SIZE:  25 strips per bottle

Biguanide is a chlorine-free sanitizer such as Baquacil® Chlorine-Free Swimming Pool Sanitizer and Algistat, BaquaSpa™ Sanitizer, SoftSwim™ Bactericide, PolyClear® MaxiPolish Swimming Pool Sanitizer and Algistat, or Revacil® Swimming Pool Sanitizer.

AquaChek™ Blue uses a two-part test. First you dip the strip and check the Total Alkalinity and pH. Then you re-dip the strip, moving it back and forth underwater for 30 seconds, to test the Biguanide level.

To keep your pool or spa water at its best, test a minimum of once a week! It’s also a good idea to write down your results each time you test.

Comes with complete instructions. 25 strips per bottle.

Measures the following: Biguanide, pH, Alkalinity

Biguanide
Biguanide is a chlorine-free pool and spa sanitizer. (You many know Biguanide under brand names such as BAQUACIL® Chlorine-Free Swimming Pool Sanitizer and Algistat, BaquaSpa™ Sanitizer, SoftSwim™ Bactericide, PolyClear® MaxiPolish Swimming Pool Sanitizer and Algistat, or Revacil® Swimming Pool Sanitizer.) Biguanide is a popular substitute for bromine and chlorine.

The biguanide system is a 3-part system. Biguanide alone is only an effective sanitizer against bacteria. You must also apply weekly algaecide and shock treatments. Biguanide systems use hydrogen peroxide as a shock chemical; follow the directions of your dealer or manufacturer.

You should keep the biguanide level in your pool or spa in the recommended range of 30 to 50 ppm (mg/L). Be sure to make the shock and algaecide treatments on a routine basis.

pH
We use pH as an index to express how acidic or basic a solution is. (The scientific definition of pH is “the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration”.) A pH greater than 7.0 is basic, and a pH lower than 7.0 is acidic. In pools and spas, it is important to maintain the water in the slightly basic range of 7.2 to 7.8. The National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI), the industry association in the United States, has set a standard of 7.2 to 7.6 as the ideal pH.

If pH Is Low:
The water can corrode surfaces, metal equipment or fixtures. Swimmers and bathers can experience discomfort from burning eyes and itchy skin. The chlorine may dissipate more quickly. The water may cause pitting and etching of plaster surfaces.

If pH Is High:
Calcium and metals tend to come out of solution (the opposite of dissolving) at high pH levels, creating the potential for staining and scale formation. The calcium and metals will actually create deposits and discoloration on pool walls and equipment. Swimmers and bathers can experience discomfort from burning eyes and itchy skin. High pH can contribute to cloudy water.

Alkalinity
Total alkalinity is the measure of the amount of alkaline buffers (primarily carbonates and bicarbonates) in your water. These alkaline substances buffer the water against sudden changes in pH. Total alkalinity is considered the key to water balance. It is the first parameter you should balance when making routine adjustments to your water.

If you neglect to check the total alkalinity in your pool or spa, you may have trouble balancing the pH. You may also notice that pH fluctuates suddenly despite your best efforts to keep it in the ideal range. If the alkalinity is too low, anything introduced to the water will have an immediate impact on pH. Abrupt shifts in pH can cause scaling or corrosion of metal equipment and fixtures as well as other problems. When the total alkalinity is high, the pH has a tendency to drift upward, causing scale to form.

Maintaining an ideal level of alkalinity will protect your pool or spa and its equipment from the harmful effects of sudden pH fluctuations. Think of the alkalinity as training wheels: it keeps the pH in balance without allowing it to tip too far to either side. Of course the pH can still drift upward or downward, but that change will happen gradually as long as the alkalinity falls within the ideal range. The ideal range of total alkalinity for pools and spas is between 80 and 120 ppm (mg/L).

When the total alkalinity is too low, add sodium bicarbonate. If the total alkalinity is too high, you can lower it by using muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.