Testing Swimming Pool Water Test Strips

Professional Lines presents Joe Sweazy Environmental Test Systems, Inc.

History of Test Strips

Late 1950s first modern test strip used to detect glucose in urine (urinalysis) Early 1960s development of strips for serum and blood analysis Today test strips are the most frequently used test method for blood glucose testing and urinalysis Ames division of Miles - other applications for test strips, including pool and spa strips developed in early 1980s

Test Strip Technology is not unique to the Pool and Spa Industry
Medical Food Quality Aquarium Agricultural Automotive Water Quality Forensics Metallurgy

Why Test Strips?

Many same chemical reactions as liquid kits Convenience

Faster More Tests Easier

Accuracy Economical

Save Time and Money

How We See Color

Varying Value (Lightness).

Several HUES with varying saturation.

Changes in hue are easier to distinguish!

Convenience
Test Strips for Pool Water Analysis - A close look
This test Strip measures all of the following parameters with a simple dip, remove and note the resulting color. pH

Total Dissolved Solids Test Strip consists of: - Plastic handle - Reacting Pads

Cyanuric Acid

Reacting Pads consist of: - Absorbent pad for sample uptake - Chemicals for color reactions - Chemicals for long shelf life - Chemicals for long use life

Total Alkalinity

Free Chlorine

Test strips are far more scientific than most people realize, but we take care of the science for you.

Total Chlorine

Total Hardness

Convenience
Most tests completed in 15 to 45 seconds. As many as 7 different tests can be included on one test strip Anyone can use test strips Small container size to store and transport No mess - no clean up

Simple activation and use. To use, we dip the strip and match reacted colors to reference blocks ...
Test Strip

Directions:
Dip strips into the water for one second, remove. Hold strip level for 15 seconds. Compare pad to color chart.

Good Low

15

30

50

ACCURACY
Test strips can be as accurate as any other testing method Independence of user technique makes test strips accurate for wide range of users General rule of thumb concerning accuracy for test strips - accurate to within 1/2 color block

ACCURACY/PRECISION
Test strips require color distinction between reference color blocks that is obvious to a user with normal color acuity. This means that all of the concentration increments available with other methods are not practical for visually read strips Color Blocks developed at critical levels to allow the user to make meaningful decisions on treatment options

Ensure Accuracy
Ideal storage conditions - low humidity at room temperature
40C ( 104F ) at least 6 to 8 weeks 50C ( 122F ) at least 4 to 5 weeks Cap tightly sealed with desiccant in bottle

Handle strips with dry fingers Follow directions precisely

Evidence of Accuracy
onBalance Research Study Summarized in Service Industry News

1000 Pools in the Arizona and Southern California area Test strips compared to liquids and both compared to ASTM lab methods Test strips were found to be as accurate as liquids, and in some cases even better Quotes from the SIN article:

Test strips were quick to use, easy to use and easy to teach someone to use Based on Research results, onBalance reports that they have begun purchasing test strips for their firms use Not all strips are equal an ongoing problem with cross contamination from pad to pad with Test Strip B.

Evidence of Accuracy
CDC Recommends consumers use test strips to verify sanitizer and pH levels are sufficient to protect bathers

PLEA s - http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/general_pub.htm

This is a way in which consumers can monitor the pool they are visiting and take action if they choose. Being able to measure the chlorine yourself is a chance for consumers to have a say in how the public pools and spas they visit are maintained, says Dr. Michael Beach, Team Leader, Water and Environment Activity, Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases. These simple and inexpensive test strips confirm the water contains enough disinfectant or not. It wont be long before all mothers and fathers will have test strips in their pool bag right beside the goggles, sunscreen, and towels, says Thomas M. Lachocki, CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation.

Evidence of Accuracy
A comparison of ion chromatography, a colorimetric assay and a test kit for measuring the nitrate content of well water showed that, despite considerable differences among methods, results were generally in good agreement. Inexpensive, easy to use test strips offer a definite advantage when analysis facilities and/or time are limited.

Department of Food Science and Agronomy, Purdue University

Economical
Multiple parameter test strips will cost about as much as all replacement reagents needed to do the same tests Huge savings in time and therefore money New users require little or no training to use the test strips

Test Strips Available

Free and Total Chlorine Bromine Biguanide Monopersulfate Cyanuric Acid pH Total Alkalinity Salt High Range Free Chlorine Hardness Iron Copper Nitrate Nitrite Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Borate Hydrogen Peroxide

AquaChek Professional Service Kit

Test 16 Chemistries with one kit Save valuable time in testing Meets regulatory requirements FAS DPD Waterproof treatment guide Special Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Temperature difference Expiration dates Different results with liquid kit and test strips - FACTS

AquaChek Pool and Spa Strips

Quick test
Accurate Easy to use Convenient for service and pool owner Double check other testing methods