TEST STRIPS: Test strips are paper strips that contain certain dyes, which will change color once added to your pool water. These colors will correlate with a color chart on the bottle, which will show if a chemical is low, in range, or high. Most test strips will test for your chosen:

• sanitizer/disinfectant/oxidizer (chlorine, bromine, or any alternative)
• pH,
• Alkalinity

These are the three main areas that must be tested regularly at the poolside. Test strips are very easy to use, but since there are so many manufacturers of test strips, it is impossible for poolmanual.com to list the color variations for each manufacturer. Therefore, we recommend that you visit your local pool professionals to discuss procedures that apply to the brand of test strips that they sell. While you are there, it is also a good idea to take in a water sample and have them test your chemicals on the computer.

HOW TO USE TEST STRIPS: Here is a guideline for the use of test strips. The following guideline, combined with the manufacturer specific instructions on the bottle of your test strips, will provide accurate and telling results:

• Always take one test from the bottle and then reseal the bottle immediately to prevent unwanted water contact and to retain freshness.
• Put the test strip between your thumb and pointer finger and extend your hand and arm into the pool water at least 18" below the surface. Secure yourself on the pool deck and be careful not to fall into the pool.
• Keep the test strip underwater for as long as your instructions note. It is usually anywhere from 2-10 seconds, but read your instructions to make sure.
• Hold the test strip out of the water for as long as your instructions note.
• Compare the colors of the test strip to the color chart (and its corresponding numeric value) on the bottle.
• If the colors of the test strip and the color chart on the bottle match the ideal ranges, then congratulations-your water is in balance.
• If the colors of the test strip and the color chart on the bottle 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, store the tightly sealed bottle of test strips in a cool, dark place, or wherever your test strips state to store them. Never leave the test strips outside by the pool. Sunlight and moisture can reduce the already short life span of test strips.
• Repeat all the above steps during the next test date.