I've had a pool for many many years. And now have a hot tub. At first I started using the strips supplied by my dealer. I also got a test kit which was given to me by a friend who no longer has a tub when he moved to a new house. (Although I think that he will get another one soon).
I find that I am so comfortable with my water management that I no longer test at home. I can look and feel the water and more or less know where it is at. I do get my water tested on a monthly basis at my dealers and adjust whatever needs to be adjusted which is usually very minimal.
I know that this method is not for everyone, but for me it works very well.