What is typically used to test swimming pool water?

In swimming pool maintenance, testing the water's pH level is crucial to ensure safe and comfortable swimming conditions. pH test strips are specifically designed for this purpose. They allow pool operators to easily measure the acidity or alkalinity of the water, which is essential for preventing issues like skin irritation and algae growth.

The pH level of pool water should ideally be between 7.2 and 7.8. Using pH test strips provides quick and accurate results, facilitating timely adjustments to the pool's chemical balance. This is a standard practice in pool maintenance to promote water quality and safety.

Other options, while they have their uses, do not directly test the pH of pool water. A digital thermometer measures the water temperature but doesn't provide chemical balance information. Measuring cups are used for measuring chemicals or volume but again don’t assess water quality directly. Water color indicators might indicate certain chemical levels, but they are not as precise or widely used specifically for pH testing as pH test strips are. Thus, pH test strips are the most relevant tool for testing swimming pool water.