TEST KITS: Test kits utilize a test block that holds pool water. Reagents (the test solutions/dyes), or perhaps tablets, are added to the encased pool water. Once added, the mixture of the reagent (or tablet) and the pool water will create a color that will correlate to the color chart on the test block, which will show if a chemical is low, in range, or high. Most test kits only test for your chosen sanitizer/disinfectant/oxidizer (chlorine, bromine, or any alternative) and the pH. Do yourself a favor and pay the additional money to purchase a test kit that also includes Alkalinity.

Test kits are very easy to use, but since there are so many manufacturers of test kits, it is impossible for poolmanual.com to list the color variations, the number of drops, and the sequence of drops for each manufacturer. Therefore, we recommend that you visit your local pool professionals to discuss procedures that apply to the brand of test kits that they sell. While you are there, it is a good idea to take in a water sample and have them test your chemicals on the computer.

TYPES OF TEST KITS: There are two primary types of test kits:

• Colorimetric Test Kits-once the reagent (or tablet) is added to the sample of pool water, the water will change to a degree of a specified color. You must compare the color of the sample to the color chart on the test block to determine if a certain chemical is low, in range, or high.

• Titration Test Kits-uses an indicator reagent and a follow-up reagent. Other than the use of multiple reagents, the titration test is an extension of the colorimetric test. An indicator reagent is added first. Then, a follow-up reagent is added to change the color of the sample. You must compare the color schemes from the sample to the color chart on the test block to determine if a certain chemical is low, in range, or high.

THE TEST BLOCK: The device in a test kit that holds the sample of pool water so that the reagents (or tablets) can be added in order to complete the given test(s).

REAGENTS (OR TABLETS): The items that are added to the sample of pool water in order to complete the given test(s). If you use reagents (solutions/dyes), add them to the sample one drop at a time, following the instructions. If you use tablets, they will dissolve in the test block full of pool water. Either way, you must compare the colors from the sample to the color chart on the test block to determine if a certain chemical is low, in range, or high.

HOW TO USE TEST KITS: Here is a guideline for the use of test kits. The following guideline, combined with the manufacturers specific instructions included with your test kit, will provide accurate and telling results:

• Rinse the test block with tap water (not chemically treated pool water) before and after each use.
• Get pool water from at least 18" below the water surface to fill the test block. Secure yourself on the pool deck and be careful not to fall into the pool.
• Hold the reagent vertically above the test block when adding drops.
• Add drops slowly to ensure consistent and uniform drops, counting them, one drop at a time.
• Add the reagents exactly how your instructions note
  • Some test kits require swirling the reagent in the test block after each drop while other test kits do not.
  • Some test kits require "twisting" the capped off test block (like turning a door knob) while other test kits do not.
  • Never shake the capped off test block.
• Tightly replace the lids on the reagents after each use.
• Hold the test block vertically, at or above eyesight (or however your instructions note) and out of direct sunlight. Hold the test block against a light colored background, and compare the color of the sample to the color chart (and its corresponding numeric value) on the test block within the time frame noted on your instructions.
  • some test kits provide a white square to serve as the light background in which to view the test block
• If the color of the tested pool water and the color chart on the test block match the ideal ranges, then congratulations-your water is in balance.
• If the color of the tested pool water and the color chart on the test block do not match the ideal ranges for any chemical, then simply make the necessary adjustment(s)-before you add the chemical(s), perform any maintenance for that day first.
• When finished with all of the tests, do not pour the test water back into the pool. Rather, pour the sample in either a deck drain or in the yard, and then immediately rinse the test block with tap water for future use.
• When finished, put the clean test block and all capped reagents in the carrying box and store in a cool, dark place, or wherever your test kit states to store it. Never leave the test kit outside by the pool. Sunlight and moisture can reduce the already short life span of the reagents.
• Repeat all of the above steps during the next test date.