How to Test Pool Water: Liquid Reagent vs Test Strips – Which Is More Accurate? – INYOPools.com

In today’s episode of Poolside Chat, Rob and Matt tackle another common swimming pool question:

• Which pool water test method is more accurate, liquid reagent or test strips?

Both methods are adequate options for water testing. You can’t go wrong with either, as long as you have an idea of your chemistry levels; that’s the important part. Selecting the best pool test kit is crucial for accurate results.

But the question is, which is more accurate? And without a doubt, the liquid reagent test kit provides more accurate results. Liquid test kits give you precise readings because you’re using undiluted reagents directly with your water sample, ensuring accurate results every time. Liquid test kits are preferred among pool professionals for their accuracy.

Strips and liquid tests use similar chemicals, but the strips’ reagents are soaked into those trademark felt squares. Those squares create an intermediary between the reagent and your water sample, adding an element that could foul the test results. Test strips are easy to use for quick checks of various chemical levels.

Plus, liquid reagents maintain their integrity longer… while test strips are prone to degradation over time, leading to inconsistent readings. Bad strips lead to bad results. I personally use The Taylor K2005 liquid reagent water test kit to keep my pool balanced. This pool test kit is highly recommended for its precision and ease of use. It only takes a couple of minutes and it’s very easy to use.