Test Kits

Note: A newer and more up-to-date version of this article can be found here.

This Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies video will show you how to use water testing kits, specifically the DPD Deluxe Test Kit from Taylor.

• Test kits give you readings on your pool’s pH, total alkalinity, and sanitizer
• Before collecting a water sample, let your pump run for at least one hour
• Take your water sample from 12” to 18” below the surface
• When adding reagents to your water sample, hold the reagent bottle vertical, and add drops slowly
• Your pool’s pH should be between 7.4 – 7.6
• Your pool’s chlorine reading should range between 1 – 3 ppm
• Your pool’s alkalinity level should be between 80 – 120 ppm
• Store your test kit in a cool, dry place, and pay attention to the expiration date.

If you have any other questions about testing your water, visit Water Testing, or go to lesliespool.com

Video transcription:

Hi, I'm Peter with Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies and this video will teach you how to use a water testing kit. During the swim season, we suggest you test your water at least 2 times per week. Test Kits use reagents to react with the sample of your pool water to give you a reading of your pool’s pH, total alkalinity and sanitizer like chlorine and bromine.

We recommend the DPD Deluxe Test Kit from Taylor. It's the perfect test kit for people who want to test their water at home. Before you collect your water samples let your pool pump run for at least 1 hour then rinse the water sample bottle and testing vial with pool water. Try to take your sample from 12 to 18 inches below the surface of the water for a more precise measurement.

When adding reagents to your water sample hold the reagent bottle vertical to the test vial to ensure uniform drop-size and get the most accurate test readings. To measure your pool waters pH, fill the larger side of the test vial to the top line then add five drops of reagent r4. Place the cap on the test vial and gently invert to mix the sample. Compare the color of the test sample to the color guide on the test vial. Your pool’s pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6.

Next you want to measure the chlorine in the water, fill the smaller side of the test vial to the top line and add five drops of reagent r1 and five drops of reagent r2 to the test sample. Place the cap on the test vial and gently invert to mix the sample. Again compare the color of the test sample to the color guide on the test vial. Your chlorine reading should be between 1 and 3 parts per million.

Finally, you should test your pool’s total alkalinity. Rinse the large test vial with pool water and then fill the vial to the middle line, 25 millilitres. Add two drops of reagent r7 and then five drops of reagent r8. Swirl the sample to mix. The test solution should turn green. Now slowly add reagent r9 one drop at a time swirling the mixture, keeping count as you go. Stop adding drops when the test solution changes from green to red. The ideal range for most pools on total alkalinity is between 80 to 120 parts-per-million.

Be sure to always follow label instructions on the test kit and add the reagents to the water slowly. Water test should be completed before you add any chemicals to your pool. Also pool chemicals can take up to a day to have their full effect. When you're not using the test kit, store it in a cool dry place to help keep the equipment and reagents in good condition and pay close attention to the product’s expiration date. In addition to testing your water at home, you should bring a sample to one of our stores every two weeks for a free test and analysis.

If you have any other questions about water testing kits, call or visit your local Leslies store. For more videos & pool care tips visit our website.