Pool & Spa Test Strips
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are several steps you can take to make sure the strips will stay accurate. For example:
1. Keep the inside of the bottle dry - Strip pads will react if they get wet, so shake out a strip and pick it up with dry fingers. Make sure to keep wet fingers out of the bottle!
2. Tightly seal cap after removing a strip - To keep moisture out of the bottle, close the cap quickly and tightly after removing a strip.
3. Read results in natural daylight whenever possible - Artificial light can make color matching difficult when indoors.
4. Store your testing strips in a cool, dry place - Indoor is best because extreme heat and moisture can reduce the shelf-life of the strips. Once opened, use within 6 months. These may sound simple, but you’d be surprised at how big a difference following these simple steps can make.
1. Keep the inside of the bottle dry - Strip pads will react if they get wet, so shake out a strip and pick it up with dry fingers. Make sure to keep wet fingers out of the bottle!
2. Tightly seal cap after removing a strip - To keep moisture out of the bottle, close the cap quickly and tightly after removing a strip.
3. Read results in natural daylight whenever possible - Artificial light can make color matching difficult when indoors.
4. Store your testing strips in a cool, dry place - Indoor is best because extreme heat and moisture can reduce the shelf-life of the strips. Once opened, use within 6 months. These may sound simple, but you’d be surprised at how big a difference following these simple steps can make.
Depending on when you receive the strips, the shelf-life is usually about 1 year or slightly more. However, once opened, you should use the strips within 6 months to make sure they are accurate.
Use a CLEAN container (e.g. a clean cup) and dip it elbow-length deep into the water to collect your sample. This way you will get a sample that accurately shows the water chemistry of your entire pool.
If you use chlorine as a sanitizer, free chlorine is what helps to keep your pool or spa safe and clean if maintained at the optimal range.
Total Chlorine is the sum of free chlorine and chloramines. As free chlorine is used up, it transforms into chloramines, which are not effective sanitizers, cause eye irritation, and create a strong “chlorine smell”. When total chlorine is higher than free chlorine, your pool or spa needs to be “shocked” to get rid of chloramines.
Total Chlorine is the sum of free chlorine and chloramines. As free chlorine is used up, it transforms into chloramines, which are not effective sanitizers, cause eye irritation, and create a strong “chlorine smell”. When total chlorine is higher than free chlorine, your pool or spa needs to be “shocked” to get rid of chloramines.
Unfortunately these test strips are not suitable for saltwater pools.
You should test your water at least 2-3 times a week, while paying close attention to the pH and chlorine/bromine levels.
Keep the cap on tight between uses and store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Once opened, use within 6 months.
Strips are faster and simpler than liquid testing kits, with accuracy as good or better (as there is less chance to mess something up). Nevertheless, test strips have their limitations. That's why we recommend using the strips at least 2-3 times a week and taking your water sample to your local pool store once a month to get the most thorough and accurate information.
No. One strip is meant for one test.
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