This one clue his always stumped me because even though the tests show there was fresh water around the pool, because it was a pool, there has to be some chlorine mixed in somewhere. Now granted it might be a lesser concentration but still I'm sure a good defense attorney could explain that. Any ideas?

My biggest problem with the water clue is that there was enough water still on the decking for Columbo to notice that it was fresh and not chlorinated.

Or that there was any water at all, that didn't evaporate in the California sun, long before police arrived. It's definitely a problematic clue.

From the first time I saw him taste the water, I scoffed. As Ted says, it's really problematic on a number of fronts. I thought the same things. The CA sun would have dried it for sure. Plus, I have a pool myself, and never once have I been able to "taste" the chlorine (or not), not only IN the water, but standing water on the DECK? Maybe it was supposed to be a saltwater pool.

Don’t disagree… yet the deck is likely pitched slightly toward the pool. Time elapsed was estimated at an hour. And Hanlon sprayed quite a bit of water. Anyway, what is that thing you see attached to Eric Wagner when he is startled by Hanlon and then again when he’s floating in the water? A microphone perhaps. On a side note, Hanlon notes Eric is a terrific swimmer. Agreed: quality stroke form exhibited in the underwater shots.