Pool & Spa Water Testing App

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I read HTH pool test strip results?

  After dipping the strip for 2 seconds and waiting 30 seconds, compare each color pad to the matching row on the bottle chart simultaneously. Read chlorine pads in bright, natural light. Retest if results seem unexpected, since sunscreen, lotions, or cross-contamination can affect readings. Scanning the strip with the HTH™ Test to Swim™ app eliminates guesswork and automatically interprets the results for you.

• Are HTH pool test strips accurate?

  HTH™ test strips provide fast, reliable readings suitable for routine pool maintenance and daily monitoring. When used with the HTH™ Test to Swim™ app, results are digitized and translated into clear treatment recommendations.

• What if I forgot my myHTH password?

  On the Welcome screen, tap Forgot Password. You'll receive an email with a temporary code and instructions for accessing your account.

• I entered the wrong pool or spa dimensions. How do I update them?

  From the app, tap myHTH in the lower right corner to access your account information. From hthpools.com, click the myHTH logo in the upper right corner (desktop) or the menu dropdown (mobile). Click Edit next to General Information, make your changes, and tap Update User Info to save.

• How do I correctly enter my pool or spa dimensions in the app?

  All dimensions are measured in feet. When entering pool or spa dimensions into the app, use numbers and decimals only. For example, if your pool is 8½ feet deep, enter 8.5 in the Depth field. Accurate dimensions ensure the most precise product and dosing recommendations.

• Do I need to create an account to use the app?

  No. You can test your water and receive recommendations without an account. Creating a free myHTH® account adds the ability to save your water test history, track results over time, and keep favorite HTH™ products in one place for easy reordering.

• Can the app remind me when it's time to test my water?

  Yes. The Maintenance Reminders feature lets you set up weekly reminders for pool and spa care tasks — water testing, shock treatments, filter cleaning, and more. Reminders are delivered as push notifications right to your phone.

• Can the Test to Swim app send me weather alerts for my pool?

  Yes. Enable Push Notifications in your settings, then turn on Weather Alerts to receive notifications when weather conditions in your area might affect your pool or spa water quality. Make sure your address is up to date in your myHTH® profile for accurate local alerts.

• I don't use HTH test strips. Can I still use the app?

  Yes. The app's Universal Water Testing feature lets you manually enter chemical test values from any test strip or test kit and receive personalized treatment recommendations. The app's HTH™ product recommendations work whatever testing method you prefer.

• Does the Test to Swim app work for hot tubs and spas?

  Yes. The app supports both pool and spa water testing. Scan HTH™ 6-Way Pool Test Strips directly with your phone's camera, or use the in-app interactive color chart with HTH spa™ Test Strips for hot tub and spa results.

• How accurate is the app's strip scan?

  The HTH™ Test to Swim™ app uses AI technology to read test strip colors with greater precision than reading by eye in most lighting conditions. For the most accurate scan, take the photo in good natural light and follow the in-app camera guide.

• What chemicals does the Test to Swim app scan for?

  HTH™ 6-Way Test Strips measure free chlorine, bromine, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid (CYA) — the six key parameters needed to maintain balanced, safe pool water. When you scan a strip with the HTH™ Test to Swim™ app, it analyzes each pad and recommends the exact HTH™ products and dosages your water needs.

• Is the HTH Test to Swim app free?

  Yes. The HTH™ Test to Swim™ app is free to download on iOS and Android, with no subscription required to scan strips, get recommendations, or save your test history.

• Does HTH have an app to help me test my pool water?

  Yes. The free HTH™ Test to Swim™ app (iOS and Android) lets you scan HTH™ test strips with your smartphone camera and instantly receive personalized chemical recommendations and dosage calculations. It connects directly to your pool's volume and current readings, eliminating the guesswork of reading color charts and calculating doses manually.

• How do I store HTH™ pool test strips to keep them accurate?

