Pool and spa water chemistry can be complex, but water testing doesn’t have to be as long as you choose the right tools and test methods for your pool or spa — then read and follow the instructions for use and the guidelines for frequency. Easy-to-use Test Strips and Test Kits with liquid reagents are both popular choices for routine testing by homeowners to supplement professional testing by a local service pro or retail testing station.
A Word About Analytes
The term “analytes” refers to the substance that’s being measured and analyzed. Many test strips and test kits are made to measure several analytes, for example; Taylor offers 3-Way, 6-Way, and 9-Way Test Kits, and 7-Way Test Strips for pool and spa owners to measure analytes relating to sanitization levels and water balance.
Sanitization analytes include Chlorine (Total Chlorine and Free Chlorine); Bromine for spas and pools that use Bromine instead of Chlorine for sanitization; Salt (Sodium Chloride) for pools and spas with salt chlorinators; and Cyanuric Acid (CYA) a chlorine stabilizer. Analytes related to water balance include pH; Total Alkalinity (TA); Total Hardness and Calcium Hardness. Products made for pool and spa professionals can offer more detailed testing and measure additional analytes.
Here is an overview of residential pool and spa water testing products and methods offered by Taylor Technologies.
Taylor Test Strips
Providing clear, accurate results with minimal effort, Taylor Test Strips have long been the go-to testing method for pool and spa owners and they make testing extremely easy. Simply dip and read — no technical know-how is required. Within seconds you’ll have a good picture of the condition of your pool or spa water and whether or not any adjustments are necessary.
Taylor Test Kits
When precision is key, Taylor Test kits deliver everything you need in one box. Taylor Test Kits have built a solid reputation for offering consistently reliable results through advanced chemistry with pinpoint accuracy. Most residential test kits use visual testing methods that involve either seeing a color change in sample water or matching colors using a comparator supplied with the kit.
Drop-Count Titrations
Taylor is well known for its drop-count titrations that require minimal technique and can be performed in a minute or two — even by those who are new to water testing. Drop tests are typically performed by dispensing a standardized reagent from a dropper bottle into a measured water sample until a permanent color change in the sample indicates the endpoint of the chemical reaction.* The number of drops required to reach the endpoint is then multiplied by a conversion factor (provided in the instructions) to determine the concentration of the analyte.
Color Comparison Tests
Color-comparison tests can also be referred to as colorimetric tests. They are performed using one of the proprietary Taylor comparators that contain liquid color standards or printed color standards on specially treated cards.** Residential color-matching test kits include the recommended comparator along with clear instructions in nontechnical terms and pictograms.
Quality Products and Standards
All Taylor Test Kits are developed with quality in mind. Our sample vials are molded with fill marks to provide the best accuracy for test volumes--unlike silk screening which can be inconsistent and fade over time. Kits are accompanied by details, color-coded instructions that are waterproof and resistance to fading and tearing. Our durable, custom molded plastic cases provide secure storage for kit components.
While some manufacturer’s printed color standards are made using 4-color process printing, Taylor's color standards are created with superior spot printing. Press runs are carefully evaluated by quality control specialists to assure consistency. And like the test instructions, Taylor color standards are also waterproof.
The Taylor Customer Service Team is trained to assist you with any questions and to help you decide which products are best for your pool and spa water testing.
*Ideal for testers who have difficulty matching colors.
**This visual method is dependent on the analyst's ability to match the color of the treated test sample to a color standard.