Best Swimming Pool Test Strips in 2022

Last update: November 17, 2022

Are spa test strips the same as pool test strips?

Yes, spa test strips are the same as pool test strips. They are both used to test the levels of chlorine, pH, and alkalinity in the water.

Do pool test strips work?

Yes, pool test strips work and are a reliable way to test the chlorine levels in your pool. It is important to test your pool water regularly to ensure that it is safe and clean for swimming.

Do you run filter when shocking pool?

Yes, you should always run your filter when shocking your pool. Shocking your pool helps to kill bacteria and other contaminants that can make you sick. Running your filter ensures that these contaminants are removed from the water before you swim in it.

How can I test my pool water without a kit?


Hot Spring Freshwater Portable Spa Test Strips Review:


If you use these strips as instructed, they are excellent. Take the strip out of the water after two seconds, tap it once, and start reading right away. The small pads' color will fade if they are left in the water for too long. The color grid on the bottle, which is printed to a very high grade, may easily be compared to these strips. Additionally, the pH measurement is in line with tests done on bottles of liquid. Although I haven't performed comparison testing, I assume the four additional readings—which are more challenging to confirm with liquid tests—are likewise accurate.It's crucial to rapidly open and shut the bottle and to remove the strip with dry hands. The strips' colors will alter if they are in contact with humid air for any period of time. I wholeheartedly endorse this product.



Frog @ease Test Strips Review:


I use the Frog test strips to evaluate the water chemistry in my spa a few times a week. They give me an accurate reading and let me know whether the water has to be treated. Additionally, I use their SmartChlor Cartridge, which does an excellent job of controlling the chemistry, making it rare for me to need to add chemicals—usually just some baking soda.For treating the water when changing the water, I also advise using the Frog Jump Start Chlorine Package. Products from the Frog Masters are excellent. Our spa's installation provider suggested using these products, and I'm delighted they did.



Leisure Time 45010A Chlorine Test Strips, 50 Count Review:


I had been using the "Klorox" test strips for my softub, but not their "APP". However, those were reduced from 50 to 30, so I'm trying these. On contrast to my other test, I received a higher pH in the first one (like 8.4!). similar readings from other sources. (I was outside in the daytime.) In the second test, I was more cautious and only submerged for two seconds before shaking. Readings are quite comparable (pH about 7.2 ). I lack a pH meter or other suitable tool to evaluate accuracy. The Leisure Time strips have more than a year before expiring, while the older strips were just approaching their expiration date. All is well thus far.



AquaChek 551236 7-Way 100 Count Pool Water Test Strips Review:


simple to use The SureTrack strips are already in use by me. It's much the same, but I wanted to investigate whether there would be a method that is more precise and contains Total Chlorine, which the SureTrack strips did not. Because the Cyranuric Acid (CYA) and Alkalinity were so incorrect, I only gave this test strip 4 rather than 5 ratings.I took many tests on the same day. I consistently received same findings from AquaChek tests. I matched my findings to those obtained from one of the samples by a professional tester (Leslie's Pool). The AquaChek test results for alkalinity were all zero. The expert test came back at 80 ppm. The SureTrack test also revealed roughly 80 ppm. The AquaChek was primarily white with a slight brown hue, not brown (0 indication) or even pale green (40 ppm) as I had anticipated. I've probably tested 12 strips so far. The same hue was read by every AquaChek CYA. The test item may not be accurate for measuring alkalinity in my bottle.For the other test, the AquaChek performed rather accurately. I will add that the PH tints for SureTrack and AquaChek are reasonably close. The SureTrack at least recorded readings of 7.2, 7.5, and 7.8. Only the range of 7.2 to 7.8 had indicators on the Aquacheck. So, with AquaChek, there is a little more PH guesswork. This should pass the test for maintenance prediction as 7.8 is often the upper limit. However, I want to maintain PH at 7.2–7.4 for comfortable swimming. Therefore, the SureTrack is more helpful in this case.Prior visits to Leslie's Pool were advised to use a bottle to collect a sample an arm's length below the water's surface. CYA typically floats to the top. Your sample should be taken around an arm's length below the pool line for the maximum accuracy. I compared repeated tests of samples obtained from bottles at an arm's length below the water's surface with dipping test strips at an arm's length below the surface since I had money to burn. AquaChek test revealed no difference. For CYA, every strip from a hand- or bottle-sample read the same. There were indicators at 0 and 30 to 60. I'd assume 15 ppm because the hue fell between those two markers. The expert test from Leslie's was 50 ppm. The CYA indications on the SureTrack CYA are at 0, 40, 70, and 100 ppm. 40 ppm is my best guess for all of them. Perhaps the hand test samples were a tiny bit darker than the bottle test ones. I simply bring up this last sentence in case there are any issues with the CYA sample methodology.Both test systems worked well for me. And I'll use it once a week or every few days to check the PH and chlorine levels for hygienic and comfortable purposes. Additionally, to confirm hardness, which is crucial for aggregate/plaster warranties. If you see that you are frequently beyond the recommended ranges, I would highly suggest obtaining a professional test to determine the issue and a second professional test following any therapy. To closely monitor the treatment's long-term success, I was instructed to use the strips possibly more frequently, such as every day or two for a week after treatment. For warranty purposes, I have to undergo professional testing every month. With each professional test, I will benchmark accuracy so that I have more data in the future. If I discover anything further, I'll update this post.



