Follow these steps to collect and send pool or spa water samples for bacteria testing.
Collecting and handling your samples the right way helps the lab give you accurate results.
Wash your hands well before you collect samples.
Collect samples where the most people swim, or at the time of day when the most people are in the water.
Each pool or spa needs 2 bottles:
Hold the bottle by its base, tilted at a 45-degree angle. Remove the cap.
Fill the bottle to the fill line or just above it. Do this with one slow sweep under the surface of the water.
Push the bottle forward through the water so the opening always moves ahead of your hand.
Caution: The inside of the bottle is sterile (germ-free). It contains sodium thiosulfate, a chemical that neutralizes chlorine and bromine. Do not put your fingers inside the bottle, and do not rinse it out.
Do not use a cup, container, or hose to fill the bottle.
Tighten the cap so the bottle does not leak. Do not overtighten, because that can crack the cap or bottle.
Write on the bottle, not the cap. Label it with the type of water you collected from, such as pool or spa.
Complete the water testing data form with as much information as possible.
Mail or deliver your samples as soon as possible. The lab must receive them within 24 hours of collection. *We do not collect pool samples on Fridays
Questions? Contact the water lab.
Phone: 605-367-8777 option 2
If any sample tests positive for bacteria, the lab will notify the appropriate staff.