---
title: "What Is Total dissolved solids? Pool Glossary | Marina Pool Services"
description: "Total dissolved solids, or TDS, is the total of everything dissolved in the water. Plain-English pool glossary from Marina Pool Services in Grapevine, TX."
url: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/total-dissolved-solids
publisher: Marina Pool Services
phone: +1-817-896-1120
quote: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact
---

Water chemistry

# Total dissolved solids

Total dissolved solids, or TDS, is the total of everything dissolved in the water.

TDS counts salts, minerals, chemicals, and other matter dissolved in your pool. It rises over time because water evaporates but the dissolved material stays behind.

High TDS can make water look dull, cause [scale](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/scale), and make chemicals act oddly. It also reads high in a saltwater pool because salt counts toward it, so compare to your own baseline rather than a general number. The only real fix for high TDS is a [partial drain and refill](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/partial-drain-and-refill). Your [fill water](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/fill-water) starts with its own TDS, so test it when you add water.

[Marina can helpPool Maintenance Services](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/our-services/pool-maintenance-services)

## Related terms

-   [Salt level](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/salt-level)
-   [Partial drain and refill](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/partial-drain-and-refill)
-   [Fill water](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/fill-water)
-   [Scale](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/scale)

## Need a hand with your pool?

Call or text and tell us what your pool needs. Estimates are free for qualifying services, and same-day estimates are possible when the schedule allows.

[Call (817) 896-1120](tel:+1-817-896-1120)[Get a quote](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact)

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