Test kit question (shying away from Taylor)

[Chops1857]

Hey,

I’ve tried using the search feature, but haven’t gotten a solid answer. I am leery of using the Taylor system as it seems a bit complex and when I am at the lake house I usually have my little kids with me and I’m only there for limited amounts of time. Inverting test tubes and adding additional reagents?! Ain’t nobody got time fo’ that!

Seriously though, I need something pretty quick that I can do with my kid climbing on my back so she can participate and “help.” Is the Aquachek system pretty solid? What’s considered the most reliable strip kit? I get it, it won’t be the best. So long as it is decent and I can use the tub withoutlooking like one of the Nazis at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark, I’m happy (not to suggest there is ever a time where I would be happy to look like a Nazi!)

[Chops1857]

Woah! Is this thing legit?

https://hottubwarehouse.com/collections/hot-tub-testing-supplies/products/lamotte-colorq-pro-test-kit-2056

[wmccall]

Hey,

I’ve tried using the search feature, but haven’t gotten a solid answer. I am leery of using the Taylor system as it seems a bit complex and when I am at the lake house I usually have my little kids with me and I’m only there for limited amounts of time. Inverting test tubes and adding additional reagents?! Ain’t nobody got time fo’ that!

Seriously though, I need something pretty quick that I can do with my kid climbing on my back so she can participate and “help.” Is the Aquachek system pretty solid? What’s considered the most reliable strip kit? I get it, it won’t be the best. So long as it is decent and I can use the tub withoutlooking like one of the Nazis at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark, I’m happy (not to suggest there is ever a time where I would be happy to look like a Nazi!)

I use the Aquacheck meter and test strips for years and am happy with it.   It might be something about my vision, but I haven't seen a test strip or test tube where I can read PH well repeatedly.  The meter gives me a consistent reading.

[bradleyabell]

https://www.amazon.com/Poolmaster-22211-Swimming-Chemistry-Strips/dp/B001E6E9PG/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=spa+test+strip&qid=1560254053&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I use these...only $7 for a 50 pack.  Works great for me.

[Chops1857]

Hey Wmccall,

I like to looks of the Aquachek. I see it tests for free chlorine and bromine. I am likely going with a sodium bromide system so I will not be producing chlorine. Will this system work for me? Will I need something to test for free bromine or are free bromine and free chlorine interchangeable?

[Sam]

Hey Wmccall,

I like to looks of the Aquachek. I see it tests for free chlorine and bromine. I am likely going with a sodium bromide system so I will not be producing chlorine. Will this system work for me? Will I need something to test for free bromine or are free bromine and free chlorine interchangeable?

Bromine doesn't get tied up like chlorine does (not as bad) so you don't test for free bromine.  You just test total bromine which those strips do so they will work fine for you.