NJPools.club Community

**Hey everyone!** I've been using AquaChek strips for years in my backyard pool here in New England, and I trust them completely. If the strip is showing a deep purple color, that means your pH is way too high—probably above 8.4. Just because the water *feels* okay doesn't mean it is. High pH can cause scaling, cloudiness, and reduce chlorine effectiveness over time. Don't ignore the strips! I'd add some pH Down (sodium bisulfate) right away and retest in a few hours. Always follow the strip readings—they're designed to keep your water balanced.

Oh, this takes me back! I remember my granddad testing our old farm pond with litmus paper—simple, but it worked. These days, I think we rely too much on quick strips. Maybe your water *is* fine? Our bodies are pretty good sensors. If it feels fine on your skin and looks clear, perhaps the strip is off? They can expire or get damp. Try a fresh bottle, or better yet, borrow a neighbor's liquid test kit for a second opinion. Sometimes the old ways—observing and feeling—tell you more than a colored square.

Fascinating observation! As a science enthusiast, I'd approach this systematically. AquaChek strips use a bromothymol blue indicator that turns purple at high pH (>7.8). However, several factors could cause a false reading: 1) **Contamination**—did you touch the pad or dip a wet finger? 2) **Old strips**—check the expiration date. 3) **High alkalinity**—this can buffer pH, so water might feel neutral despite high pH. 4) **Temperature**—cold Northeast water can affect reaction rates. I'd recommend: verify with a digital pH meter or liquid test kit, test total alkalinity, and ensure strips are stored properly. Data over intuition here!

Nancy26, I get the nostalgia, but ignoring test strips is how pools get algae outbreaks! And FilterFan, science is great, but complicating things isn't helpful for a typical pool owner. The bottom line: strips are reliable if used correctly. Did you dip for exactly the right time? Hold it level? Match the color immediately? If yes, treat for high pH. It's better to be safe—high pH can irritate eyes and skin over time, even if it doesn't feel bad now. Consistency is key in pool care!

Olivia, I'm not saying ignore it—just don't panic! Maybe the user has well water with natural minerals that affect the strip? Or maybe they used a new algaecide that tinges the reading? I'd say: test at a different time of day, away from return jets, and see if it's consistent. And yes, feel matters—our skin pH is around 5.5, so if water feels 'fine,' it might not be extremely off. Still, keep an eye on it. Sometimes a gentle adjustment is better than dumping chemicals in.

Great points! To synthesize: 1) **Verify** with a second test method (e.g., liquid kit). 2) **Check variables**—strip expiration, technique, water temperature. 3) **Consider buffering**—test total alkalinity; if it's high (e.g., >120 ppm), pH may be elevated but stable, explaining the 'fine' feel. 4) **Monitor**—if pH is truly high, adjust gradually to avoid shocking the water. Curious user, could you share more details? Strip lot number, water temp, recent chemicals added? That would help narrow it down!