When deciding which water testing kit has the right features for the specific needs of your pool or spa, often the best place to start is by talking to an experienced pool service professional or retailer in your area. Here are some top features to consider when deciding which test kit is right for you.
1. Ease of Use
Make sure the test kit you purchase is one you will feel comfortable using because a test kit that doesn’t get used is a waste of money, no matter how good its chemistry. Look for user-friendly features like color-coded reagent caps that correspond to clear, straightforward instructions to help make testing stress-free.
2. Completeness
GOOD test kits should contain tests for the following parameters:
- Sanitizer (chlorine or bromine)
- pH for proper maintenance
- Complete and easy-to-understand instructions
- Recommendations for each parameter tested
BETTER test kits have the features above, plus:
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Distinguish between “free chlorine” and “combined chlorine”
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pH Adjustment (acid and base demand tests)
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Total Alkalinity
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Treatment Dosage Table for determining the correct amount of product
BEST (most complete) test kits also include tests for:
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Calcium Hardness for water balance determinations
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Cyanuric Acid (chlorine stabilizer)
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Room in the case to add additional reagents for other tests (e.g., Sodium Chloride)
3. Accuracy
True and trusted test kit readings are a must for each parameter. Do your own research, read reviews and testimonials, and talk to local pool professionals and retailers to get their recommendations for water testing products with a proven track record for being accurate, precise and reliable.
4. Consistency of Results
The primary purpose of testing is to catch changes in your pool or spa water chemistry before problems develop. It is essential to be able to repeat tests consistently and accurately over periods or days, weeks and even months.
5. Testing Method Suitability
For any test kit to be trustworthy, you need to be able to easily translate the results into an effective treatment or maintenance action. This should include making calculations for treatment dosages easier and more accurate so there are no wasted treatment chemicals.
6. Appropriate Design
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Liquid reagents should leave no waste or other materials to dispose of afterwards.
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Color standards are protected from bleaching and scratching.
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Fill marks are molded on rather than painted.
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Cases should have ergonomic handles for easy transport.
7. Durability
Make sure the test kit is made to withstand repeated use in a wet environment. Two important indicators of a durable water test kit are waterproof instructions and vinyl reagent labels.
8. Availability
Finding a dependable, trustworthy source for your test kits and reagents is essential for consistency of results. It is recommended that you purchase all of your testing products from the same manufacturer, either straight from the source or from a trusted local pool/spa retailer that rotates their stock to ensure freshness.
9. Reliable Manufacturer
Select an appropriate test kit from a reliable manufacturer with a proven history of producing quality testing-related products. The sole focus of Taylor Water Technologies has been manufacturing water testing supplies and kits since 1930.
10. Value
Water testing products that offer the best value for your needs may not necessarily be the least expensive. The right test kit is indispensable for protecting your overall investment.
Ready to find your next Taylor pool test kit? Explore options here.