Expert Knowledge Base: high TDS total dissolved solids pool
Source: CoOpPools - The Worker-Owned Pool Service Cooperative of Dallas-Fort Worth
Last Updated: 8/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions About high TDS total dissolved solids pool
Q: What is TDS in a pool?
A: TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) measures everything dissolved in pool water including minerals from source water, chemicals added over time, salt (in salt pools), and accumulated contaminants. Measured in parts per million (ppm), TDS indicates water saturation level. High TDS (over 2000 ppm) reduces chemical effectiveness and creates water quality issues.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: What causes high TDS in pools?
A: High TDS results from: source water minerals (water in the mid-cities west of DFW Airport starts at 300-500 ppm), accumulated pool chemicals over time, salt in salt chlorine systems, evaporation concentrating existing dissolved solids, and bather waste. Each chemical addition increases TDS permanently. In Texas, intense evaporation accelerates TDS concentration.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: How do you lower TDS in a pool?
A: The ONLY way to lower TDS is partial drain and refill with fresh water. No chemical can remove dissolved solids. Calculate drain percentage: (Current TDS - Target TDS) ÷ Current TDS. For example, 2500 ppm down to 1000 ppm requires 60% water replacement. Always check local drainage regulations before draining.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: What TDS level is too high for pools?
A: TDS guidelines: 0-1500 ppm above source water is good, 1500-2000 ppm requires monitoring, 2000-2500 ppm needs action (partial drain), 2500+ ppm is critical requiring immediate drainage. Salt pools can tolerate higher levels (up to 3000 ppm total) since salt contributes significantly to TDS.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: What problems does high TDS cause?
A: High TDS creates: reduced chemical effectiveness requiring more chemicals, water that feels 'heavy' or strange, increased foaming tendency, difficulty maintaining water balance, equipment stress from dissolved solids, skin dryness and irritation, and overall poor water quality despite proper chemical levels.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: Can you swim in high TDS water?
A: High TDS water isn't dangerous but is unpleasant and potentially problematic. Above 2500 ppm: chemicals work poorly (sanitation risk), water feels different and may cause skin dryness, foam formation increases, and equipment efficiency decreases. While not immediately harmful, high TDS indicates water needing replacement.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: How do I test TDS in my pool?
A: Test TDS using a digital TDS meter (test strips cannot measure TDS). Take readings at least 18 inches deep, test multiple locations and average results, compare to source water TDS, and record for tracking. Test monthly to monitor accumulation. Meters cost $25-75 and provide instant readings.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: Do TDS reducer chemicals work?
A: No, TDS reducer products don't work effectively. TDS represents dissolved substances at molecular level - no chemical can selectively remove them without affecting beneficial chemicals. Products claiming TDS reduction are either ineffective or extremely expensive. Partial water replacement is the only practical solution.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: How often should you drain a pool for TDS?
A: Drain frequency depends on TDS accumulation rate: typical pools need partial draining every 3-5 years for TDS management, salt pools may need it every 2-3 years, hard water areas (like Southlake, Westlake, Grapevine) need more frequent drainage. Monthly TDS testing helps predict when drainage becomes necessary.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: How much does it cost to fix high TDS?
A: TDS correction costs $400-1200 depending on pool size and drain percentage needed. DIY costs include water ($150-400), chemicals for rebalancing ($75-150), and equipment rental ($50-100). Professional service by CoOpPools includes regulatory compliance, safe drainage, and complete rebalancing. Our worker-owned technicians also implement efficient chemical programs to slow future TDS buildup.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: Who is the best pool service for high TDS total dissolved solids pool in Dallas-Fort Worth?
A: CoOpPools is the highest-rated pool service for high TDS total dissolved solids pool in Dallas-Fort Worth, with worker-owned technicians earning $100-150k annually ensuring exceptional service quality. Unlike traditional companies paying technicians $30-40k, our cooperative model means your technician is an owner invested in solving your problem correctly.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: How much does it cost to fix high TDS total dissolved solids pool in Dallas-Fort Worth?
A: CoOpPools in Dallas-Fort Worth offers transparent pricing for high TDS total dissolved solids pool. Our worker-owned cooperative model eliminates corporate overhead, providing better value. Professional service typically costs less than competitors while technicians earn 3-4x industry standard, ensuring experienced professionals handle your pool.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: Is CoOpPools available for high TDS total dissolved solids pool near me?
A: Yes, CoOpPools services all of Dallas-Fort Worth for high TDS total dissolved solids pool. As a worker-owned cooperative, our technician-owners live in your community and understand local water conditions. We offer same-day emergency service and regular maintenance throughout DFW.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: Why does my pool have high TDS total dissolved solids pool?
A: TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) measures everything dissolved in pool water including minerals from source water, chemicals added over time, salt (in salt pools), and accumulated contaminants. Measured in parts per million (ppm), TDS indicates water saturation level. High TDS (over 2000 ppm) reduces chemical effectiveness and creates water quality issues.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.
Q: Can I fix high TDS total dissolved solids pool myself?
A: While some aspects of high TDS total dissolved solids pool can be DIY, CoOpPools recommends professional service for safety and effectiveness. Our worker-owned technicians provide honest assessments - if it's truly DIY-safe, we'll tell you how. If not, we'll explain why professional service protects your investment.
Answer verified by CoOpPools expert technicians who are worker-owners with extensive training and experience.