TEST WITH THE BEST – ITS

A blog about water quality testing

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CDC study shows increased fecal matter / bacteria in pools

May 16th, 2013 · No Comments

A new study by the CDC illustrates the importance of practicing good hygiene when we swim in a pool. Michele Hlavsa, chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program had great advice. “Remember chlorine and other disinfectants don’t kill germs instantly. That’s why it’s important for swimmers to protect themselves by not swallowing the water they swim in and to protect others by keeping feces and germs out of the pool by taking a pre-swim shower and not swimming when ill with diarrhea.”

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Job posting: ITS is seeking a senior chemist

May 8th, 2013 · No Comments

Would you be interested in joining a growing team that makes a difference developing water quality testing? We are looking for a dynamic senior Chemist with a BA / BS in Chemistry or related field for our Rock Hill headquarters. Desired experience in diagnostic test development, manufacturing and wet chemical skills. Qualified individuals must have a minimum of 5+ years experience with strong writing and computer skills, be able to multi-task, and be an independent thinker. Familiarity with ISO/GMP desired. Aspects of the position include, R&D, QC, documentation, and potential development into a supervisory role. Competitive salary and benefits including paid vacation time, Health Insurance, IRA Plan.

Please email your resume to Careers@sensafe.com. and reference “ITS Chemist.”  No phone calls or staffing agencies please. Only qualified applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Summer 2013 ITS Trade shows dates announced

April 16th, 2013 · Comments Off

We are excited to announce our Summer trade shows. ITS and ITS Europe, LTD will be exhibiting at the following shows. Stop by and visit for demonstrations on our unique line of water quality testing products.

Water Quality / Food Processing shows:

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WQA April 3 Presentation on Water Quality Testing in Gas Fracking Regions.

April 3rd, 2013 · Comments Off

Ivars Presentation

 WQA April 3 Presentation Download (PDF)

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Save Big on our Photometer Kits!

March 21st, 2013 · Comments Off

March Meter Madness

 

Through April 4th take 25% off selected eXact Photometer Kits. Use discount code “March25″ at checkout or call 1-800-861-9287.

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Photometric water testing versus other methods

March 21st, 2013 · Comments Off

There is a handful of different methods for water quality testing, all of which have their own benefits and drawbacks. These methods are:

  • Photometers and reagents
  • Titration reagents
  • Comparator test
  • Test Strips

The most accurate of all methods to date is the photometric method (like our eXact Photometers) that use reagents, namely due to the fact that there is no visual color matching needed, taking out the subjectivity of the human eye. This method measures the transmission of light at a given wavelength through a color altered water sample; basically a measurement of light transmission is taken before the sample is altered (called zeroing) and after the sample is altered with a color changing reagent. The difference of light passing through the sample cell before and after is used to calculate the result. This results typically in a resolution of 0.01ppm in most cases.

Secondly we have the Colorimetric (or visual) Titration method, which uses chemistries that alter the color of a water sample, and the concentration is then determined. These tests are cost effective, however do take some technical abilities, such as being able to accurately judge color change, carefully introduce and count drops to the water sample, and the ability to do quick math on site. Typically this testing method has a resolution anywhere between 0.2ppm and 20ppm depending on the kit and the parameter being tested.

Another popular testing method is the Color Comparative method. A lot like the Colorimetric method, these tests are relatively inexpensive and are widely accepted among commercial testing, however do suffer from stability issues, require good visual judgment and give only a minimal resolution, typically 0.4 for pH and 1ppm for Chlorine.

One of the more common testing methods seen on store shelves and widely available to the home owner or residential pool maintenance company are Test Strips, this method is quick and easy to use, inexpensive, and are more stable than liquid reagents giving them a better shelf life. While test strips are a great inexpensive tool for quick screening of pools and getting a ballpark result, they are not ideal due to poor resolution and require good color matching abilities. The typical resolution of this method is 0.4 for pH and 1ppm or greater for Chlorine.

Out of all of these methods, Photometric analysis is the most accurate way of determining water quality. Newer Photometers make field testing easy, and in some cases can be comparable in price to some other methods available after taking into consideration the upfront expense of the photometer.

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ITS Spring 2013 Water Quality Brochure

March 18th, 2013 · Comments Off

2013 Water Quality Brochure

Our new Water Quality brochure (PDF) is available for download.

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A Sneak peek at our new trade show booth

February 12th, 2013 · Comments Off

The new ITS tradeshow booth

Our new trade show booth is making its debut at the #OrlandoPoolShow this week. Along with our product demonstrations, we’ll be giving out free samples. Stop by booth 500 and see why the future of pool testing is digital.

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Q1 2013 ITS Tradeshow list announced.

January 23rd, 2013 · Comments Off

We’ll be exhibiting at the following tradeshows this year with our new booth. Stop by and visit for demonstrations on our unique line of water quality testing products.

ITS booth

ITS Booth before the IPSPE show in Las Vegas.

Pool and Spa shows:

Water Quality shows:

  • SCGWA 2013 Winter Meeting   -  Columbia, SC Feb.1, 2013
  • PITTCON 2013   -  Philadelphia, PA Mar. 18-21, 2013 Booth #4124
  • DIHAD 2013   -  Dubai, U.A.E. Mar. 25-27, 2013
  • WQA Aquatech USA   -   Indianapolis IN Apr. 3-4, 2013 Booth #829
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

December 21st, 2012 · Comments Off

Happy Holidays from ITS

Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season.

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