Easy to use yes, but strips are finicky. Took my water to a pool company where I saw they used digital meters to test the water. Results were in the same ballpark, but if you're going to add chemicals according to it, then its quite different. I guess I could say that the pool company was wrong, but I doubt it. More likely it's the test strips. They give you an idea, but that's about it. One tip: dip the sticks into the water and immediately pull it out. Do not shake, do not wave it in the air. Read after 15 seconds. Strictly following this will help you get more accurate results.