Turbidimetric Pool Test Kit
Turbidimetric pool test kits measure the cloudiness of the water in a swimming pool.
These types of tests are rather simple, and usually come incorporated with more economical pool testing kits that also do color changing and color matching tests.
It works by taking a sample of water from the pool, which once mixed with reactionary chemicals, is then visually compared to a sample chart. Allowing you to approximately gauge whats going wrong with your water, so you can adjust accordingly.
These types of testing kits are the most affordable, however they arent the most accurate, and there is much left to individual interpretation of the color shades in the water.
Aquachek 100 Count Pool Water Test Strips
For a comprehensive and easy-to-use pool kit, we recommend the AquaChek Test Strips. Unlike many pool kits, the AquaChek tests for water hardness. The seven-way strips also test for free chlorine, total chlorine, bromine, total alkalinity, pH and cyanuric acid. A reusable chart comparator lets users cross-reference their strips to easily check their chemical readings.
Pros: Test results are shown in only 15 seconds.
Cons: The AquaChek strips provide a range and not an exact measurement of chemical levels.
How Often Should You Test Your Pool
Another thing you have to understand about the test kits is how often you have to test the pool water. It is worth noting that if you are going to carry out the tests, you should consider what you are testing for. Not all the tests change a lot. Some are more stable than others are.
For the daily tests, you need to carry out pH level and chlorine tests. The weekly tests comprise of temperature and alkalinity. As for monthly, you need to test for stabilizer and calcium hardness. You are advised to keep a frequent schedule so as to keep the pool water remaining safe for overall use.
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Poolmaster Water Chemistry Case Premiere Collection
The Poolmaster Water Chemistry Case 22270 Premiere Collection is the most popular pool water testing kit sold in the market. Its rated as the best by many for its accuracy and reasonable price.
Although not at a higher grade level like the Taylor K-2006, this chemistry case helps you test for free chlorine, total chlorine, bromine, pH, Acid Demand and Total Alkalinity using the Drop Test method.. Its easy to use and get results more accurately with the help of the transparent test block and integrated color chips. You can match the colors more easily.
The Poolmaster Water 5 Way Test Kit 22270 Premiere Collection also comes with a plastic case that takes care of the test block and the chemicals. Its safer to keep them all in one place to avoid damage and leakage.
You also get 1oz solutions of #1-#3, and 1/2oz solutions of #4-#5. The only risky part here is to avoid the confusion between Phenol Red and #2 Phenol Red solutions. It would have been better if there was a different label for one of the bottles for customers to be better informed when re-ordering the correct Phenol Red bottle for their setup.
We also didnt like the fact that Pool Master Chemistry Case 22270 does not check for Cyanuric Acid.
If you have a cloudy or green swimming pool, you need more advanced equipment like the Taylor K-2006 recommended above. If your pool is clean enough, then the Poolmaster 22270 is your best choice for routine maintenance of your swimming pool.
Key Features
- Affordable Price
Why Did You Choose This Model Of Swimming Pool Water Test Kits Swimming Pool
Due to the differences in size between swimming pool water test kits swimming pool, knowing what will fit comfortably on to use it is important. A good swimming pool water test kits swimming pool company will provide you with support of the highest quality. Although, you may decide that you dont need such a high standard.
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Test For Total Alkalinity
After rinsing the tester clean, fill the large tube to the lower dash line. Add one drop of No. 4 solution and swirl. Next, add one drop of solution No. 5B, a total alkalinity indicator, and swirl. Add No. 3 solution, drop by drop until the color changes to clear, light yellow, or light green.
Finally, multiply the number of drops of solution No. 3 you used by 10 to determine the total alkalinity.
Note: Don’t perform this test if the residual chlorine is above 3.0. Chlorine must be in normal ranges before testing for TA .
Why We Love Pool Test Strips
Pool testing strips are a fast and efficient way of testing your pool water. Some test strips will quickly analyse your pool/spa water in a matter of seconds, giving you reading for up to 7 different tests on one strip. To use a pool test strip simply dip the strip into a sample of water and remove it immediately. Hold the strips for 15 seconds then compare each testing pad to the colour chart on the label.
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Taylor Complete Pool Water Test Kit K
Designed by Taylor, this is one of the most comprehensive titration-based pool testing kits you can buy, offering an insight into your pool unavailable from other kits.
You can test for free and total chlorine, bromine, pH, acid and base demand, calcium hardness, total alkalinity and stabilizer levels.