JNW Direct Water Total Hardness Test Strips, 150 Strip MEGA Pack, Best Kit for Accurate Water Quality Testing to Determine Soft or Hard Water Review:


Obviously, I got a terrible batch. When testing, there is no change in hue. I tested three separate water sources: the pool, the house before the water softener, and the house after the water softener. Test strips have an olive green tint when they are dry; nevertheless, all three sources produced the same color, albeit somewhat darker due to their wet state. I am aware that the city water we use is really hard; without a softener, calcium deposits form practically immediately. I also have a drop tester for the pool, and it indicates that I'm approximately 300 PPM harder than I should be, which should have made the strips red. Disappointed. Do not suggest this product in any way.After reading this review, Nathan immediately sent me another kit, which was flawless. Presently, I CERTAINLY DO suggest this item. The customer support is among the greatest I've ever had, and it works fantastically.



JNW Direct Spa Test Strips for Hot Tubs - 100 Count, Best Kit for Accurate Water Quality Testing at Home, 5 in 1 Hot Tub Testing Strips Review:


comes in a screw-top container that is tightly sealed and comfortable to hold. These test strips fulfilled my need for a backup for another product that was identical. Particularly, as compared to the provided chart, these strips appear to be simpler to color. This test product is ideal because I felt the need to confirm readings using an additional, less expensive test product. Due to the addition of bromine, it also offers a wider range of testing. I'll use this company again because it delivered quickly and arrived on time. a very helpful additional ebook for download on water treatment was sent.



JNW Direct Pool and Spa Test Strips - 100 Strip Pack, Test pH, Chlorine, Bromine, Hardness and More, Accurate 6-in-1 Swimming Pool Water Testing Review:


I appreciated that these were dated, and I assumed that they would remain fresh for over two years based on the expiration date printed on the outside of the box. The instructions continued, however, by advising that the strips should ideally be used within 90 days of opening the container. After 90 days, I'll still have 75 strips that will be wasted because I typically only test the pool once or twice a week. This indicates to me that these are more appropriate for a professional who oversees multiple pools at once.The "Total Chlorine" test scale is also a major problem (0- 1000 ppm.) You can determine the amount of Combined Chlorine present if it falls within a range that is similar to that of Free Chlorine (0–20 ppm). You won't ever see your total chlorine that high; the first increment on the scale is 50 ppm.I gave them four stars since, aside from that, they seem to be of great quality, work rather well with my usual liquid test equipment, and are much easier to use.



AquaChek 552244 6-in-1 Test Strips for Spas and Hot Tubs Review:


Not for the other factors, but for chlorine testing, I purchased it. It's a little challenging for me to comprehend the PH and Hardness. However, in contrast to a prior kit I tried, the test colors for chlorine were rather accurate when compared to the reference colors. In case this device did not meet my expectations, I also purchased an HI 711 colorimeter as a back-up. It gives me a quick and accurate estimate between 0 and 10 ppm, even though the resolution isn't as good as the colorimeter's (0.01 ppm versus 0.5-5 min/max ppm), which is great because the colorimeter takes a long time to set up and I only want to know if the chlorine is closer to 0, not always to the hundredth value. Additionally, this has an advantage over a colorimeter in that it can test water straight from the source in 15 seconds as opposed to the colorimeter's 2-3 minutes, which could affect the results if your test is time-sensitive.


How do I raise the free chlorine level in my pool?

If you want to raise the free chlorine level in your pool, you can do so by using chlorine tablets or granules. You can also use liquid chlorine, but it is not as effective as the tablets or granules. To use the tablets or granules, you will need to put them in a chlorine dispenser that is attached to the pool. You will then need to turn on the pump and let the chlorine circulate through the pool.

How long are pool test strips good for?

Pool test strips have a shelf life of about one year. After that, they may not be as accurate, so it's best to get new ones.

How often should I shock my pool?

It is generally recommended that you shock your pool once a week.

What color should the chlorine strip be?

The chlorine strip should be a light blue color.

What do the colors mean on a pool test strip?

Chlorine and pH are two of the most important things to test for in your pool. The colors on a pool test strip will tell you the levels of these two things. A pool with the proper levels of chlorine and pH will be safe to swim in and will not damage your pool equipment.

What does free chlorine mean on a test strip?

When you test your pool water, free chlorine is the amount of chlorine available to sanitize or disinfect. It's what's keeping your pool water clean and free of harmful bacteria.