How to Take a Water Sample from a Swimming Pool or Spa Pool
Important: Read Before You Begin
Thank you for choosing DS Water for your water sampling needs. Please follow this guide carefully to ensure an accurate water sample is taken from your swimming pool or spa.
Pre-Requisites – What You’ll Need
Before starting, ensure you have the following:
✅ The sample bottle provided by DS Water (contains Sodium Thiosulphate – do not rinse).
✅ Clean hands – wash with soap and water before handling the bottle.
✅ The online form emailed to you by DS Water, which must be completed after sampling.
✅ A pen to label the bottle with date, time, and location details.
✅ The return packaging, specially designed to fit into almost all Royal Mail post-boxes, for easy posting back to the lab.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sampling
- Preparing for Sampling
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent contamination.
- Ensure your sample bottle is in date and do not open it until ready.
- Turn off any water circulation systems (if applicable) and wait at least 15 minutes before taking the sample.
- Taking the Water Sample
- Remove the cap of the sample bottle, hold it by the base and submerge it inverted to a depth of approximately 30 cm (1 foot) below the surface.
- Once at depth, turn the bottle upright to allow water to flow in smoothly, avoiding air bubbles.
- Avoid collecting water near inlets, outlets, or chemical dosing points.
- Fill the bottle to the neck only – do not overfill.
- Securely replace the cap and gently invert the bottle several times to mix the neutraliser with the sample.
- Labelling & Recording
- Write the following on the sample label provided:
- Date of sample collection
- Time of sample collection
- Sample location (e.g., “Main Pool – Shallow End”)
- Write the following on the sample label provided:
- Completing the Online Form
- After taking the sample, you must complete the online form emailed to you.
- This form allows us to correctly reference your results. You will need to provide:
- Sample location description
- Time the sample was taken
- Temperature of the water at the time of collection
- Returning the Sample
- Place the sample bottle inside the packaging provided.
- You can return the sample via post—the box is designed to fit into almost all Royal Mail post-boxes for convenience.
- Ensure the sample is posted as soon as possible to maintain accuracy.
- Keep the sample at room temperature – do not refrigerate.
- Receiving Your Results
- Results can take up to two weeks, depending on the type of sample taken.
- As soon as we receive your results from the lab, we will process them within an hour and send you an interpretation report straight away.
- If further action is required, a member of our team will be copied into the response and will assist you via email or phone call.
If you have any questions, please email us at info@dswater.co.uk.
