Balancing with Pool Doctor app

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partsman

partsman

0
Apr 28, 2017
272
Westerly RI
**before you start throwing stuff, I did try the TFP app first**...lol

I just like the Pool Doctor one better, it’s very user friendly. I entered my pool info, then I just type in my readings and it calculates what I need to do, if anything.

Here’s a screenshot...
112574
...there are options to add other stuff like calcium hardness, TDS, water temp, total chlorine, and ion level.

Last year when we got the pool up and running it was late in the season, we only used it for about a month, so I didn’t really do any water testing.

Fast forward to this season...after taking the winter cover off, and a good clean and vacuum, the water was great.
Then after a while I started to notice it wasn’t as clear as it used to be...everything was low...
ph
alkalinity
free chlorine
stabilizer...and the salt! That’s when I got the app to help me figure out what I needed to do. The water now is the best it’s ever been, you can just ‘tell’ when it’s right or close to right. I still have adjustments to make as you can see by my screen shot.

I have this site (and a few select members) to thank for making me realize how important properly balanced pool water is! Thank you!
 
Hi Maddie...I’ve just been using AquaChek strips for now and it’s been pretty dang close, as far as my color matching ability goes, haha. I’ve followed the prescription and it has been working for me.
Eventually, I will have to invest in a proper test kit...but my wife is off for the summer and I don’t really want to part with that $100.
 
Ridiculous. How can you decide what an appropriate FC level is if you don't have a hard and fast CYA level?

How can you test for Combined Chloramines (CCs) with "guess-strips"??

Are you actually *using* sodium thiosulphate? You'd save money just using plain liquid chlorine, then you could afford the proper test kit.

Maddie :flower:
 
YippeeSkippy said:
Ridiculous. How can you decide what an appropriate FC level is if you don't have a hard and fast CYA level?
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My strip test was right at the “Ideal” stabilizer level.
YippeeSkippy said:
How can you test for Combined Chloramines (CCs) with "guess-strips"??
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I haven’t tested for that.
YippeeSkippy said:
Are you actually *using* sodium thiosulphate? You'd save money just using plain liquid chlorine, then you could afford the proper test kit.
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No, I haven’t used that...and I didn’t say I couldn’t afford the test kit, I said I didn’t want to.
 
partsman,

The methods used here really do require fairly accurate and mildly precise knowledge of the pool chemistry. The test strips aren't giving you that precision.

You're not having an issue now, and you may never have an issue. So if they're working for you, then great! Personally, I'd rather have the peace of mind that comes from having the levels in a measurable place and not trying to use a color-matching to a print on the back of a bottle. (I did use those exact strips before coming here.)

If you ever do have a problem, please understand that we will likely want to see results from a dropper test kit and not from a pad. We won't be able to give you a recommendation on how much chlorine to add if your CYA is somewhere around 30-50, or 50-100, or if your FC is somewhere between 5 and 10. Hopefully you never have a problem, but just something to consider.
 
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CYA is the most inaccurate thing on a test strip. The problem isn't necessarily the 30-50 range. The real problem is that a test strip will typically show 30-50 when the actual CYA is 100+. From my experience, I've only seen CYA measure somewhat accurately on very fresh strips. However, that hasn't always been the case. And, it degrades rapidly. By the time the strips reach expiration, most strips will almost never show any CYA, even if it were very high.

For example, my pool has a CYA of 50 (from my CYA test kit). My strips show 0. They expire 02/2020. Naturally, I completely ignore this. Who knows what my CYA would have to be before it's going to register on the strip. I'm already at the top of the "30-50" range. And, it matches dead on 0. The only thing I really use strips for anymore is TA. And, a general idea of TA is usually good enough.
 
IceShadow...I totally get what you’re saying. I do intend to get a real test kit...I’m watching a Taylor K-2006C on eBay right now. I see the mods on here always asking for the numbers when someone needs help, I would never do that just using test strips, haha. I am also hoping that I don’t have a problem before I get the kit. Thanks for posting!

MikeSTL...thanks for the info, I had no idea about the CYA reading on a test strip. I guess I have to get a kit sooner than later!
 
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JoeSelf said:
How fresh are the chemicals in that EBAY K2006C? the TFT-100 is always fresh & a better bargain. Could last you two seasons if stored correctly.
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That’s a good question...I honestly don’t know. Do the bottles have dates on them? I can message the seller and ask.
Pool_Medic said:
Pool doctor app works fine, you need to set the parameters first.
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Yes...I like it!
ashtonfitzgerald said:
Isn't sodium thiosulfate used to neutralize chlorine? Unless you accidentally dosed waay too much CL it seem redundant considering FC will diminish 2-4ppm daily just with use and sunshine.
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That’s what I read too...I would never use anything like that to bring the chlorine down. Maddie’s post confused me.
Flying Tivo said:
Thiosulfates are not good for your SWG, it will shorten its life.
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That is good to know, thank you!
 
Ooops...sorry! Let me do a better job of separating the two sentences better-

Are you actually *using* sodium thiosulphate? <--yes, a FC reducer, Why would you want to reduce a FC of 5?

You'd save money just using plain liquid chlorine, then you could afford the proper test kit.
 
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