logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
News
April 14, 2024
Test kits are not all created equal

At the heart of every crystalclear pool and inviting spa lies a fundamental truth: water quality is paramount.

Whether for health, safety, or sheer enjoyment, maintaining optimal water conditions is non-negotiable. Enter water testing — the foundation of effective pool and spa maintenance. From balancing pH levels to monitoring sanitizer concentrations, the insights learned from accurate testing are a cornerstone of water maintenance.

Water clarity begins with having the right tools on hand, and there’s no tool more essential than the test kit. It provides pool and spa professionals with the ability to measure a variety of crucial parameters, including pH, chlorine, alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and beyond. Armed with this information, experts can fine-tune chemical treatments and interventions, preempting potential issues before they occur.

With so many test kits saturating the market, selecting the optimal solution can be daunting. From traditional colorimetric kits to advanced digital systems, each option boasts its own strengths and nuances. Moreover, factors such as cost, accuracy, and ease of use further complicate the decision-making process.

And as technology continues to advance, test kits have undergone a remarkable evolution, with cuttingedge features such as Bluetooth connectivity, cloud-based data storage, and AI-driven analysis revolutionizing the landscape.

But it certainly doesn’t have to be that complicated. After all, service pros have been testing and maintaining pool and spa water without internet connectivity for decades.

So let’s look at some of the most important features service pros can look for in selecting a good test kit.

The most important factor is buying one that you feel comfortable using. A test kit that sits on a shelf is a waste of money. So get a good kit that doesn’t intimidate you.

At a minimum, a good test kit will contain a test for sanitizer (chlorine or bromine) for health reasons, and a test for pH for both health and maintenance reasons. It should also contain complete instructions, as well as guidelines for the ranges tested.

A better test kit will have the above features but will also allow users to distinguish between free and combined chlorine, which is important in pools and spas with high bather loads. It will also contain as test for total alkalinity and calcium hardness, which is important for maintenance reasons.

The most complete test kit will have all of that and also have a test for cyanuric acid, which is important if you understand the effect cyanuric acid has on mitigating chlorine strength. It may have tests for metals such as iron and copper. And it could have treatment tables to allow users to determine the correct amount of chemicals to adjust the water chemistry to the proper range.

But whether the test kit is “good,” “better,” or “best,” any test kit must be accurate and consistent. To that end, it’s recommended to purchase a test kit from a reputable, well-known manufacturer that specializes in water testing, whose products have proven to be reliable.

And there are a few other factors you can consider when selecting a test kit.

Get a kit with a good design. You want one free of glass or cheap plastic that can cut or fall apart. You want color standards that are protected from bleaching. You want fill marks that are molded and not painted on.

Next, you need a test kit that is durable. Considering how often you’re going to be whipping it out — which ought to be at every service call you make— it needs to hold up. Consider how well it can withstand wet environments.

Whatever you get, make sure that the test kit you are comfortable with is going to continue to be available and that replacement reagents are available, too.

Finally, and as with any purchase, find the best price for the value.

With the swim season just around the corner, it’s time to get a new test kit (or at least replacement reagents) today!

LATEST NEWS
Body found in backyard swimming pool
News
Body found in backyard swimming pool
A Suffolk County, NY police detective discovered a body in his swimming pool
June 14, 2025
A Long Island, New York, homeowner and his son discovered a body this May while opening their backyard swimming pool for the season. The body is belie...
this is a test
News
Need to raise prices? Read how to do it
June 14, 2025
This years’ Service Industry News survey revealed an interesting trend: Pool and spa small business owners have raised their average monthly prices. A...
this is a test
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
News
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
June 14, 2025
A Florida pool and spa builder has been sentenced to prison for defrauding customers. According to a press release from the Florida Attorney General’s...
this is a test
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
News
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
June 14, 2025
For many American families, the summer months signal a time for vacation. That’s why health departments are sounding the alarm about a hidden health t...
this is a test
News
Todrain,ornottodrain, that is the question
June 14, 2025
The state of Montana has enacted a new regulatory change concerning hot tub maintenance for short-term rentals that is expected to save the state mill...
this is a test
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas:  Public or private?
News
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas: Public or private?
June 14, 2025
When are residential pools, spas, or hot tubs actually public pools, spas, or hot tubs? It sounds like a riddle, but it’s a real question up for debat...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK