ClearWater Dip Test Strips are a quick and easy way to check chemical levels in your pool or hot tub. Testing pool and spa water with the dip strips couldn’t be simpler. All you have to do is dip one of the test strips into the water, quickly remove it, hold it horizontally and check the results on the handy colour chart that’s printed on the container. The test strips highlight water’s Free Chlorine. pH and Total Alkalinity levels. Chlorine levels inside an above ground pool should be 1 – 3 ppm (3 – 5 ppm for hot tubs), pH levels should be 7.2 – 7.6 and Total Alkalinity levels should measure 80 – 120 ppm.