended particles thrive in poorly sanitized or unbalanced water. Without proper testing and treatment, your pool can quickly turn cloudy or green—even if the filtration system is running.

3. Damaged Equipment and Surfaces

Imbalanced water can corrode your pool liner, etch tiles, and damage pumps, filters, and heaters. Over time, these issues become costly repairs that could have been avoided with proper water care.

4. Ineffective Chemicals

If your water's pH or stabilizer levels are off, your chlorine won’t work as well—meaning you're spending money on chemicals that aren't doing their job.

Why Regular Testing is Essential

Testing your pool water regularly—at least once a week during the swimming season—is the only way to know if your water is balanced and safe. While test strips can help, they don’t offer the same accuracy as professional water testing.

At Pallett Pool and Spa, we use advanced digital testing equipment and years of expertise to diagnose and correct chemical imbalances before they turn into problems. Our technicians also know how to adjust your chemicals precisely, rather than guessing and overcorrecting—a common issue with DIY care.

How Pallett Pool and Spa Keeps Your Pool Safe and Clear

Whether you need a one-time water check or ongoing maintenance, we offer services that help you stay ahead of water quality issues. Our pool water testing and balancing service includes:

• Accurate water testing using industry-grade equipment

• Expert analysis and customized chemical adjustment

• Recommendations for products or system tweaks to improve water stability

• Seasonal opening and closing treatments to prevent algae and scaling

• Ongoing service plans to keep your pool clean, clear, and ready to use

We also educate our clients so they understand the basics of water care—because informed pool owners make smarter choices and get more enjoyment from their pools.

Don’t Guess—Test with Pallett

If you're not sure what’s really in your pool water, now’s the time to find out. Safe, balanced water isn't just a luxury—it’s a necessity for comfort, equipment protection, and peace of mind.

Contact Pallett Pool and Spa today to schedule your professional water testing and maintenance service. We'll make sure your pool stays clean, clear, and healthy—all season long.