How can I test for metals in my pool without test strips?

You can’t measure exact metal levels without test strips or a lab, but you can spot signs visually. Orange or rust stains mean iron, blue-green stains mean copper, and brown or black staining means manganese. Cloudy water that clears after adding shock can also point to metals like copper or iron. These clues tell you metals are present, but not how much — for precise numbers, you need test strips or a lab sample.