Using Pool and Spa Test Strips
Reminder - please follow all manufacturer recommendations when utilizing and storing test strips for pool or spa chlorine testing.
Testing the strips at home before visiting the pool can help you learn how to properly use and read them.
In order to test at home, you will need:
- 3 containers
- 13 cups of regular tap water
- 3 drops of liquid chlorine bleach *please note that if bleach is more than 3 months old, it may be too old to provide and accurate test
Allow tap to run for about 2 minutes
- Fill container 1 with 1 cup of water
- Fill containers 2 and 3 with 6 cups of water each
- Add 1 drop of liquid chlorine bleach to container 2
- Add 2 drops of liquid chlorine bleach to container 3
- Test each container of water utilizing the strips and the manufacturer's instructions
- Read test strips and compare to chart below
Instructions for free chlorine test strips at home
| Amounts and Readings | Container 1 | Container 2 | Container 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amount of Tap Water | At least 1 cup | At least 6 cup | At least 6 cup |
| Amount of Bleach to Add | None | 1 drop | 2 drops |
| Amount of Free Chlorine Predicted | 0 to <1 ppm | 2-3 ppm | 4-5 ppm |
| Your Average Reading |
Content Source: Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-borne, and Enteric Diseases
Page last modified: April 30, 2007
Page last modified: April 30, 2007