Pool Store Comparison

[melsteph]

AHHHHH!!!! I am still monitoring CYA and ran out of the reagant. Thought I would test everything else, take sample to pool store to compare my results, AND let them test CYA until my reagant arrives (or buy there).

My results with new Taylor K-2006 are on left. They used sticks and a Taylor machine (DPS)maybe.
FC ~ 12 /5
pH ~ 7.8/6.8
TA ~ 150/40
CH ~ 200/400
CYA ~ last reading was 120 (dilution test)

There system doesn't even test CYA so that was no help. Don't carry it in the store either!! Besides my frustration with the testing itself, WHY ARE RESULTS SO DIFFERENT???? (CYA reagent will be delivered Thurday if I don't find it sooner!)
I just want to do everything correct for best pool care!

Melissa

 

[RMcGirr83]

We're in the same boat. My results aren't as different as yours though.

Different Test Results

So for my own edification, which is now driving me completely insane, I've been doing some tests using various methods of testing: Lamotte ColorQ 7 TF100 Pool Store (BioGuard) What I can't understand is how the results can be so completely different. I can understand a 10, 20 ppm swing but...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[jblizzle]

You should know the answer as to why the test results are so different:
1. Test sticks are garbage
2. Pool store testing should not be trusted.

 

[Oly]

You can get 16oz of CYA reagent R-0013 for $17. Test as often as you desire.

 

[Donldson]

Huh. I guess that explains why "we don't trust pool store testing and recommend you do your own testing with a reliable test kit" is one of our most common phrases.

 

[melsteph]

I KNOW not to trust them but I thought their test MIGHT confirm I'm doing this correctly. SO what measures do I use to know my results are accurate? I am testing twice a day now to monitor (myself mostly).
Melissa

 

[melsteph]

You should know the answer as to why the test results are so different:
1. Test sticks are garbage
2. Pool store testing should not be trusted.

Also I had never been to this store. When they pulled out the sticks I knew it was a waste.

 

[melsteph]

Huh. I guess that explains why "we don't trust pool store testing and recommend you do your own testing with a reliable test kit" is one of our most common phrases.

I know that - but if I want to check myself for accuracy just assume I am doing it correctly? That's what I wanted - and the CYA.

 

[Oly]

Follow the testing procedures from your K-2006 and you will be doing it correctly. Practice makes perfect.
Also follow the directions on the FC test for using a 10ml water sample but use only one scoop of the powder. Each drop equals 0.5ppm FC.

 

[IceShadow]

If you want to check your testing you can buy standard solutions - those are liquid of a known quantity of something to test for. See here: Standard Sampler (Standard solution for CYA, pH, CH, and TA) 2 ounce size You buy those, you run tests on those, and you should get the answer that's on the bottle.