AquaChek TruTest Manual

Introduction

The AquaChek TruTest Digital Test Strip reader is intended to provide a convenient alternative to visual color matching, with the ease of a digital display. The meter and test strips can achieve representative readings of pool and hot tub water conditions when following all directions and using properly stored and handled, unexpired test strips.
In general, results are comparable to other visual testing methods obtained by a person with good color matching ability. When the water sample being tested is near or outside of the Range of Results boundaries, results may not reflect acual water conditions. Consult a pool or hot tub professional when unusual water conditions, chemisty problems or questionable results occur.
After testing, consider these actions:

• Compare the result with the water parameter range recommended per equipment or chemical program
• Treat the water per chemical manufacturer's instructions
• Re-test for confirmation of the result
• Consult with a pool or hot tub professional

For more information on operation of the product, tips on water balance, or to seek customer or technical support, please visit the website, www.aquachek.com.

How to use

1. After the 3,2,1 display countdown dip and remove strip. Shake off excess water.
   
2. Insert strip pad side down into meter. Do not slide across glass.
   
3. Use Sun Shield when testing in direct, intense sunlight.
   
4. Results in seconds!
   

Product Features and Information

MEMORY FUNCTION

(#2, MIDDLE BUTTON)
Press memory button to view your last nine readings.

ERROR MESSAGES

• If ER2 appears on the screen – there is an error in reading the test strip. Ensure that you are following the test procedure correctly. Use only AquaChek TruTest instrumental test strips. No other test strip can be used.
• If ER3 appears on the screen – no strip is in place or the test strip is positioned incorrectly. The correct position is with the test pads face down in the slot with the top pad all the way to the top.
• LO BAT on the TruTest Meter display, the battery voltage has dropped below the permissible limit. Replace with new batteries.

Test Strip Use

• The AquaChek TruTest test strips are calibrated to work only with the AquaChek TruTest test strip reader.
• Each strip may only be used once. Do not re-dip the strip. Only dip the strip in calm areas of your pool or spa. Do not swish or swirl strip in water.
• Ensure you have a fresh supply – keep cap on tight between uses and store at room temperature.
• Aflashing display indicates test result limit.

MAINTENANCE

• Wipe the test strip slot with fresh water and a cotton swab or enclosed cleaning tool occasionally. This will prevent any buildup.
• Never use harsh chemicals and/or abrasive materials on the TruTest meter.

STORAGE

• Store the meter out of direct sunlight to protect the meter from UV damage.
• If meter will not be used for several months, remove the batteries.
• This is a water resistant case. If the meter falls into the water, remove and dry the batteries and battery compartment before use.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Intended for indoor/outdoor use
• Operating temperature range: 15-40°C
• Battery life: Approximately 4 months with typical use

Range of Results:
Free Chlorine: 0-10 ppm
pH: 6.2-8.4
Total Alkalinity: 0-240 ppm

BATTERY INSTRUCTIONS

Install 2 "AA" batteries per the diagram.
Incorrect insertion will prevent the meter from turning on due to the design of the battery housing. USE ONLY ALKALINE BATTERIES. Use of any other type of battery may damage the meter and voids the warranty.

PRECAUTIONARY LABELS
Read all labels and tags attached the instrument. Personal injury or damage to the instrument could occur if not observed.
This symbol, if noted on the instrument, references the instruction manual for operational and/or safety information.
To ensure the protection provided by this equipment is not impaired, do not use this equipment in any manner other than that, which is specified in this manual.

Testing

To keep your pool at its best, test at each end a minimum of twice a week, and test your spa before each use.

