How It Works

Testing Guide

Learn how to use PCM pool and spa test strips in three simple steps: just dip, wait, and compare to read your water chemistry accurately in minutes.

Simple 3-Step Process

How to Use PCM Test Strips

Click any product below to read its specific step-by-step testing instructions right here. Just dip, wait, and compare to get accurate pool and spa water results in minutes.

1

Dip

Submerge all testing pads in pool or spa water for 2 seconds.

2

Wait

Remove the strip and hold it horizontally for 15 seconds. Do not shake.

3

Read

Compare against the color chart and read immediately for accurate results.

Important tips:
Handle with dry fingers
Read in natural light
Store in a cool, dry place
Close lid tightly after each use
Warning about test strip use during measurement Situations that can affect the accuracy of results

To obtain reliable measurements with test strips, it is important to keep the following situations in mind, as certain water parameter levels can alter the results:

  1. Excess chlorine

    It is very important to avoid excessively high chlorine levels in the water. Excess chlorine can alter the colouring of the different pads on the test strip and, as a result, affect the interpretation of the remaining parameters. For a correct measurement, we recommend testing with a chlorine level within normal values.

  2. Low alkalinity levels

    Alkalinity that is too low can affect the accuracy of the pH measurement. Under these conditions, the test strip may indicate a pH level lower than the actual one. If the alkalinity pad shows a yellow colour, indicating very low alkalinity, the pH result may also be affected. To guarantee a more reliable measurement, we recommend keeping alkalinity above 70 ppm.

  3. Low alkalinity levels and cyanuric acid measurement

    Low alkalinity levels can also cause incorrect results in the cyanuric acid (chlorine stabiliser) measurement. When low alkalinity is combined with a pH below 7.2, there is a high probability that the stabiliser result will be unreliable or incorrect.

Recommendation

Before interpreting the test strip results, make sure the water parameters are within the recommended levels or, at the very least, that there are no significant excesses or deficits of the elements analysed. This helps minimise possible interference and obtain more accurate, more reliable measurements.