When asking many home improvement professionals and pool care experts for the easiest and most accurate way to track the salt level of a pool, we received almost the same question: “Go find the best digital saltwater pool tester”. And, below are also their top recommendations:
Here are the best digital saltwater pool testers you can buy in 2024:
- Best Budget Option: Hofun TDS Meter Digital Water Tester
- Easy To Read: eSeasonGear SALT-3000
- Durable: LaMotte 1749
- Fast Measuring: Oakton-AO-35462-11
- Multi-Parameter: RCYAGO Digital PH Meter PH Tester
- Highly Accurate: TEKCOPLUS Waterproof 0~14 Digital pH Meter
| 6 Best Digital Saltwater Pool Testers | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Budget Option | Hofun TDS Meter Digital Water Tester | |
Easy To Read | eSeasonGear SALT-3000 | |
Durable | LaMotte 1749 | |
Fast Measuring | Oakton-AO-35462-11 | |
Multi-Parameter | RCYAGO Digital PH Meter PH Tester | |
Highly Accurate | TEKCOPLUS Waterproof 0~14 Digital pH Meter | |
Best Budget Option: Hofun TDS Meter Digital Water Tester
- Easy to use – no calibration needed, big backlit LCD screen
- Accurate, up to 0-9999 ppm of measurement - Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)
- Versatile for wide usage - four measuring modes
- The leather handy case is a bit useless
- Require you to wait for the probe in the water before getting the reading.
If you want a basic digital saltwater pool tester with great accuracy that doesn't break the bank, then the Hofun TDS fits the bills.
It is able to reach 0-9999 ppm and test your water quality level quickly with no calibration needed. If you do not find any difference in filtered water, it can tell when to change the filter jug core.
At under $15, we appreciate that it still features a premium quality titanium alloy probe and four measuring modes: Celsius, Fahrenheit, EC, and TDS, using the most updated technology for wide usage.
| Hofun TDS Meter Digital Water Tester Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | premium quality titanium & Plastic |
Measurement Range | 0-9999 ppm |
Readout Accuracy | ±2% F.S |
Highlight Features | no calibration needed, big backlit LCD screen Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) four measuring modes |
Whether you want a second saltwater pool tester or are a budget-conscious shopper, the Hofun TDS is a small investment for great quality.
Easy To Read: eSeasonGear SALT-3000
- Easy to read – big backlit LCD screen & large numbers
- User-friendly - the built-in salt (NaCl) conversion factor
- Not waterproof
The eSeasonGear SALT-3000 allows you to get accurate salt concentration readings of your pool without having to take a biweekly trip to the local pool supply store.
It is pre-calibrated at 3000 ppm, and the operating temperature ranges are from 32 to 130 °F. It works as accurately as a pro saltwater pool tester but is easier to use, thanks to the built-in salt (NaCl) conversion factor and ATC sensor.
With a big backlit LCD screen with large numbers, it is also effortless to read.
| eSeasonGear SALT-3000 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | plastic |
Measurement Range | 0-5000 ppm |
Highlight Features | big backlit LCD screen & large numbers the built-in salt (NaCl) conversion factor |
Our testers are not on the same page all the time, but it was easy for them to agree that the eSeasonGear SALT-3000 is the easiest to read that they have ever tested.
Durable: LaMotte 1749
- Feel rugged and durable
- Able to measure all minerals – featuring Temperature, TDS, and Salt PockeTester
- User-friendly - memory feature & auto-shutoff
- The lanyard doesn’t easily fit through the hole
When interviewing our friends who are also working in some big pool supply companies, they recommended this model for its decent durability. Even the carrying case gives a rugged feeling, too.
And, if there are any manufacturing faults, LaMotte will replace the damaged one right away for you. Their warranty is top-notch.
This saltwater pool tester works well in temperatures from 32°F to 149°F. It can measure all minerals right off the bat with great accuracy.
It also has a memory feature saving up to 25 test results and auto-shutoff after 10 minutes of no button presses, which is energy-saving.
| LaMotte 1749 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Measurement Range | 1.0 to 9.99 ppt S 100 to 999 ppm S 0 to 99.9 ppm S |
Readout Accuracy | +/- 2 percent |
Highlight Features | Temperature, TDS, and Salt PockeTester memory feature & auto-shutoff |
For pool professionals who are looking for a truly durable digital saltwater pool tester that you only need to spend once and use forever, check out the LaMotte 1749.
Fast Measuring: Oakton-AO-35462-11
- Featuring 0-10 ppt Salinity Ranges & 0.1-10 ppm TDS resolution ranges
- Hands-free measurement - a stabilizing base
- Convenient & handy - a leak-proof sample cup with a fill line and a fourth key
- The screen isn’t backlighting
The newest version of the Oakton ecotestr product line stands out for its unprecedented fast-measuring capability of saltwater quality. Its TDS resolution ranges are from 0.1 ppt to 10 ppm, and the Salinity Ranges are from 0.0 ppt to 10 ppt.
A great plus is that you don't have to hold the tool until getting the readings as it comes with a stabilizing base.
Aside from upgrades to function, the design of this saltwater pool tester is enhanced significantly, such as the IP67-rated housing with floats, a leak-proof sample cup with a fill line, a fourth key on the keypad, and a 4-digit dual-line display.
| Oakton-AO-35462-11 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Measurement Range | 10 ppm |
Highlight Features | Featuring 0-10 ppt Salinity Ranges 0.1-10 ppm TDS resolution ranges a stabilizing base |
If you are in search of a fast-measuring digital saltwater pool tester, look no further than the Oakton - AO-35462-11
Multi-Parameter: RCYAGO Digital PH Meter PH Tester
- Able to measure the water temperature, salinity, EC, TDS, S.G, ORP, and ph.