Free Chlorine

Ideal Reading: Pool 1.0 – 3.0 ppm; Spa 3.0 – 5.0 ppm
To maintain a clean and clear pool, keep the free chlorine level in the right range. Free chlorine is the portion of the total chlorine remaining in chlorinated water that has not reacted to contaminants – and is "free" to go to work to kill bacteria and other contaminants.
Shock Treatment – Contrary to popular belief, a strong chlorine smell is not an indication of too much chlorine in the pool but actually a red flag that a super dose of chlorine may be required to correct the problem. Shock treatment adds a largerthan-normal amount of oxidizing chemicals to pool water. The ideal frequency for a super dose is every week, depending on use and water temperature.

Bromine

Ideal Reading: 2.0 – 6.0 ppm
To obtain bromine result, multiply free chlorine value by 2.2. Bromine is a popular pool and spa sanitizer often used instead of chlorine. Environmental conditions (leaves, rain) and usage (how many folks are enjoying the pool or spa) will add contaminants in the water. Those contaminants will decrease the bromine existing in the water. Be sure to test the bromine before entering the water. Even if the system is dormant or not in use, you should test the bromine level at least weekly to prevent any buildup of bacteria or algae.

pH

Ideal Reading: 7.2 – 7.8
Losing control of pH in the water unleashes a whole series of problems. The pH can damage metal equipment and plaster walls if it gets out of balance. A swimmer's body has a pH between 7.2 and 7.8 so, if the pool water isn't kept in this range, swimmers will start to feel irritation of their eyes and skin. Finally, the pH must stay in the proper range to maximize the efficiency of chlorine.
If the pH is low, below 7.2, the water is too acidic and it can damage the piping and pool surfaces under certain conditions. You can use sodium carbonate (soda ash) to increase pH when levels are too low. Other chemicals that can raise the pH are sodium bicarbonate and sodium sesquicarbonate.
Above 7.8, the water is more alkaline (basic) and under certain conditions can form deposits in the piping and on pool surfaces. Sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid can lower the pH when it gets too high.

Total Alkalinity

Ideal Reading: 80 – 120 ppm
Total alkalinity is the measure of the water's ability to resist pH change. If the total alkalinity is low, the pH will fluctuate widely and be difficult to maintain. When total alkalinity is high, the pH can become difficult to move and the water can be scale forming.
Increasing Total Alkalinity – Sodium bicarbonate is the most effective and popular chemical for increasing total alkalinity. Other chemicals that can raise the total alkalinity are sodium carbonate (soda ash) and sodium sesquicarbonate.
Decreasing Total Alkalinity – When the total alkalinity is too high, you can lower it by using muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.
See warnings for handling chemicals*
ppm=mg/L

Chlorination Chart – Pools
(Amount Needed to Introduce 1 ppm)

Superchlorination Chart – Pools
(Amount Needed to Introduce 10 ppm)

Chlorination Chart – Spas
(Amount Needed to Introduce 4 ppm)

Superchlorination Chart – Spas
(Amount Needed to Introduce 10 ppm)

Raising pH with Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate)
(When pH is under 7.2, add the amount of soda ash indicated below, then retest)

Lowering pH using Dry Acid (Sodium Bisulfate)
(When pH is over 7.8, add the amount of acid indicated below, then retest)

Raising Alkalinity With Sodium Bicarbonate

Lowering Alkalinity With Dry Acid (Sodium Bisulfate)

* Exercise extreme caution when handling chemicals.

• Do not add chemicals when swimmers are in the water.
• Never store acids and chlorine compounds next to each other.
• Never mix chemicals together; add chemicals to the water one at a time.
• Handle acid very carefully.
• Wear protective eyewear and keep material away from children.
• Always follow the chemical manufacturer's directions.

Troubleshooting Guide

Optimal Levels

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
If TruTest readings are higher or lower than expected, these differences are likely due to technique.

• Do not swish or swirl the test strip when you dip. Simply dip strip and remove.
• Do not slide the test strip across the glass.
• Make sure the pads on the strip are facing down when placed on the meter.
• In between tests, thoroughly wipe the meter and channel clean, especially if you are performing several tests in succession.

www.AquaChek.com/Trutest
1-888-AquaChek