Pool and Spa (Hot Tub) Test Strips Home Test Instructions
Note: A PDF version of this document is available; this HTML page contains the same information as that found within the PDF: Pool and Spa (Hot Tub) Test Strips Home Test Instructions Fact Sheet - PDF [PDF - 1 page].
Reminder - please follow all manufacturer recommendations when utilizing and storing test strips for pool or spa chlorine testing. Be sure to check the expiration date on the packaging before you buy them.
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 an 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
Amounts and Readings | Container 1 | Container 2 | Container 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Amount of Tap Water | At least 1 cup | At least 6 cups | At least 6 cups |
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 |
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- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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