- Jun 8, 2009
- 61
I am in the need of a accurate and reliable Salt testing method. I would like the forum members input - I am looking at the Taylor K-1766 or a Digital meter (I don't mind calibrating it or the cost).
I have read every post I could find on hand held digital salt testers (LaMotte & Goldline) and do understand there limitations and need for calibrating. I would also like some input on the Taylor K-1766 Salt test kit.
I currently use the AquaCheck test strips I ordered from TFTestKits last year (they provide the same results as new ones), but have been having real issues comparing it to anything (double checking my results). I have a friend (my neighbor) that works at a local pool store, that uses a Goldline Salt test meter, and recently their meter stated I had 2.3ppt (2300) salt level, when my test strips showed a reading of 4800. I asked them to open a brand new container of AquaCheck Salt test strips and do a side by side test. But first I asked (and watched) him calibrate the Goldline salt meter in a 3.2ppt calibration solution. Once calibrated we did a test with both the brand new salt test strips and the freshly calibrated meter (was only off by 0.1). Results were the same – meter read 2200 and the strips read 4800.
So my dilemma is what is the most reliable way to test? Cost is not a concern, I have no problem purchasing a LaMotte or Goldline salt meter, along with a calibration solution, if it gets me accurate results. I just want accuracy I can believe! I would not have an issue if the test were only 500 ppm off from each other, but 2500 ppm is too much, as it could cause me to over salt or under salt my pool. In fact, it did cause me to over salt the pool, that's how my salt got to 4800 (per the test strips). Last week there salt meter results for my salt level was 1100. So I used the Pool Calc to find out how much salt to add to bring my pool up to 3500-3600. Once I added 520 lbs of salt, brushed and dissolved, two days later their calibrated salt meter stated 2200 & my test strips said 4800. Which do I believe? I just need to be able to believe the results I get, no matter how I got them!
Thanks for any input!
I have read every post I could find on hand held digital salt testers (LaMotte & Goldline) and do understand there limitations and need for calibrating. I would also like some input on the Taylor K-1766 Salt test kit.
I currently use the AquaCheck test strips I ordered from TFTestKits last year (they provide the same results as new ones), but have been having real issues comparing it to anything (double checking my results). I have a friend (my neighbor) that works at a local pool store, that uses a Goldline Salt test meter, and recently their meter stated I had 2.3ppt (2300) salt level, when my test strips showed a reading of 4800. I asked them to open a brand new container of AquaCheck Salt test strips and do a side by side test. But first I asked (and watched) him calibrate the Goldline salt meter in a 3.2ppt calibration solution. Once calibrated we did a test with both the brand new salt test strips and the freshly calibrated meter (was only off by 0.1). Results were the same – meter read 2200 and the strips read 4800.
So my dilemma is what is the most reliable way to test? Cost is not a concern, I have no problem purchasing a LaMotte or Goldline salt meter, along with a calibration solution, if it gets me accurate results. I just want accuracy I can believe! I would not have an issue if the test were only 500 ppm off from each other, but 2500 ppm is too much, as it could cause me to over salt or under salt my pool. In fact, it did cause me to over salt the pool, that's how my salt got to 4800 (per the test strips). Last week there salt meter results for my salt level was 1100. So I used the Pool Calc to find out how much salt to add to bring my pool up to 3500-3600. Once I added 520 lbs of salt, brushed and dissolved, two days later their calibrated salt meter stated 2200 & my test strips said 4800. Which do I believe? I just need to be able to believe the results I get, no matter how I got them!
Thanks for any input!