These tools are designed for the specific purpose of assessing the chemical balance in swimming pools utilizing a salt chlorination system. They are typically small, disposable pieces of material impregnated with chemicals that react to different parameters in the water. Immersion in the pool water triggers a color change on the strip, which is then compared to a color chart to determine the levels of various chemicals, such as salinity, pH, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid.
Maintaining proper water chemistry in a salt water pool is crucial for bather safety, equipment longevity, and effective sanitation. Balanced water prevents skin and eye irritation, protects pool surfaces and equipment from corrosion or scaling, and ensures the salt chlorine generator functions optimally to produce sufficient chlorine for disinfection. Regular water analysis provides vital information about the current conditions of the pool water, facilitating adjustments that maintain ideal balance.