eXact Micro Test Strips pH, Free Chlorine & Total Alkalinity

In this review the eXact Industrial Test Systems strip set is evaluated for lab and field users who need fast, instrument-read water chemistry results. The bottom line: these are not ordinary color charts - the Micro pH, DPD-1 Free Chlorine and Total Alkalinity strips are designed to be read by an eXact photometer, which delivers repeatable digital readings and removes user color-interpretation error. For anyone already using an eXact photometer or managing routine pool, spa or industrial water testing, the strips offer a straightforward workflow and consistent output.

Key Features

• Works with eXact photometers: The strips are calibrated to be read by supported eXact devices, producing accurate digital results rather than subjective color matches.
• Micro pH detection: The pH Micro strip covers a useful range from about pH 6.0 to 8.5, ideal for routine water pH checks in pools, spas and process water.
• Bulk chlorine reagent: The DPD-1 Micro Free Chlorine reagent is supplied in a 100-test bottle and supports multiple eXact photometer models for frequent testing.
• Total Alkalinity range: The alkalinity strip detects 10 to 200 ppm, giving a practical span for most pool and boiler water maintenance tasks.
• Simple two-step use: Each strip uses a dip and read process that keeps the procedure fast and suitable for both technical and non-technical operators.

Who It's For

These strips are best for laboratory technicians, service technicians, pool and spa professionals, and facility managers who already own or plan to use an eXact photometer. The digital readout capability removes subjective interpretation and helps with record keeping and compliance checks.

Casual home users without a compatible photometer should look elsewhere; the product explicitly requires an eXact photometer to obtain readings, so buying these strips alone will not provide usable results.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Delivers repeatable, instrument-read results that reduce user error.
• Includes bulk 100-test bottles which lower per-test cost for frequent use.
• Covers relevant ranges for pH, free chlorine and total alkalinity used in pools and industrial water.

Cons

• Requires an eXact photometer; strips cannot be read accurately by eye or other devices.

Specifications

Product types	Micro pH, DPD-1 Free Chlorine, Total Alkalinity strips
pH detection range	pH 6.0 - 8.5
Free Chlorine range	Compatible with 0.01 - 14 ppm ranges depending on photometer model
Total Alkalinity range	10 - 200 ppm
Package quantity	100 reagent strips or tests per bottle
Designed for	Use with eXact photometers (iDip, Micro series, Eco-Check and compatible models)

Our Verdict

For professionals and technicians who already use an eXact photometer, these Micro reagent strips are a practical, cost-effective solution for routine water chemistry checks. They provide instrument-read accuracy, cover the essential ranges for pH, free chlorine and alkalinity, and simplify testing with a two-step dip-and-read workflow. They are not appropriate for users without a compatible photometer, but for the target audience they represent good value and dependable results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these strips work without a photometer?
No. The strips are formulated to be read by an eXact photometer and require that device to produce accurate digital readings.

How many tests are in a bottle?
Each bottle contains 100 tests or reagent strips for routine testing.

Which eXact devices are supported?
These strips are compatible with several eXact photometers including iDip, Micro series (including Micro 20 Bluetooth v3+), Eco-Check and certain EZ models as specified by Exact.