Have you ever needed to test your pool or spa water for bacteria? Maybe you weren’t sure if your water was safe to swim or soak in?  In the real world, these are valid questions and we want you to know that we at Waters Choice recommend that you test your water for bacteria peridocally whether you use our Pure Enzymes or a traditional chemical system. 

 

Water Safe Bacteria Test Stips

 

There’s a product called Watersafe Rapid Bacteria Test Strips. (Here at Waters Choice, we don’t carry these in our store anymore.)  They are quick and very simple to use … as long as you follow the directions! Keep in mind, it’s easy to use these the WRONG way so make sure you read the directions FIRST.  Here's my story ...

 

When I first used these bacteria test strips, it seemed so simple that I just glanced at the instructions, thought I knew how to use them and of course, simply did it the wrong way (TWICE!) and had to repeat it, the RIGHT way.

 

So, after finally having done the test and let it sit for the recommended 10 minutes, and then maybe 20 more, I saw nothing on it! Nothing at all! No indication that it worked! 

 

At first I thought maybe I’d purchased a faulty test strip kit. But knowing I’d have to buy another one anyway, I went back and read the directions again just to make sure I didn’t miss something important.

 

Follow The Directions!

 

Well folks, I’d completely missed a major component in correctly using this simple test. Let me explain …

 

In this bacteria test strip kit, I received a small test tube with attached lid and 1 test strip.  Easy right? I filled the tube with water and inserted the test strip then waited for the results. Well, when I noticed a pipette in the box, I realized AGAIN that I’d not done this test incorrectly. 

 

So, here we go again. By inserting the pipette into the water source that needed tested, I was supposed to squeeze one time as hard as I could and then release.  This sucks up the tiniest amount of water. Then, you’re supposed to squeeze that tiny amount of water into the test tube, swirl it around, and watch as a chemical reaction happens inside the test tube. 

 

Afterwards, the instructions tell you to bend your rest strip in half and insert it inside the tube.  Next, replace the cap and wait 10 minutes to check for a reading. 

 

Success!

 

It worked! Located on the control section of the test strip was a red line indicating that the test did indeed work and below that, was a space to tell whether or not I had bacteria in my water.

 

Positive or Negative?

 

My test happened to be positive and now I could stop guessing and address the issue of bacteria in my water.  Afterall, I had summer parties to host!

 

But in all seriousness, having bacteria in your water can be very dangerous to your health and should be taken seriously.  Make sure you test for this periodically and address it as needed.

 

Social Media and VIP Newsletters

 

Is there a chance you haven't heard about our VIP Newsletters? Our newsletters are a fantastic way to keep up with what’s happening in the pool and spa world. We also like to send tips and tricks for using our Pure Enzymes for Pools, SWIM Spas and Spas.  It gives you a chance to hear from us and us to hear from you with any questions or comments.

 

Waters Choice is also on most social media platforms.  Simply do a search for us.  Remember to "Follow" or "Like" us on Facebook and Instagram, Pin our ideas to your Pinterest Boards, visit us on LinkedIn and tweet something to us on Twitter.  In addition to that, we have a great YouTube channel that you can subscribe too.  This way, when we upload a new videos you'll receive a notification and be able to click over and watch. 

 

As always, never hesitate to give us a call, send us an e-mail, or text us from our website.  We're happy to hear from you and enjoy talking to you.  See you on the there!