Cheap test for Metal ?

[aswetich]

With the economy so bad in Michigan many pool stores have closed so I don't have anyplace close to have my water tested for metals. Are there any somewhat inexpensive test for metals ?

 

[257WbyMag]

I'm looking at the Taylor website and I don't see anything that I would classify as cheap, per se. Most are the single analyte tests anyway. The K-1264 is probably the best for pool water metal analysis since it tests for both iron and copper, our usual suspects, but it is $91.60. That's quite spendy for something that you will likely use once.

 

[PaulR]

When I asked Leslies to test for metals once, they hauled out strips. Another time I found a package at Home Depot that had strips for iron, copper, and a few others, for very cheap. I think to check whether you have metals at all, that might be enough.
--paulr

 

[257WbyMag]

When I asked Leslies to test for metals once, they hauled out strips. Another time I found a package at Home Depot that had strips for iron, copper, and a few others, for very cheap. I think to check whether you have metals at all, that might be enough.
--paulr

That could be a cheaper option. I guess that all you really need to know is whether you have metals or not and this could fit the bill. I also wonder if maybe aquarium supply places might have something as well. I even bought an ammonia test kit from a pet store once for fairly cheap.

 

[JasonLion]

AquaChek makes iron and copper test strips. The iron strips cost around $25, while copper strips are around $15 (both Internet prices). I never tried them, so I have no idea how precise they are.

 

[aswetich]

Thanks Everyone.. Since I probably will only need to test twice a year I may go ahead and drive whatever it takes to have it tested.