Customer Reviews

Kem-Tek 450 5-Way Test Kit Pool and Spa Accessories

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Since these were called "4-Way" test strips, I assumed the following FOUR items were tested:

pH

Free chlorine

Total alkalinity

Cyanuric acid

Actually, this only tests THREE things. Cyanuric acid is NOT included:

pH

Chlorine/Bromine

Total alkalinity

This was partially my fault because I didn't thoroughly read the product details AND I was relying on my memory of my AquaCheck bottle. However, I still feel the name is misleading because "Chlorine/Bromine" is ONE line item, not two (therefore making this a THREE way test in my mind!). In addition, I would like to know my cyanuric acid level.

This test kit provides accurate testing, however the color bar, came loose on the chlorine side and got lost, luckily it is just shades of yellow and you can pretty much just guess if it is good or bad. :)

We have colors showing up that aren't on the chart. As well, searching online to learn how to diagnose this dilemma is futile. The company has not website and doesn't offer how to rectify balancing the water with unusual colors. I won't purchase this product again and am stuck with a new bottle of these things.

These strips are OK. The tint of the total alkalinity isn't quite the same as the reference on the label, so it's hard to tell exactly what the reading is. Also, the pH reading seems to constantly drift a little over the first 60 seconds, so that reading can be hard to judge. The chlorine works well, but I think next year I'm going to switch back to Aquachek strips.

The Kem-Tek 450 pool test kit contains all the reagents needed for basic pool/spa maintenance. This is not rocket science, and the product does work. But the kit is very poorly made -- the chemicals leaked in the packaging and the caps do not fit tightly on the test vessel, so the (colored) water leaks out when you tip to mix. It also has no box to hold the reagents, vessel and instructions, so you end up tossing everything in a plastic bag. Should have paid a little more to get a decent quality product.

I've tried the other brands offered on Amazon and other places and I think Chem Lab is the best because there is more of a color change between acceptable and not acceptable for PH and bromine levels. That means the test is easier to read and more definitive.

The Alkalinity and pH colors are not correct. If you look at any other brand, you will see that the Alkalinity colors are the green tint and the pH is the orange tint. My bottle obviously has a misprinted label because the colors are opposite. This obviously doesn't give you an accurate reading and if trying to fix the "problem" yourself then you are fixing the wrong problem. I was getting ready to treat my water for low pH and high Alk, but had my water tested at my pool center. Well....after their test I actually needed to treat low Alk and high pH. I'm sure there are others with the same mislabeled bottle, so heads-up!

Simple easy to use product. Directions are fine. Would recommend to anyone needing an inexpensive way to check pool conditions.

Works and I calibrated it against the pool store results. Close enough for me. More accurate than lower cost kits. Iy gives guidance on determining chlorimeand (spelling?)

This product works well and colors really match. No guessing. Price is a little more but worth it.