Re: So you want to add borates to your pool--Why and How
The TF-100 IS FAS-DPD. See this link on the TFTestkits website that you get to when you look at the TF-100 test kit that explicitly lists the tests as follows (bold red emphasis mine):
Yes, the FAS-DPD is very important because it is the only test that can accurately measure > 10 ppm FC (it measures up to 50 ppm) which is necessary if you ever need to shock the pool and it is far more accurate than visual comparator tests which is essential when doing an overnight chlorine loss test and also important if you are trying to skirt near the minimum FC for your CYA level.
Taylor says to change the reagents annually, but in practice they last for 2 years if you keep then in a cool dry place. Some of the reagents last much longer than others. The indicator dyes, FAS-DPD titrant and DPD powder tend to be the more sensitive ones. You won't be testing only once a week since presumably you will be adding chlorine more frequently than that. My next comments are assuming one is using primarily chlorinating liquid or bleach as their primary source of chlorine. The chlorine test is the one that you will do the most frequently and you should be doing the most since it is absolutely the most critical to ensure that the FC level never gets below the minimum for your CYA level. The next most important is the pH, but in some pools it can be stable enough to test weekly while in others you test it when you test and add chlorine. The TA doesn't change very quickly so could be tested weekly or monthly depending on your situation. The CH and CYA do not change very quickly so depending on your water dilution you can test that monthly or even less frequently depending on your situation.
The TF-100 IS FAS-DPD. See this link on the TFTestkits website that you get to when you look at the TF-100 test kit that explicitly lists the tests as follows (bold red emphasis mine):
You can compare the TFTestkits TF-100 vs. the Taylor K-2006 in the Pool School article Test Kits Compared. From a value perspective, you get a much larger volume of the most commonly used reagents for your money with the TF-100. The size of the reagents is listed in the table -- 2 ounces vs. 0.75 ounces of R-0871 FAS-DPD titrant, 1 ounce vs. 0.75 ounces of TA reagents, 1 ounce vs. 0.75 ounces of the CH reagents (except the indicator dye which is 0.5 ounces vs. 0.75 ounces because you don't use nearly as much of it as the other reagents), and 8 ounces vs. 1.5 ounces of CYA reagent, but you use more for the larger view tube in the TF-100 so the real comparison is 16 CYA tests in the TF-100 vs. 5 tests in the K-2006.
- Chlorine Test (OTO) - Very dependable for detecting the presence of chlorine in your pool - normally used daily. The most common cause of pool water problems is lack of chlorine.[/*:m:dffma3k7]
- pH Test - This important parameter of your pool water should be tested frequently. Too high and you can form calcium deposits (scaling). Too low and you can damage your equipment.[/*:m:dffma3k7]
- Chlorine Test (FAS/DPD) - This test separates the TF-100 from cheaper "bargain" kits......most simply do not have this test. Measuring chlorine VERY precisely, even up to 50ppm+, this test is indispensable to a pool owner.....especially when correcting pool water problems.[/*:m:dffma3k7]
- Combined Chloramines Test - CC's are a good indicator of the need to shock your pool. The TF-100 can measure CC's down to .2ppm. Cheaper kits will not have the CC's test.[/*:m:dffma3k7]
- Calcium Hardness Test - measure the CH of your pool water and your fill water as well. This allows you to control and manage this important parameter. Excessive calcium contributes to scaling and too little can damage your plaster.[/*:m:dffma3k7]
- Total Alkalinity Test - TA buffers your pH. While there is a lot of latitude with this parameter, close monitoring (testing) several times during the summer is essential.[/*:m:dffma3k7]
- Cyanuric Acid Test - CYA protects your chlorine from sunlight. It must be kept at the proper level to be effective. Again, the cheaper kits do not perform this essential test[/*:m:dffma3k7]
Yes, the FAS-DPD is very important because it is the only test that can accurately measure > 10 ppm FC (it measures up to 50 ppm) which is necessary if you ever need to shock the pool and it is far more accurate than visual comparator tests which is essential when doing an overnight chlorine loss test and also important if you are trying to skirt near the minimum FC for your CYA level.
Taylor says to change the reagents annually, but in practice they last for 2 years if you keep then in a cool dry place. Some of the reagents last much longer than others. The indicator dyes, FAS-DPD titrant and DPD powder tend to be the more sensitive ones. You won't be testing only once a week since presumably you will be adding chlorine more frequently than that. My next comments are assuming one is using primarily chlorinating liquid or bleach as their primary source of chlorine. The chlorine test is the one that you will do the most frequently and you should be doing the most since it is absolutely the most critical to ensure that the FC level never gets below the minimum for your CYA level. The next most important is the pH, but in some pools it can be stable enough to test weekly while in others you test it when you test and add chlorine. The TA doesn't change very quickly so could be tested weekly or monthly depending on your situation. The CH and CYA do not change very quickly so depending on your water dilution you can test that monthly or even less frequently depending on your situation.