Does the Eagle Ray test kit measure stabilizer (CYA) accurately?

[Ryan Brooks]

I’ve been using the Eagle Ray strips for pH and chlorine, but I haven’t tested stabilizer (CYA) yet. Does anyone know if these kits give a reliable reading for that, or should I be using a separate test? Would love to hear what you guys use to check your CYA levels.

 

[Jake Roberts]

I use the Eagle Ray for most stuff, but for CYA I still rely on a liquid test kit. I find the strips are a bit hit or miss for stabilizer readings, especially if your levels are borderline. Liquid kits take a bit longer but give a clearer result.

 

[Katherine Morgan]

I’ve used Eagle Ray strips for the basics, too, but yeah, for stabiliser, I don’t trust them. I tried comparing it with my drop test, and the numbers were way off.

Now I just use the liquid kit when I check CYA, maybe once a month or so. The strips are fine for quick stuff like chlorine and pH, but for anything more specific, I’d say go with a separate test to be sure.

 

[Harper Clark]

I also use the strips for the basics, but for CYA, I trust the liquid test kit more. For me, it’s just a bit more reliable, especially when I’m trying to get precise readings. I check it about once a month and try to double-check if the numbers seem off. It's always good to have a backup just in case!

 

[Benjamin Lewis]

I’ve also tried the Eagle Ray strips for checking pH and chlorine, but when it comes to stabilizer, I prefer using a liquid kit. I find the strips aren’t as accurate for me, so I go with liquid for stabilizer checks. But for a quick check, the strips still work just fine!

 

[William Walker]

I feel you on the CYA mystery! I actually use my strips for quick spot-checks on the go, but once a month I mix up a small bucket of pool water and run the liquid CYA test side-by-side. It only takes a few extra minutes and I keep a little log helps me spot any creeping stabilizer drift before it messes with chlorine efficiency. Give the combo method a try!

 

[Michael Young]

I’m with you guys on the liquid kits for stabilizer checks. But I’ve also tried this ‘two-for-one’ method where I do a quick strip test and then double-check the same sample with the liquid kit. Call it overkill, but I like knowing for sure! Anyone else do the ‘test within a test’ thing?

 

[Hanry Carter]

I was stuck on the CYA puzzle too so I made it a mini ‘kitchen science’ moment: grabbed two glasses, one with pool water and one with liquid CYA kit, tested side-by-side. Felt like a chemistry show, and now my stabilizer readings never lie!

 

[Olivia Reed]

I’ve noticed with stabilizer tests that lighting and water clarity can make a surprising difference in the reading you get. With the Eagle Ray, if you’re doing a CYA check, try taking your sample in bright but indirect light, not in direct sun or shade, and make sure the water is well-mixed before dipping the strip. It won’t make strips as precise as a liquid kit, but it can help you get a result that’s closer to reality. I

still do a more accurate test every so often, but for in-between checks, adjusting my testing conditions made the strip results a lot more consistent.

 

[Ella Robinson]

I once had strips show ~30 but the liquid “dot” test read ~70. Waiting 30–45s and reading at waist height (sun behind) made it consistent. Now I log CYA monthly with liquid strips are just a glance. Tried the dot test?

 

[John Harrison]

I’ve had mixed luck with the Eagle Ray on stabilizer readings too. It’s fine for a quick ballpark check, but if you’re adjusting CYA levels or trying to troubleshoot chlorine loss, a liquid test is the way to go. I learned that the hard way after chasing weird chlorine dips that turned out to be a misread stabilizer level. Now I just use the strips for midweek checks and pull out the drop kit once a month to keep things honest.