  Keep the bottle tightly capped at all times — even brief exposure to humidity degrades the reagent pads. Store in a cool, dry location away from heat, sunlight, and moisture. Never store in a bathroom, near the pool, or in a hot car.

  Check the expiration date printed on the bottom of the bottle. When stored correctly, strips typically last 12–18 months after opening.

• Why does my pool test strip show low chlorine even though I just added it?

  Low chlorine readings after dosing can indicate that CYA (stabilizer) is too low, sunlight is consuming chlorine rapidly, the pool has high chlorine demand from algae or organic load, or the strip has expired.

  Use the HTH™ Test to Swim app to confirm stabilizer levels and receive specific dosing instructions. Always check the strip expiration date printed on the bottle.

• HTH™ test strip instructions — how do I read the results?

  After dipping the strip for 2 seconds and waiting 30 seconds, compare each color pad to the matching row on the bottle chart in natural light. Retest if results seem unexpected, as sunscreen, lotions, or cross?contamination can affect readings.

  Alternatively, scanning the strip with the HTH™ Test to Swim app eliminates guesswork and automatically interprets the results for you.

• Are HTH™ pool test strips accurate?

  HTH™ test strips provide fast, reliable readings suitable for routine pool maintenance and daily monitoring. When used with the HTH™ Test to Swim app, results are digitized and translated into clear treatment recommendations.

  For the most precise measurements — especially at pool opening, closing, or when troubleshooting a problem — the HTH™ 6?Way Liquid Test Kit offers greater accuracy.

• How do you use pool test strips?

  Dip one strip into pool water at elbow depth for 2 seconds, remove without shaking, and hold flat (do not wipe). After 30 seconds, compare the color pads to the chart on the bottle in natural light. Record results and adjust chemicals as needed.

  For instant digital results, users can download the HTH™ Test to Swim app and scan the test strip with their phone, or reference the online HTH™ pool test strip color chart at https://HTH™pools.com/pages/pool-test-strip-color-chart

• What do 6-Way Pool Test Strips test for?

  HTH™ 6?Way Test Strips measure free chlorine, bromine, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid (CYA) — the six key parameters needed to maintain balanced, safe pool water.

  For added convenience, users can scan their results with the HTH™ Test to Swim app, which analyzes the strip and recommends the exact HTH™ products and dosages needed.

• How do I adjust pool chemicals based on test results?

  Always adjust chemicals one at a time, starting with alkalinity, then pH, then calcium hardness, then chlorine/stabilizer. Wait 4–6 hours between adjustments and retest before adding the next chemical to avoid overcorrecting.

• How do I know what chemicals to add after testing my pool?

  Compare your results to the ideal ranges. If chlorine is low, add sanitizer or shock. If pH is off, add pH Up or pH Down. For low alkalinity, add Alkalinity Increaser. For low calcium hardness, add Calcium Hardness Increaser. For low CYA, add Chlorine Stabilizer.

  HTH™ Pool Care pH Up

  HTH™ Pool Care pH Down

  HTH™ Pool Care Chlorine Stabilizer

  HTH™ Pool Care Shock Advanced

  HTH™ Pool Care Alkalinity Up

  HTH™ Pool Care Calcium Up

• Is the 6-Way Test Kit accurate for saltwater pools?

  Yes, this test kit is compatible with both chlorine-based and saltwater pools. Note that it does not test salt (NaCl) concentration — use a dedicated salt test strip or meter if you need to verify salt levels in a saltwater pool.

• How do I use the 6-Way Test Kit?

  Fill the test vial to the indicated line with pool water, add the appropriate reagent drops for each test, cap and invert to mix, then compare the color to the chart on the kit. Test away from direct sunlight for the most accurate color reading.

• What does the 6-Way Pool Test Kit test for?

  The HTH™ 6-Way Test Kit tests for free chlorine, total chlorine, bromine, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid (stabilizer). These are the six most important parameters for maintaining safe, clear, and balanced pool water.