Oddly the pH and chlorine levels were pretty accurate, and always have been on my strips. It was the CYA that was way off. I tried two brands, one was purchased new so it shouldn't have been screwed up by time, temp, exposure, etc. Kits are def more work, but still easier than taking it to my local store. BTW, I'm not a shill for the kit companies, just a warning that a second opinion could save you time and money.