Test with accuracy

Are test strips accurate?

This is a very common question we are asked in the store. The answer is yes they are very accurate in fact I think the only reason we question it is because we are all so use to seeing liquid test kits used. Take a moment and consider that test strips are used all the time for medical test results, diabetic's use them constantly with out any question to there accuracy.

Here is the catch though we have found some import brands test strips to be a little off and don't offer a very good scale to compare the results with. We strongly suggest you stick with known trusted brands we prefer Aquachek. Additionally how you test and where you store your test strips is super important. To start store your test strip bottle inside the house not out side with the chemicals. Test strips, as with liquid reagents, are very sensitive to temperature and storing them outside can often cause them to go bad. Along with temperature the UV from the sun can negatively affect the strips. Additionally double check the expiration of the strips printed typically on the bottom of the bottle or near the UPC code.

Proper testing is equally important which is as simple as following the directions. Often this is where customers go wrong either they just grab a strip dip in swish it around and then compare the colors or they do what the instructions of another brand told them to do. Different strips have different instructions and take the minute to read them before testing and you will a quick accurate result.

You can take your testing to the next level by using a TruTest Meter from aquachek. This meter will quickly and super accurately read your test strip giving you results that are simply unmatched. We use a very similar meter in the store for all our testing, frankly the only difference is ours reads more types of test and is directly tied into our computer but the concept is the exact same.

A final note there are a few apps on the market right now for reading test strips and then giving you the results and a to do list. We have test everyone of them from the free to the paid one and at this point we have not found one the is consist ant and accurate. We strongly recommend against these apps for the time being but are sure that sometime hopefully soon this is something that will work.

We do have a $10.00 off coupon for the trutest reader on our website if you would like to try it.

Have a question about swimming pool testing or the results in general drop us a note or post your question, others may have a similar question.