Acid does not register on my test strips

[flymike]

I check my pool regularly with test strips, and occasionally take a water sample for testing to my local pool store.
While the pool is balanced as verified by both test strips and water sample, the various brands of test strips I have used never show a reliable acid level - that is, the sample color never matches any of the colors depicted for different acid levels. Further, my pool store does not measure acid level.
So I never know what my acid level actually is.
When pH does get high, I can successfully bring it down by adding acid, so this is not a big problem.
But I'm curious why I'm not able to get a reliable acid level reading.

 

[JamesW]

But I'm curious why I'm not able to get a reliable acid level reading.

What is an acid level?

Do you mean acid demand?

Do you mean cyanuric acid?

Do you mean total acidity?

 

[JamesW]

In any case, we recommend that you get a good test kit and not use test strips or rely on the pool store tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

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tftestkits.net

 

[JamesW]

Pool School

www.troublefreepool.com

PoolMath

FC/CYA Levels

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FC/CYA Levels

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[JamesW]

ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry

There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.

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What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

www.troublefreepool.com

Recommended Pool Chemicals

Which should I buy? TFP's recommended pool chemicals are cheap, easy, and won't unbalance your pool water.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Newdude]

+1.

(And Welcome Mike !!!)

 

[Jimrahbe]

Mike,

The only "acid" reading that I have seen on test strips is for CYA or Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer).

This has nothing to do with the Muriatic Acid that you would use to lower your pH.

We call test strips, "guess" strips as guessing has about the same accuracy.

Tell us more...

Thanks,

Jim R.