Hi all! I'm so frustrated because I can't balance my pool water. I have an 18ft X 48 in Intex Easy Set pool. I have bought 2 different types of pool testing strips. Both brands tell me my alkalinity and pH are way too high. However, when I take a sample of pool water to pool store, their results say my alkalinity and pH are way too low. How do I know which results are correct?
Inconsistent Pool Test Strip Results
- Thread starter tiffwebb158
- Start date
- Jul 3, 2013
- 9,027
- Pool Size
- 15000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool SJ-40
welcome to TFP 
Do not trust both of those, they are all guessing... Get you a great test kit and know exactly what your pool water is doing... You and your family deserve the best clearest pool water..
www.troublefreepool.com
Do not trust both of those, they are all guessing... Get you a great test kit and know exactly what your pool water is doing... You and your family deserve the best clearest pool water..
Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared
What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!
www.troublefreepool.com
Thank you!! Should I trust my pool supply store? I have ordered an at home testing kit, but it won't be here for a few days. If I go by my pool stores full recommendations, do you think it'll be safe for my son to finally get in the pool? He wants to get in it so bad, but I have no clue what levels the chemicals are in my pool because of the inconsistencies. I have added the alkalinity increaser as they recommended , and am gonna add the gallon of liquid stabilizer, along with a gallon of liquid chlorine tonight. (This is my first year owning a pool and tbh, I'm quite frustrated with the whole process. It's so overwhelming!) I appreciate your feedback.
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,813
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Test strips and pool store results are inaccurate and inconsistent.
Right now, you have no way to know the actual levels.
Hopefully you ordered one of the recommended testkits.... Test Kits Compared
Right now, you have no way to know the actual levels.
Hopefully you ordered one of the recommended testkits.... Test Kits Compared
The only thing I would trust on the pool store test is that you have ZERO chlorine, therefore it is not safe for anyone to go into the water. You need to get the chlorine value up and if you want to follow the TFP methodology then purchase one of the preferred test kits noted by others and also follow the FC/CYA Levels. That will ensure you have sanitized water plus with a proper test kit you can balance all the components and not spend hundreds of dollars at the pool store.
There are thousands of people that have great pools following the TFP process on pool water balancing. Hope you can join the group.
Saturn94
Bronze Supporter
- Mar 11, 2015
- 1,864
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Unfortunately, pool store testing is unreliable as well. If you take the same water sample to 3 different pool stores, you will like get 3 different results with 3 different recommendations.
The test kits and care methods recommended here are known to be consistent and accurate enough to successfully manage your pool at MUCH lower cost than pool store methods.
Until you get your test kit, I would recommend you just add liquid chlorine.