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Q: Do test strips really work?
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A: Yes. Test strips were developed in the medical diagnostic industry in the 1960's. Since that time, they have replaced liquid reagent tests for urine and blood testing. AquaChek Test Strips use that same technology.
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Q: How accurate are they?
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A: Test strips are at minimum comparable in accuracy to liquid color comparator tests. Because AquaChek test strips are more convenient, we believe they actually deliver greater accuracy. They reduce the chances of human error associated with liquid kits, which require measuring samples and counting drops of reagent.
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Q: What information supports the accuracy of test strips?
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A: AquaChek test strips are manufactured and released against standard reference procedures from the 17th Edition of Standard Methods For the Examination of Water and Waste Water.
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Q: Is DPD more accurate?
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A: The DPD test for chlorine can be affected by interferences, such as an over-abundance of monochloramines or potassium monopersulfate (used for shock-treating pools). These can give a false positive reading for free chlorine with the DPD chemistry. Recognized technical studies are available to support these claims. In addition, the DPD test requires careful technique and several steps to get the best test.
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Q: What is the shelf life?
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A: We guarantee we will ship product from our factory with no less than 18 months shelf life (12 months for AquaChek Silver and AquaChek Green). Test strips have at least 18 months dating from the time of manufacture.
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Q: Can more values for each test be added to color charts?
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A: There would not be enough color differentiation between the values. This would make it difficult for the user to make a decision when comparing the test strip to the color patches on the label.
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Q: What is the difference between AquaChek and the other pool and spa test strips available on the market?
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A: AquaChek is the top-selling brand of pool and spa test strips in the world. AquaChek test strips undergo stringent release qualification. Constant monitoring of the manufacturing process ensures that the finest test strips are available for your use. In fact, our company has earned the internationally recognized ISO 9001 certification by following strict quality standards.
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Q: Do I need to test as frequently with test strips?
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A: Yes. We suggest testing both ends of the pool a minimum of 2 times per week, and spas before each use.
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Q: Can test strips be used after the expiration date?
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A: No. Test strips should be discarded when the expiration date on the bottle label is reached. This ensures the user they are getting reliable results.
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Q: Are test strips less accurate after the expiration date?
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A: If the test strips are handled and stored properly, they should give reliable results through the expiration date on the bottle label. It is impossible to determine how reliable the results will be after the expiration date has passed.
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Q: Why do my AquaChek Pool & Spa Test Strips read 0ppm for free chlorine, while my DPD test shows a free chlorine reading?
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A: If there is a high level of combined chlorine in your pool or spa, it is likely the DPD test is showing a false positive for free chlorine and your AquaChek Pool & Spa Test Strips are giving an accurate reading. For more detailed information, please visit the following link to the technical bulletin about test kit differences: http://www.aquachek.com/articles.asp?AID=7&I=1
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Q: The pH pad on my AquaChek Pool & Spa Test Strip turned a bright yellow. What does this mean?
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A: The pH level is very low - it is URGENT to bring the pH back up into the okay range.
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Q: The pH pad on my AquaChek Pool & Spa Test Strip turned purple. What does this mean?
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A: The sanitizer level (chlorine or bromine) is very high. You'll want to bring the sanitizer level down into the okay range, and then retest for pH and Total Alkalinity.
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Q: The Total Alkalinity pad on my AquaChek Pool & Spa Test Strip turned a royal blue color. What does this mean?
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A: There are two possibilities. If your pH pad turned purple as well, the sanitizer level is probably very high. Lower the sanitizer and then retest. If your pH pad did not turn purple, the Total Alkalinity level is high (about 300ppm). Lower the Total Alkalinity and then retest. Remember, if your cyanuric acid level is high, it can contribute up to 1/3 of the Total Alkalinity reading.
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Q: The Total Chlorine or Total Bromine pad on my AquaChek Pool & Spa Test Strip turned brown or orange. What does this mean?
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A: The bromine level or chlorine level is higher than 20ppm and is very high. Remove any bromine tablets from your pool or spa until the level is back in the okay range.
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Q: How do I read the salt level on the AquaChek Pool & Spa Salt Titrators?
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A: Once the completion band at the top turns dark, you want to take the salt reading at the Top of the white peak.
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