Best Overall
Taylor Technology Complete Test Kit
- This complete kit lets you test for a wide variety of chemicals as well as water hardness and alkalinity.
This complete kit lets you test for a wide variety of chemicals as well as water hardness and alkalinity.
- All the components could overwhelm beginners.
All the components could overwhelm beginners.
Taylor Technology’s K-2006 Complete Test Kit earned our number-one spot because of its reputation for accurate results. By using a combination of titration (reagent chemicals) and color match tests to find out the levels of chemicals present in the water, the test helps you keep your pool balanced.
The test kit is comprehensive and lets you test for free chlorine (the amount of chlorine available to kill off bacteria), total chlorine, pH, acid and base demand, hardness, total alkalinity, and stabilizers.
In addition to the reagent set you get a printed color chart and a waterproof guide, plus a circular water treatment chart to help you adjust the chemicals where needed. We also like that the instruction guide on the inside of the carry case is color-coded to match the colors of the reagent bottle lids for easy reference.
If you're new to pool maintenance, this may not be the best pool test kit for you as it can be a bit overwhelming to use given the number of components. But, if you are already familiar with pool water chemistry and know your way around tests, this kit offers plenty of benefits. It’s also compatible with the brand’s app, superTREAT.
Product Details: Test Type: Drops | Pool Type: Chlorine | Parameters Tested: Free chlorine, total chlorine, pH, acid and base demand, hardness, total alkalinity, stabilizers
Key Terms to Know
- FAC: Free Available Chlorine (FAC) is the amount of chlorine in the water that is available to be sanitized and disinfected.
- pH: pH levels are used to determine how acidic or basic a pool's water is.
Best Budget
U.S. Pool Supply Standard 3-Way Swimming Pool and Spa Test Kit
- The simple test kit is an extremely user-friendly way to test the pH, chlorine, and bromine levels in your pool.
The simple test kit is an extremely user-friendly way to test the pH, chlorine, and bromine levels in your pool.
- It’s one of the few pool test kits on our list that has no accompanying app.
It’s one of the few pool test kits on our list that has no accompanying app.
Although the U.S. Pool Supply Standard 3-Way Swimming Pool and Spa Test Kit is pretty basic and doesn’t come with tons of bells and whistles, we still think it’s the best one to buy if you need to test your pool or hot tub for chlorine, bromine, and pH levels on a budget.
Each kit comes with two ½ ounce liquid dropper bottles and a water testing block with a color measuring chart for checking chemical levels. There is also a user guide, so you’ll know exactly how to do a proper pool test.
When you’re ready to start, fill the test tubes with pool water and add a few drops of the solution you want to test for. Then put the cap on the test tube and gently shake it. After a few minutes, check the results to see if your pool is safe to swim in.
Unlike higher-priced test kits, it doesn’t offer suggestions about what you can do to adjust your pool water’s chemistry. Also, this is one of the only pool test kits on this list that does not come with a smart app to download.
Product Details: Test Type: Drops | Pool Type: Chlorine | Parameters Tested: pH, chlorine, bromine
Best Splurge
LaMotte ColorQ 2X
- The built-in LCD screen and clear instructions make it easy for both beginners and experienced pool owners to use and interpret results.
The built-in LCD screen and clear instructions make it easy for both beginners and experienced pool owners to use and interpret results.
- The testing process can be more time-consuming than using strips, but the accuracy and comprehensive results are worth the extra effort for many pool owners.
The testing process can be more time-consuming than using strips, but the accuracy and comprehensive results are worth the extra effort for many pool owners.
The LaMotte 2086 ColorQ 2X Pro 7 Digital Pool Water Test Kit is pricey compared to other options, but its features and precision make it well worth the investment.
The test kit provides digital readouts for seven key water quality parameters, including free chlorine, total chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid. The built-in LCD screen displays the results, so you don’t have to worry about color matching.
It comes with a storage case and detailed instructions, making it easy to use. You can also visit the LaMotte website or download LaMotte’s WaterLink Solutions app to see what the parameters should be for your pool type, manage records, store results, and build a treatment plan based on your results.
Although the initial cost is high and the actual process of testing the water can be time-consuming, consumers report that this test kit provides consistent, accurate results, saving them hundreds in chemical costs.