If youre worried youve been over treating your pool this is the test kit for you. But what I like most are the giant bottles of reagent. At 2oz, you wont need to be running to the store for replacements in just a few short weeks if youre as addicted to testing your pool as I am.
The downside though is the complexity. With a guidebook that explains the chemistry behind all the tests, its great if youre wanting to learn but can be overwhelming if this is all new to you.
Pros:
- Explanations so you know the right order to begin corrections
- Detailed manual unlike anything you will find in other kits
- Large bottles of reagent so it doesnt run out as quickly
Cons:
- Perhaps a little complicated if this is your first test kit
Safety Tips To Consider When Using The Kit
When it comes to safety tips, there are not many things to cover at least nothing that does not involve common sense. First things first, when taking out the water from the pool, make sure that you do not lean in too much on the edge of the pool. Its great if you jump properly for a swim but if you fall awkwardly while fishing for water, you might end up injuring yourself.
This goes without saying, but you should not let the substances for testing the water level touch anything near your face. Do not swallow or lick, and do not let the liquids anywhere near your eyes. If you are feeling particularly clumsy, then it might be a good idea to add some safety goggles in the mix.
Gloves can be good, too, particularly if you have sensitive skin but make sure that they are not too thick. Otherwise, you might have difficulty in handling the vials.
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What Happens If I Dont Test For Anything Other Than Chlorine
Even if your chlorine is perfect at all times, you can still get algae growing. Many algae related issues are caused by pH. Pool experts will tell you that pH is just as important to test as chlorine, and it should be tested often. We know that pool testing gets time-consuming and annoying, but do not skip this part of being a pool owner.
Q: Im New To Owning A Pool How Do I Balance Ph
You can balance the pH in your pool using a few methods. If the pH is too low, use either sodium bicarbonate or soda ash. Use baking soda if you need to raise your pH and alkalinity. Use soda ash just to raise your pH. How much you need to add depends on your pools volume and how much you require to increase the pH.
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Reviewing The Best Pool Test Kits
So far weve covered what a testing kit is, why you need one, the different types available, and what features to look out for.
In this section, well be looking at specific products, each of which were hand-picked for review based on the same criteria Ive outlined in this guide.
Lets get right into it.
Buying Guide For Best Pool Water Test Kits
If you’ve ever seen a pond covered with algae and swarming with mosquitoes, you know how important it is to maintain healthy water in your swimming pool. If left unchecked, pool water can quickly turn your dream into a nightmare. In order to be sure your backyard oasis stays swimmable, you need a pool water test kit.
The best pool water test kits are easy to use and produce consistently accurate results. Although there are only a few essential tests you need to perform routinely, a pool water test kit that can provide you with a more in-depth analysis of your water is a better option.
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How To Use A Pool Test Kit To Check Water Quality
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Estimated Cost: $20
The beginning of warm weather means the beginning of pool season. That means it’s time to start checking your water quality. In a typical residential swimming pool, this means you need to routinely check for:
- Total alkalinity
- Acid demand
And there are other tests you might need to do, as well. Don’t worry if you didn’t ace chemistry in school pool test kits are fairly easy to use if you follow the directions.
Does A Carrying Case Matter
Having your test kit in a carrying case is ultimately a personal decision. If it is up to us, we highly suggest getting a quality carrying case. When the test bottles can be stored properly instead of on their side or mixed up in the case or on a shelf in your garage, you will get more out of them.
The other thing we like about the carrying case is the routine and order it inspires. Testing your pool should be a routine for you, something that is done every few days. If your method is made fast, simple, and organized, it will ultimately be more natural to repeat. Keep that in mind when deciding if a carrying case makes a difference.
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By Step To Buy The Best Swimming Pool Test Kit Of August
Buying the best swimming pool test kit is not always an easy task. Knowing where to start between the different brands, models, sizes, colors, quality, features, and prices can be challenging.
Purchasing the wrong product will lead you down a path of frustration that could have been avoided if you had just done your research first. This blog post has step-by-step instructions on how to buy the best swimming pool test kit for your needs at a price under 500$ in 2020.
The first thing you want to do is research the type of product that you are looking for. There are many different products, so it’s essential to know your needs before you buy anything.
Next, compare prices and quality between various brands until you find the one that best suits your needs. Once this has been done, go ahead and make your purchase online through an authorized retailer or on eBay if necessary.