- Give instant and precise readings at temperature up to 140 °F
- Tell when to charge the tool - a low battery indicator
- A bit heavy and bulky than other picks here
On average, digital saltwater pool testers can only help you to measure the water temperature, salinity, EC, and TDS, but this model takes it to the next level. It is added with S.G, ORP, and ph.
Furthermore, its measurement is proven-tested for instant readings and high accuracy at temperature up to 140 °F - which is a lot better than other pH meters for water hydroponics.
This pocket-sized unit is also equipped with an auto-shutoff function after 5 minutes of no button presses, a low battery indicator, and a data hold function.
| RCYAGO Digital PH Meter PH Tester Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Measurement Range | 0 to 1000ppm, 1000ppm to 10000ppm, 10.1 to 200.0ppt |
Readout Accuracy | ±2% |
Highlight Features | omnidirectional measurement temperature ranges: 32-140 °F a low battery indicator |
Built with Omni-directional measurement of water quality, the RCYAGO allows you to make the most of your digital saltwater pool tester.
Highly Accurate: TEKCOPLUS Waterproof 0~14 Digital pH Meter
- High accuracy – wide measurement ranges with ATC
- Easy to use - easily switch between °C and °F, dual display, auto-ranging function, manual & auto power-off
- Require occasional calibration
If accurate readings are your top priority when looking for a digital saltwater pool tester, the TEKCOPLUS Waterproof 0~14 Digital pH Meter is worth a look.
The tool surpassed different strict quality and safety standards, so its accuracy and quality are guaranteed.
Besides, its convenient design is notable. You can easily switch between °C and °F, get pH and temperature readings at a time, measure alkaline solution, or turn off the Auto-Power if wanted.
It also features a low battery indicator, ATC, and data hold.
| TEKCOPLUS Waterproof 0~14 Digital pH Meter Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
Measurement Range | 0~9999 ppm 10.0ppt~100.0ppt 0.0%~10.0% 0.950~1.080 (S.G.) |
Highlight Features | wide measurement ranges with ATC easily switch between °C and °F, dual display, auto-ranging function, manual & auto power-off |
The TEKCOPLUS Waterproof 0~14 Digital pH Meter is a solid value with highly accurate readings that you can trust.
How To Choose The Best Digital Saltwater Pool Tester?
Testing Ability
Chemical levels should be maintained in the following ranges for a well-balanced saltwater pool:
- Calcium Hardness: 180-200 ppm
- Stabilizer level: 50-80 ppm
- Alkalinity: 70-80 ppm
- pH: 7.6
The best digital saltwater pool tester is the one that can figure out all the chemical levels. So, our experts recommend opting for a model with a wide testing ability.
Readout accuracy
Unfortunately, some digital pool water testers are not as accurate as they promise to be, despite their reputation for pinpoint precision.
To weed out the incorrect information, you should ask your friends and family members if they have any suggestions for pool service, and buy from a well-known brand.
In addition, have a look at customer reviews of the goods you've narrowed down.
Display
Digital saltwater pool testers are created to eliminate the hassles of visually comparing your findings to a color chart to find out the different chemical levels. Therefore, be sure that you pick a model with a large and easy-to-read display.
Durability
Digital pool water cleaners are electronic gadgets but since they have to work in the water frequently, it’s crucial to opt for a waterproof, high-quality model.
On the other hand, they should be sturdy and long-lasting to meet daily use, and be sure to choose batteries that can last at least six months.
Which Brands Make The Best Digital Saltwater Pool Tester?
LaMotte
LaMotte has been a pioneer in delivering top-notch water analysis equipment and instruction since 1919. They are known for giving dependable goods and great technical assistance to ensure customers’ pleasure.
Oakton
The brand is famous for providing scientific equipment for educational, industrial, and research usage. These instruments are well-known as "best buys" in their respective categories because of the unique mix of outstanding value and creative design they provide.
TEKCOPLUS
Teckoplus Ltd. is a renowned Hong Kong e-commerce company dedicated to researching and developing high-tech items at affordable rates.
They are a 2015-founded distributor and trader of testing equipment and electrical items and known for years of B2C and B2B trade expertise with clients worldwide.
FAQs
Do digital pool water testers work?
Yes, they do. Digital pool water testers are considered one of the simplest, quickest, and most accurate tests and some Health Departments also use them to test if the pool water is at the safest level to swim in.
How do I check the salt level in a saltwater pool?
Here are the most accurate tools to help you check the salt level in a saltwater pool: salt test strips, handheld electronic meters, digital water testers, and liquid reagent kits.
How accurate are digital saltwater pool testers?
To know how accurate digital saltwater pool testers are, please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBbNaZo8lZ0
How often should I test my saltwater pool?
You should test your saltwater pool every week.
How long does salt last in a saltwater pool?
Salt lasts in a saltwater pool for 10,000 hours of operation.
Conclusion
Sifting through all the false advertising promises, models, and outrageous costs may be a hard endeavor. But at the end of the day, we’ve made this round-up list of six top choices, all of which have been subjected to a rigorous testing and evaluation program. Hope you liked it and thanks for reading!
