Leslie’s, a prominent retailer in the pool and spa industry, has announced that its AccuBlue Home water testing solution has received the 2024 GOOD DESIGN Award in the Household category. This award acknowledges the innovative design and functionality of the AccuBlue Home device, which has also been recognized as a finalist for the IDEA 2024 Awards in the Outdoor and Garden category.
With approximately 16 million residential pools and hot tubs in the United States, regular water testing is essential for ensuring safety and cleanliness. The AccuBlue Home device utilizes advanced optical sensors and photometric testing, along with a built-in centrifuge, to provide accurate water analysis. It generates a customized treatment plan aimed at addressing water chemistry issues.
Leslie’s has established itself as a leader in water testing for over fifty years, enhancing its offerings with the AccuBlue in-store technology, which tests ten critical water chemistry components. This in-store service is available at over 950 locations nationwide and provides a professional-grade analysis that includes a water quality score and a tailored treatment plan within a minute.
The GOOD DESIGN Award recognizes Leslie’s efforts in developing a user-friendly at-home version of its in-store testing technology. The AccuBlue Home device integrates with the Leslie’s app, allowing users to conduct water tests and receive treatment recommendations from their homes.
The importance of regular water testing is underscored by the fact that it not only maintains water quality but also extends the lifespan of pool and spa equipment. The AccuBlue Home device eliminates the uncertainty associated with traditional testing methods, such as strips and reagents, by offering a clear treatment plan for water chemistry adjustments.
Clay Spann, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Leslie’s, commented on the significance of the award, noting the competitive nature of the evaluation process, which included over 1,100 submissions from various global companies. He emphasized the necessity of regular testing for the key chemistry components of pool and hot tub water.
The AccuBlue Home device simplifies the testing process: users insert a water sample into a test disk, place it in the device, and initiate the test via the Leslie’s app. The results, available in sixty seconds, provide a detailed analysis and a personalized treatment plan. Users can also order necessary chemicals through the app for home delivery or in-store pickup.
For a monthly fee of $50, the AccuBlue Home Membership includes the testing device, a monthly credit toward purchases at Leslie’s, and ongoing support for pool and spa maintenance. The compact design of the AccuBlue Home device allows it to fit conveniently on countertops, and its sophisticated technology is intended to enhance user experience.
The AccuBlue Home initiative has received positive feedback from members, who highlight its effectiveness in simplifying water testing. The design team behind the device includes professionals from McKinsey Design and Leslie’s, along with the manufacturer, LaMotte. Overall, the AccuBlue Home represents a significant advancement in at-home pool and spa care technology.