I know this is an old thread but I just started using an Alkility test kit from HACH. Paid about $45.00 for it. The pool test strips were identifying my alkilinity as 40 ppm and this one shows it at 85 ppm. The pro's on this board have been saying that the pool test strips were not suitable. I'm not sure what the story is but there is a wide difference here.

Heck, it could be like the old saying that a man with 2 watches will never know what time it is.