Swimming pool testing kit - which one to go for?

[Hereward]

Moved house end of last year. House has an outdoor pool that we're now readying for Summer.

Just about figured out the chemicals and the filtering/backwashing technicalities, but need to buy a testing kit. Bit overwhelmed by the selection on the 'net. Can anyone recommend a good quality testing kit? Thanks.

[jeff m]

I use test strips.
I have used the sample things were you add five drops in one. two drops in the other, but I really prefer the strips for everyday use.

I suggest testing everyday until the pool is clear and sparkling (and until you get the hang of it)
So many people xxxx up pool maint. I have neighbours whose pools I would not swim in !
It's really simple, just get your total akalinity to the correct level, adjust PH, then maintain correct sanitiser level, boost when needed.

Check Alk and PH after heavy rain.

You may need additional chemicals for initial set up depending on the pool. Gunite, tile, vinyl etc.
I avoid clarrifiers in my pool as they tend to gel up stuff in the filtre but lots of people use them, personal choice really.

ETA I don't use clarrifiers because I have a D/E filtre, I assume yours is sand.

Edited by jeff m on Sunday 25th April 00:45

[JohnP68]

I bought one of these several years ago and although it's not cheap, it does take the guesswork out of reading the normal strips:

http://www.deependpools.co.uk/store/ecom-prodshow/...

It also memorises recent readings, which is useful for spotting trends etc. I haven't used the manual ones since.

[qureshia]

we use the two diff tablets as in the orange kit, as below

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pool-Test-Kit,-Chlorine,-Ph,...

[REESER]

I have used this ECOsmarte system which eliminates the need for chemicals so essentially you are swimming in spring water.I researched this topic pretty thoroughly before hand.
I looked into salt systems but you still need to use chemicals with the salt systems. Also instead of sand to backwash glass media is much better finer grade than sand and last much much longer.
Basically i wanted to be chemical free which this system has allowed me to be.
Ive got to say i am very impressed with this system and have had no issues at all in the last 2 years.
This was the company i used http://www.aquasafe-uk.com/ecosmart.html and ive got to say service was second to none and they offer a fitting service to.