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Things to Know about Water Chemistry Testing Strips

The water in swimming pools needs to be tested regularly to make sure the chemical levels are in the correct zones and the water chemistry is balanced. Many swimming pool owners use water chemistry testing strips, which give multiple readings for the chlorine, pH and the alkalinity levels. Understanding these water chemistry testing strips will allow swimming pool owners to use them correctly to keep your pool and swimmers safe. Here are some general tips to keep in mind when purchasing these testing strips.

Just like food, these testing strips can expire. When purchasing them, make sure that the “sell by” date is within a good range for you to use them.

Are Swimming Pool Test Strips Accurate?

Swimming pool test strips are usually accurate. However, unfortunately, when used in different environments, these strips can read differently, or incorrectly. This can even mean the environments it went through to get to your store. If the kits were frozen, the testing process could be altered. This also applies to testing strips that were sent through a hot or humid climate. So some specialists recommend that the test strips get tested themselves. This can be done by testing them with a known level of chlorine, pH or alkalinity. This will allow the user of the strips to see if they are accurate or slightly off. If you as a pool owner realize that the test strips are giving you completely different reading and they are from the same kit, then you should have that kit tested.

How to Store Water Chemistry Test Strips

It is also important to have a good storage place for these testing units. First of all, make sure that the strips are in their proper tube, sealed in to make sure that they don’t get contaminated. If they are sitting out in the sun all day, you can expect some incorrect readings. These testing strips should be kept in a room that is no greater than 85 degrees Fahrenheit and no less than 36 degrees. All in all, keep these testing methods safe and they will do their job correctly, otherwise you might have to test them out too.

2 responses to “Things to Know about Water Chemistry Testing Strips”

  1. Ray F. Stevens says:

    My rest strips seem to be reading all except chlorine level. I have added 11 gallons of liquid chlorine this spring and the chlorine pad is still white when testing. The pool is 16’ x 36’ with an 8’ deep end. (Approximately 25,000 gallons). Could it just need more chlorine?

    • Pool Guru says:

      Hi Ray! Thanks for reaching out. The reading could be caused by a number of different factors. We recommend taking a water sample to a local pool store for testing to make sure you’re getting an accurate reading.

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