Pool Water Testing Kits
Pool and spa water testing from Taylor, LaMotte, AquaChek and Pentair: complete test kits, test strips, Taylor reagent refills (2 oz and 16 oz) and LaMotte WaterLink cartridges and meters. Refilling a kit? Match the reagent number, such as R-0004, to the one on your bottle.
Our most popular brands are Taylor test kits and reagents and LaMotte water testing. Once you have your readings, find balancers and sanitizers in pool water chemistry.
Pool water testing guide: kits, strips and reagents ▾
Test kits, strips or digital
- Liquid test kits (such as the Taylor Basic, Residential Basic and DPD kits) use drops of reagent and a colour comparator. They give more precise readings than strips and can be refilled.
- Test strips (such as AquaChek 7-Way or LaMotte InstaTest) are quick: dip, wait and compare the colours to the chart.
- Digital testing, such as the LaMotte WaterLink Spin Touch photometer, reads several tests at once from a cartridge.
Buying reagent refills
Each reagent bottle carries a number (R-0001, R-0002 and so on). Buy the same number and strength your kit calls for. The 2 oz size suits home kits; 16 oz is for frequent testing. Reagents lose accuracy with age, so check the date and replace old bottles at the start of each season.
What and how often to test
Test free chlorine (or bromine) and pH at least weekly in season, and more often in hot weather or after heavy use. Check total alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid less often, and salt level if you have a salt system. Always test before adding chemicals.
