These questions could probably be added to my post related to my Baquacil conversion http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/76443-Baquacil-Conversion-(Starting-5-31)?p=661169#post661169 but I thought I would try here first. My other thread has been stale because my conversion got held up do to some leaking pipes and pump.
I want to get my pH to 7.2 before I start the conversion. I've read that is the ideal number so chlorine works the best. However, I am not sure what my pH level really is.
Results for today (6/8):
Pool Store
- The pool store uses a test strip, and then a machine tests the levels and prints out the results and recommendations based on those results.
- pH: 7.0
- TA: 90
- Biguanides: 48
Baquacil Test Strip
- pH: ~7.0
- TA: ~80-100
- Biguanides: ~50
Taylor Test Kit (from TF100)
- pH: ~7.8
- TA: 90
The results above were similar for pH testing done on 6/6 as well. TA was lower on 6/6, so I added 64 oz of baking soda, and now it is up to 90 on all tests.
I also tested my tap water (city water) with both the Baquacil test strip and Taylor Kit just to see what results I would get.
Baquacil Test Strip (tap water)
- pH: ~7.0
- TA: ~50
Taylor Test Kit (tap water)
- pH: ~7.8+
- TA: 50
So, what should I do next? I realize the Taylor Test Kit is a preferred kit as part of the TF100; however, I am still nervous with pH test results so different. One test would indicate I should increase pH and the other that I should decrease pH. I believe I am following all of the testing procedures properly.
The big question is, should I be adding some muriatic acid now, or should I just start the Baquacil conversion???
I want to get my pH to 7.2 before I start the conversion. I've read that is the ideal number so chlorine works the best. However, I am not sure what my pH level really is.
Results for today (6/8):
Pool Store
- The pool store uses a test strip, and then a machine tests the levels and prints out the results and recommendations based on those results.
- pH: 7.0
- TA: 90
- Biguanides: 48
Baquacil Test Strip
- pH: ~7.0
- TA: ~80-100
- Biguanides: ~50
Taylor Test Kit (from TF100)
- pH: ~7.8
- TA: 90
The results above were similar for pH testing done on 6/6 as well. TA was lower on 6/6, so I added 64 oz of baking soda, and now it is up to 90 on all tests.
I also tested my tap water (city water) with both the Baquacil test strip and Taylor Kit just to see what results I would get.
Baquacil Test Strip (tap water)
- pH: ~7.0
- TA: ~50
Taylor Test Kit (tap water)
- pH: ~7.8+
- TA: 50
So, what should I do next? I realize the Taylor Test Kit is a preferred kit as part of the TF100; however, I am still nervous with pH test results so different. One test would indicate I should increase pH and the other that I should decrease pH. I believe I am following all of the testing procedures properly.
The big question is, should I be adding some muriatic acid now, or should I just start the Baquacil conversion???