Poolmaster 22212 Smart Test 6-Way Swimming Pool and Spa Water Chemistry Test Strips, 50 count,White

I've used these strips for years. They're a great way to get a quick read on your pool chemistry, especially for lazy people like me who don't like to spend the time fussing with water test kits. Just stick the strip in the deep end, swirl around a bit, pull it out and immediately compare against the color chart. Couldn't be easier.When this quick test shows a problem, like low pH, I'll usually break out the full water test kit to get a more accurate reading to determine how to treat the problem. But the vast majority of the time these strips confirm that everything is ok.The date stamped on the tube is about one year from when I received them. About 5 years ago I got a good deal on a small case of tubes and have been using them since. I'm down to the last few strips and noticed that the date code on the old tube is 2013 -- four years ago -- but the strips still work just fine. I even compared a five-year-old strip with a brand new one and they show the exact same readings. So take the "best used by" date with a grain of salt.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Makes taking care of your own pool a lot cheaper than paying someone $150 a month to do what takes a few minutes of your time.

Wait two seconds after submerging, and you have an accurate reading. What more could you want? I have used these for years, with multiple hot tubs at different houses. I keep coming back to these because they check everything you need for a hot tub. The most recent batch though are even better. The plastic is a little less flimsy, and the dye for reading the test seems even a little more vivid. Both are welcome improvements, but they didn't really need any.The reason I keep coming back to these (besides the fact that they are 6-way tests) is that when I take my water sample to the local pool store, I already know what to expect because these test strips are so accurate and easy to read. Like I said earlier, the new dye is an improvements as they did used to be slightly tough to read at times, but with the new dye I have absolutely no issues. It does help to think about what hue you are looking for on each extreme before ever reading the test strip. Then, when reading think about what the hue looks more like and voila - accurate reading when comparing between 2 test colors.Why fix it if it ain't broke? I will not be changing what I use as these are perfect for my needs and am glad I came across them in the first place years ago.

Previously, I used their 4 way test strips and was very happy with their accuracy and ease of use. I thought knowing Total Chlorine and Total Hardness, too, would be even better so I purchased the 6-way. The additional tests have helped me adjust the chemicals in my pool even more efficiently. However, the 4 way test strip colors held up longer while you read them. The colors on this 6-way strip start to fade MUCH faster, so that I have to literally take a paper and pencil and jot them down immediately! By the time I get back into the house they've faded.

These are the most actuate that i have ever used.

These test strips are great. I use them for both our pool and spa. I have not tested them against any other pool test kits as other reviewers have done for accuracy, but I do know that I have a sparkling clean pool and spa using these as a guide for chemical adjustment. I have not found any problems with reading the results if used as directed. Directions are simple...dip, shake once to remove excess water, and read immediately! The strips are approximately 3 1/2" long and the end you hold is 1 1/2" long so they are easy to grasp when reading results. I will definitely purchase again as they are a good price, and I don't have to go searching other stores for them which can be difficult during off season.

Accurate and inexpensive. i have now purchased every kind of test strip available in my local pool stores and several of the ones I've found on Amazon. These are my favorite. The colors on the strips are clear and easy to read, which is a far cry from some of the others on the market. Save your money and BUY THESE STRIPS NOW!!!! For reference, we have a 20,000 gallon, heated, in-ground pool with a Hayward sand filter and in-line chlorinator. Since the chlorinator can be a bit finicky, these strips are a life saver. When the chlorine is too high, add hydrogen peroxide. When it's too low, add bleach or liquid chlorine. Then just let it cruise. Don't get sucked in to the rest of the levels that the pool store will convince you that you need to worry about.

Easy to use and fairly easy to read. 8 yr old grand kid is here for a week this summer, and I put her in charge of testing the pool each morning. She's doing a bang up job so far. A little unsure on some of the matches to the swatches on the container, but that's the nature of the technology. Would buy again.