The lazy days of summer! I have fond memories of hours in the pool, no worries of school or homework. However, my summers were also spent maintaining the correct chemical balance in the pool. My dad taught me how important it was to keep track of the pH and chlorine levels in the pool. Two of the most important reasons to test your water are: out-of-balance water may foster algae and bacteria and an imbalance in chemicals is detrimental to people.