Problems with Test Strips

We only sell high quality tried and tested products.  There are any number of reasons why you may get false readings with both test strips and re-agent testing.  Balancing pool and spa water can sometimes be complicated and occasionally problems might occur with parameters beyond the scope of what can be controlled by a basic test strips and the most commonly used chemicals such as chlorine and pH.

If certain aspects of water maintenance are ignored, testing can become frustrating.  If you experience problems, please consult us or check the following:

Total Alkalinity
If your Total Alkalinity becomes too high your pH readings will also become erratic.  The actual pH levels will also 'bounce around'.  If TA is too high, first deal with this before attempting to test for pH and Chlorine levels and getting a reading will be impossible.  This is the most common problem with test strips, and most people tend to keep adding pH balancers to no effect.

Incorrect pH levels
If your pH is not correctly balanced first, chlorine or other sanitisers will become less effective.  A common mistake is for people to keep adding chlorine to the point where the levels are so high that bleaching of the test strip occurs giving a pale reading on the lower end of the scale!  First address your pH levels.  When this is correct, test and dose for chlorine levels.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
This is the total amount of particles of any kind that you have in your water.  If this becomes too high testing and dosing of chemicals will become inefective and a complete/partial change of water may be required.  The problem with TDS is it is beyond the scope of test strips or photometer equipment, and rarely addressed.  Consider purchasing a TDS meter to ensure levels do not rise above 1500 ppm.

We provide a full water testing analysis server via samples sent to us by post.  We can test your water for over 15 extra parameters in addition to the 5 generally found on test strips, all of which could alert you to various problems.  This service is free to our chemical customers, and further to our analysis we will provide you with a complete report and diagnosis detailing the steps and adjustments necessary to restore perfect balance.

However, if you are not completely satisfied we offer a full "30 day no-nonsense moneyback guarantee".

For any questions, please feel free to email us or call our chemical and testing helpline on 08700 763 882

3 Way Bromine Test Strips £6.95 RRP: £9.95 | Save: £3.00 Quantity  More by Blue Horizons	3 Way Chlorine Test Strips £6.95 RRP: £9.95 | Save: £3.00 Quantity  More by Blue Horizons	5 Way Test Strips (Chlorine and Bromine)  £4.25 - £4.95  Quantity  More by QualAqua	6 Way Test Strips (Chlorine and Bromine) £9.95 RRP: £12.95 | Save: £3.00 Quantity  More by Blue Horizons
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AquaChek Test Strips (Bromine) £10.20 RRP: £12.95 | Save: £2.75 Quantity  More by AquaChek	AquaChek Test Strips (Chlorine) £10.20 RRP: £12.95 | Save: £2.75 Quantity  More by AquaChek
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10 X DPD1 - Chlorine Test Tablets £1.00 Quantity  More by Palintest	10 X Phenol Red - pH Test Tablets £1.00 Quantity  More by Palintest	100 X DPD1 - Chlorine Test Tablets £7.95 RRP: £8.40 | Save: £0.45 Quantity  More by Palintest	100 X Phenol Red - pH Test Tablets £7.95 Quantity  More by Palintest
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250 X DPD1 - Chlorine Test Tablets £11.20 RRP: £12.00 | Save: £0.80 Quantity  More by Palintest	250 X Phenol Red - pH Test Tablets £11.20 Quantity  More by Palintest	30 X DPD1 - Chlorine Test Tablets £2.80 Quantity  More by Palintest	30 X Phenol Red - pH Test Tablets £2.80 Quantity  More by Palintest
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