Lastly, remember to take good care of any item purchased as it will save money in terms of repairs and increase its longevity. In addition, in the blog post below, we will provide some more steps to buy the best swimming pool test kit. Continue reading it now.
1. Research and know what you want before buying the best swimming pool test kit
Before you buy the best swimming pool test kit, research and know what you want that way, when the time comes to make that purchase, you’ll be sure to get the best swimming pool test kit for your needs.
6. Check reviews before buying the best swimming pool test kit
The Best Eyedropper Test Kits
The eyedropper-style test kits use three main reagents in their test kits to test for chlorine.
OTO
OTO Has been in use since the early 1900s. Today it is mostly only used in quick tests or basic tests that are marketed to homeowners, rather than commercial pool service providers. An example is this Pool Master five-way test kit, or Taylor K1000.
To perform an OTO test, five drops of the reagent are added to the water sample in the comparator tube and a color comparison is made to the color samples provided to determine the concentration of total available chlorine in the sample. This is what is known as a colorimetric test.
OTO is not recommended for commercial or professional use because of the drawbacks
In short, OTO cant give you an accurate representation of FAC , TAC , and CC for you to be able to properly maintain your pools chlorine levels, which are necessary for accuracy.
DPD
While DPD is superior to OTO in many ways, there are still drawbacks to consider
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Types Of Swimming Pool Test Kits
When it comes to types, you are likely to end up with two main types. This includes the test strips and wet chemical kits.
- Test strips
The test strips are the most popular right now on the market. They are the best when it comes to affordability. That being said, they might not have the best accuracy as the other kits. You have to follow the instructions in the manual to operate them.
You can also get a digital test strip reader. The aim of using a digital reader is to eliminate the inaccuracy of color matching just the strips.
- Wet chemical kits
These kits are common in situations when you need to have a detailed testing done. There is no doubt you would end up with the best results also. Such kits come with a color comparator block that filters the water from a strong plastic vial. You can get them as DPD and OTO kits. They are the most advanced when it comes to testing the swimming pool water.
Chemicals Used In Pools
The main chemicals that are used in the pool are the chlorine chemicals, bromine, cyanuric acid, alkalinity increaser, calcium hypochlorite, calcium hardness increaser, pH reducers, and pH increasers. There may be other chemicals used in pools however, these are the most commonly used in any pool and public hot tub. Letâs go through them one by one:
- Chlorine: This would either be TriChlor or DiChlor. Both are used for chlorinating pools with TriChlor usually needing to be added to an installed chlorinator and the DiChlor being able to chlorinate pools quickly.
- Bromine: Bromine is used for making the pH level of water more stable so that it wonât become too acidic.
- Cyanuric Acid: This is a chlorine stabilizer that can also serve as a chlorine protection from UV rays. These are usually added to dichlor and trichlor.
- Calcium Hypochlorite: This chemical is used for sanitizing the pool and killing the algae. It is also known to boost up the chlorine level in the pool.
- Calcium Hardener: This is used for increasing the hardness of the calcium in the pool.
- Alkalinity Increaser: The alkalinity increaser is a sodium bicarbonate which raises the total alkalinity level.
- pH Increaser: As the name implies, this is a chemical made of granular soda ash that can increase the pH level.
- pH Decreaser: This chemical is a granular sodium bisulfate and is used for reducing the pH level of the pool.
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How Do I Test Pool Water
There are several types of testing supplies available on the market, all varying in price and accuracy. Its important to remember that certain factors will influence the accuracy of your water test. Ensure that your testing supplies havent expired, and keep them stored in a dry area at room temperature.
Circulate the pool on the pumps high setting for at least an hour before pulling a water sample for testing. Test results from stagnant water may not be very accurate. Next, gather your water sample around elbow deep, or about 12-18 below the surface. Avoid sampling near pool returns or floating chemical dispensers.
Once you have your test results, keep track of them. You can use a daily planner, dedicated pool calendar, or enter them into your favorite pool care app. Recording water balance trends will help you anticipate future changes in water chemistry, making it easier to maintain water balance over time.
Now that youre familiar with how to test pool water, lets take a closer look at the different types of water tests available.
Pool Test Strips
Test strips are the most inexpensive and widely used method for testing pool water. Theyre fast, easy, and fairly accurate. Some of the more basic strips can test for individual chemicals, or you can buy something like the AquaChek Select 7-Way Test Strips or Yellow 4-Way Test Strips to make multiple tests at the same time.
Liquid Test Kits
Digital Pool Testers
