Let’s be honest—keeping your pool water clean and safe isn’t as simple as just dumping in some chlorine and walking away. If you’ve just got your first pool at home here in New Zealand, you’re probably realising there’s a wee bit of science involved. That’s where a decent pool water chemistry test kit comes in. You don’t need to be a chemist, but you do need a way to keep tabs on the water quality so no one ends up swimming in a science experiment.

Here’s what matters when you’re picking your first test kit.

Start simple: liquid vs strips

Right off the bat, you’ll probably notice there’s two main types—test strips and liquid kits.

Test strips are the quick and easy option. You dip them in the water, wait a few seconds, and compare the colours to the chart. It’s kind of like those old school pH strips from science class, but made for pools. If you’re just getting into this whole pool maintenance thing, strips are honestly a good place to start. No mixing, no glass tubes, just fast results.

Liquid test kits (sometimes called drop kits), on the other hand, are like the DIY version for folks who want to get more precise. They take a wee bit more time, but they can give you a more accurate reading. If you’re the type who loves getting into the nitty gritty, you might like these better after you’ve got the basics down.

This is what you should do if you’re new: go with the test strips first—easy to use, less to mess up. Something like the AquaChek 7-in-1 test strips from Mitre 10 or Bunnings NZ is a solid start. They’ll check your chlorine, pH, alkalinity and a few other things in one go.

The big 3 you need to test for

You’ll hear a lot of chemical names thrown about, but in the beginning, just focus on three: pH, chlorine, and total alkalinity. These are the building blocks for clean, safe water.

Think of pH like your pool’s mood—if it’s off, nothing works quite right. Too low, and the water gets acidic and can mess with your skin, eyes, and the pool gear. Too high, and your chlorine doesn’t work as well.

Chlorine is the cleaner. It’s what keeps the water from going green or full of nasty stuff you can’t see. Total alkalinity is like the buffer—it keeps your pH steady, so it doesn’t swing all over the place.

The starter kits you’ll find at places like Pool & Spa 2 in Christchurch or Paramount Pools online usually come with the tools to test for all three. That’s exactly what you want.

Check what the kit actually tests

This one’s easy to miss—make sure the kit you buy covers what you truly need. Some test kits only check for chlorine and pH. That’s not enough long-term. Look for one that checks all the main parameters:

• Free chlorine
• pH level
• Total alkalinity
• Stabiliser (or cyanuric acid—it helps protect your chlorine from burning off in the sun)
• Calcium hardness (pretty important if you have a concrete or plaster pool)

If you see a kit marked ‘5-in-1’ or ‘7-in-1’, you’re usually on the right track.

So, a quick peek at Waterco NZ or even NZ Pools online store will show you some of the most popular options available specifically for Kiwi households. Some local brands even have guides tailored for our water supply, which can actually be different from what’s found overseas.

Digital kits? Hold off if you’re just starting

You might spot fancy digital testers that promise ultra-accurate results. They’re pretty cool, but they can set you back a few hundred bucks. If you’ve never tested your water before, don’t rush into buying one. Think of it like buying a high-end espresso machine before you’ve made instant coffee. Start small, build confidence, then upgrade later if you want more control.

Keep a testing routine

Once you’ve got your kit, don’t let it collect dust. Test your pool water at least once a week—more if it’s been raining heaps, if you’ve just had a lot of people over for a swim, or if the water’s looking a bit off.

Oh, and here’s a good tip: write your results down in a notebook or use an app. Some suppliers like Pool Ranger NZ even have apps that let you log your results and give you treatment suggestions based on what you find. It can help you spot patterns, and it takes the guesswork out of what to do next.

One last thing—don’t forget to store your test kit properly

Sounds boring, but if you leave your strips baking in the sun or your liquids freezing in the shed, they won’t work right. Keep everything in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight. That way, they’ll last longer and stay accurate.

So yeah, choosing your first pool water chemistry kit doesn’t need to be stressful. Start with something simple, make sure it tests the basics, and build up as you get more confident. Don’t overthink it—it’s kind of like cooking: get the right tools, follow the recipe, and once you learn the ropes, it all becomes second nature.

Happy testing!