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Pool and Spa (Hot Tub) Test Strips Home Test Instructions

Note: A PDF version of this document is available; this HTML page contains the same information as that found within the PDF: Pool and Spa (Hot Tub) Test Strips Home Test Instructions Fact Sheet - PDF [PDF - 1 page].

Reminder - please follow all manufacturer recommendations when utilizing and storing test strips for pool or spa chlorine testing. Be sure to check the expiration date on the packaging before you buy them.

Testing the strips at home before visiting the pool can help you learn how to properly use and read them.

In order to test at home, you will need:

3 containers
13 cups of regular tap water
3 drops of liquid chlorine bleach *please note that if bleach is more than 3 months old, it may be too old to provide an accurate test

Allow tap to run for about 2 minutes

Fill container 1 with 1 cup of water
Fill containers 2 and 3 with 6 cups of water each
Add 1 drop of liquid chlorine bleach to container 2
Add 2 drops of liquid chlorine bleach to container 3
Test each container of water utilizing the strips and the manufacturer's instructions
Read test strips and compare to chart below

Chart for Using Free Chlorine Test Strips at Home
Amounts and Readings	Container 1	Container 2	Container 3
Amount of Tap Water	At least 1 cup	At least 6 cups	At least 6 cups
Amount of Bleach to Add	None	1 drop	2 drops
Amount of Free Chlorine Predicted	0 to <1 ppm	2-3 ppm	4-5 ppm
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