I just took over as manager at a small, independent pool store and am wondering if there is anyway we can improve our testing procedures. Previous manager used taylor reagents and would test for free chlorine, ph, alkalinity, and cya. Also would test salt on salt pools. Occasionally they would test calcium if the customer's situation gave them reason to test it.
If nothing else, I want to add total chlorine, TDS, regular calcium testing and I'm on the fence about phosphates (that test is more expensive, not part of the taylor pack).
I'm also considering other options, such as the lamotte spindisk (if the budget allows) or a different, more affordable digital reader (e.g. ColorQ, Xpress Flex). I am confident doing the taylor droplets myself but ensuring that every employee will do it right every time, with seasonal turnover, leaves me with less confidence that each customer is getting a fully accurate test. A more automated system like this seems easier to train people on, and if I ensure that it is regularly cleaned, calibrated, etc., that might make for a more consistently accurate water test.
I have been reading this forum for a while and I know the prevailing attitude has little faith in pool store water tests, so I am curious how you would make this process as accurate and reliable as possible.
Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!
If nothing else, I want to add total chlorine, TDS, regular calcium testing and I'm on the fence about phosphates (that test is more expensive, not part of the taylor pack).
I'm also considering other options, such as the lamotte spindisk (if the budget allows) or a different, more affordable digital reader (e.g. ColorQ, Xpress Flex). I am confident doing the taylor droplets myself but ensuring that every employee will do it right every time, with seasonal turnover, leaves me with less confidence that each customer is getting a fully accurate test. A more automated system like this seems easier to train people on, and if I ensure that it is regularly cleaned, calibrated, etc., that might make for a more consistently accurate water test.
I have been reading this forum for a while and I know the prevailing attitude has little faith in pool store water tests, so I am curious how you would make this process as accurate and reliable as possible.
Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!