WaterWorks Total Hardness Test Strips

What This Test Measures

These strips measure total hardness in pool water. ECOsmarte uses this test-strip reading when monitoring and adjusting the calcium level in an ECOsmarte pool.

Test Procedure

1. Dip one test strip into a sample of pool water for 3 seconds.
2. Remove the strip and immediately compare the test area with the color chart on the bottle.
3. Complete the color comparison within 1 minute.

Reading Results

The test strip reads:

0, 40, 80, 120, 180, 250, 425 and 1000 ppm

For an ECOsmarte pool:

• Maintain the level at 400 ppm or higher.
• 425 ppm is the first test-strip reading above the ECOsmarte target.
• Do not allow the level to fall below 300 ppm.
• If the level is too low, raise it with calcium chloride flakes, then retest.

Because the scale jumps from 425 ppm to 1000 ppm, these strips are intended to confirm the appropriate range rather than provide a precise reading between those values.

When to Test

• Test when starting or opening the pool.
• Retest after heavy rain, which can dilute the mineral level.
• In areas with frequent heavy rain, test more often and maintain some margin above 400 ppm.
• In dry climates with high evaporation, maintain the level just above 400 ppm rather than unnecessarily increasing it.