Product Details: Test Type: Digital | Pool Type: Chlorine | Parameters Tested: Free chlorine, total chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid
Best Digital
Leslie’s AccuBlue Home Digital Pool Water Tester
- It provides accurate test results for up to 10 water parameters in just one minute, and the results can be sent directly to your phone.
It provides accurate test results for up to 10 water parameters in just one minute, and the results can be sent directly to your phone.
- The tester requires a $50 monthly subscription to access all its features.
The tester requires a $50 monthly subscription to access all its features.
If you’re looking for a digital pool test kit that’s easy to use and has store-quality accuracy, Leslie’s AccuBlue Home Digital Pool Water Tester is a reliable and convenient option. The tester is so advanced that you can bring it to the store and they’ll be able to pull up your pool's exact water quality information.
Plus, you can test up to 10 water parameters and get results sent to your phone in just one minute. Connect it to the brand’s app to track your pool's water chemistry over time and find the right chemicals to fix any issues.
The downside is that this pick requires a $50 monthly subscription and only five water testing disks are included (they’re $6.99 for a pack of five). But if you have a pool, hot tub, or spa that requires frequent testing, this digital testing kit will save you time and money in the long run.
Product Details: Test Type: Digital | Pool Type: Chlorine | Parameters Tested: Free chlorine, total chlorine, bromine, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, metals (copper and iron), phosphates, and salt
Best for Saltwater
TF Test Kits TF-PRO SALT with SmartStir Test Kit
- The SmartStir magnetic stirring device automatically mixes samples for more accurate results.
The SmartStir magnetic stirring device automatically mixes samples for more accurate results.
- The R-0870 powder (DPD powder) is sensitive to moisture and may clump if not stored properly. However, if the color remains unchanged, you can usually break up the clumps and continue using it.
The R-0870 powder (DPD powder) is sensitive to moisture and may clump if not stored properly. However, if the color remains unchanged, you can usually break up the clumps and continue using it.
If you have a saltwater pool, hot tub, or aquarium, the TF-PRO SALT with SmartStir Test Kit has everything you need to ensure your water is properly maintained and balanced. It comes with a waterproof storage case, instructions, a tip sheet, and four AA batteries.
The kit includes eight tests—salt, total chlorine, free chlorine, pH, calcium hardness, alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and combined chloramines. You can buy optional add-ons like borate test strips or the SLAM option, which might be helpful if you have an algae issue or other water problems.
It also uses reagents from Taylor Technologies, our top pick for pool test kit brand overall. However, like any test kit, proper handling and storage are essential for accurate results.
The R-0870 powder (DPD powder) is moisture-sensitive and may clump if not stored properly. If this happens, you can break up the clumps and use the powder if its color remains unchanged. Also note the powder can stain hands and clothing, so it's best to wear gloves and use the extra cylinder that comes with the kit.
Product Details: Test Type: Drops | Pool Type: Salt | Parameters Tested: Salt, total chlorine, free chlorine, pH, calcium hardness, alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and combined chloramines
Best Strips
AquaChek 7-Way Pool and Spa Test Strips
- These strips give you highly accurate water quality results in as little as 15 seconds.
These strips give you highly accurate water quality results in as little as 15 seconds.
- The strips have a limited shelf life.
The strips have a limited shelf life.
The AquaCheck 7-Way Count is the best option when you want almost instant water quality results. These strips go through rigorous testing against 144 different variables to ensure high accuracy. We like how simple they are to use: just dip the strip into your pool water and wait 15 seconds for the color to change.
You then check it against a color chart on the bottle to know the chemical levels in your pool, plus see what the water needs for better balance. It tests for free chlorine, total chlorine/bromine, pH, alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and hardness. If you test your pool twice a week (recommended), a bottle should last for a year. Refills are available separately.
You can also download the AquaCheck Connect app to cut down on guesswork. It allows you to track your pool’s water chemistry, plus scan a photo of the results to receive personalized recommendations. These testing strips have a limited shelf life, so make sure to check the expiration date on the bottle before you use them.
Product Details: Test Type: Strips | Pool Type: Chlorine | Parameters Tested: Free chlorine, total chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity, cyanuric acid, hardness.