"A properly maintained pool helps prevent recreational water illnesses, keeping swimmers healthy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends patrons use portable test strips to check pool water for adequate chlorine and proper pH."
HealthyPools will send you a free kit, including a collection of test strips and reference charts, so you can make sure your backyard pool is as safe as it can be. And it’s free – so what excuse do you have for not testing the water?
If free isn't enough to motivate you, go ahead and check out this lovely list of "Diseases aquired via Public Swimming Pools." You've got your classics like E.coli, Giardia, and Hepatitis A but there are dozens more! YUCK, how are you going to explain the chicken pox like rash from pseudomonas aka "hot tub folliculitis" or how about Guinea worm disease.... lovely.
So spare yourself and your family, fill out a short form with name and address and your kit is on the way. Easy Peasy!
