Comparative Test in the TF-Pro Kit Question

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H

hokiejaws07

Well-known member
Jul 28, 2022
75
Virginia
Pool Size
18500
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I tested my chlorine (FC) and pH using the comparative tester but had the hardest time telling the difference in the colors.

I tested my chlorine using the powder and smart stirrer and that was much easier. 9 drops so my FC, I assume, is a 4.5?

I’d like to be able to use the comparative tester, but it’s difficult to read. I put it directly in the sun and moved it around and could not differentiate the “yellows.” Any suggestions?

Do most people use the comparative tester or use the scoop powder and drop method?

I’m new to the test kit and pool ownership, so any advice and help is greatly appreciated.
 
For me, colors are easier to read against a light or white background, and not in direct sun.

But I only use the power test too. Drop test really only says if you have some chlorine in your pool.

Getting a magnetic or speed stir really makes it much easier and faster to run this and other counting drop tests.

Please fill in your pool info in your signature so the experts here will be able to advise you on how to take care of your pool. Include what test kit you have.

Randy
 
White background is the way to read the color differences and yes they are sometimes hard to tell apart. I also found you want to shield the sample from harsh light, I usually read the samples in shade with a white background behind it.

I think some Taylor kits (K-2005?) come with a plastic white card for the background.
 
No need to use the chlorine side of the comparator. Think of it as a "yes, there's chlorine here" indicator, but nothing more. Use the FAS/DPD test only.
 
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Once you’re in the routine as a TFPer, you know there’s FC in the pool. How much is the question and that is answered by the powder (fas-dpd) test.
 
randytsuch said:
For me, colors are easier to read against a light or white background, and not in direct sun.

But I only use the power test too. Drop test really only says if you have some chlorine in your pool.

Getting a magnetic or speed stir really makes it much easier and faster to run this and other counting drop tests.

Please fill in your pool info in your signature so the experts here will be able to advise you on how to take care of your pool. Include what test kit you have.

Randy
Click to expand...
Thanks everyone!

So it seems like I'll continue to use the speed stir w/ powder to check the chlorine level. I'll continue to try the comparator until I can get a decent reading on it.

Also, when I finish with the chlorine or any others, can I just dump the excess in my yard and clean the tube in my pool, or is it probably better to clean with a little soap and tap water? With the scooper, does that need to be cleaned --- will putting that in my pool do any type of damage? Seems like such a small amount is left on it that it can't hurt it, but wanted to double-check.

Thanks again.
 
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I just dump the residual, on the ground and rinse the test tube with pool water. About once a month, ill clean them with rubbing alcohol.

For the little spoon, I usually just let it swirl in the speed stir, then take it out and do the test. That gets off any clinging powder
 
Hi @hokiejaws07 - I dump the completed test sample in the yard, THEN rinse with tap water, wipe the sample tubes with rolled up paper towel and leave it there for storing 'til next test. Occasionally, a dab of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to clean the tubes. As for the DPD and scoop- KEEP IT DRY! I use a snack size zip lock bag with a descant pack. To clean the scoop just hold the handle, scoop facing away from you and pointing up, pull back on the scoop a little and let go, "flicking" the scoop against the edge of the patio table (what I use), or anything to provide the "sudden stop", and it will clean right out. I also rinse the tubes with tap water and then rinse with pool water between each test. Let's see what others have to offer . . . :cool:
 
hokiejaws07 said:
Thanks everyone!

So it seems like I'll continue to use the speed stir w/ powder to check the chlorine level. I'll continue to try the comparator until I can get a decent reading on it.

Also, when I finish with the chlorine or any others, can I just dump the excess in my yard and clean the tube in my pool, or is it probably better to clean with a little soap and tap water? With the scooper, does that need to be cleaned --- will putting that in my pool do any type of damage? Seems like such a small amount is left on it that it can't hurt it, but wanted to double-check.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...
As others have said - chlorine comparative is only used to verify if you have chlorine in pool - it is either yes or no. It only goes up to 5ppm as well so of no value if you need to have your FC at a higher target. The main use of the comparator (for my use) is if you test your tap water as normal city water has less then 5ppm.

With regard to cleaning - I have a large mouth plastic cup marked as POOL USE ONLY. I dump the fluid in there after each test. I have my pool sample in a squirt bottle (can get it free from Leslie’s). The bottle volume is more than enough to do a set of tests. So I just use the extra sample water to rinse the vial, the comparator, the scooper, etc after each use and dry with paper towel or a micro cloth. Don’t add soap as that will leave a film.
I don’t dump any thing in my pool nor do I put it in the ground. I put it down a waste drain.

My process FWIW -
It is always good before each test to squirt a small amount of your pool sample in the vial to rinse it (clears any dust particle, etc), then pour your sample (10ml or 25ml depending on which test), do your test. Discard your test fluids in the plastic cup, rinse your vial, dry and store. Wipe dry the magnetic stirrer (if you us the speed stirrer device), and the scooper.

In time you may expand your test kit. I have a dedicated vial for each test (FC, TA, CH and Salt) as well as a dedicated magnetic stirrer. This just keeps everything together for each set of tests and no worries of cross contamination between tests.

Good Luck.
 

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HermanTX said:
As others have said - chlorine comparative is only used to verify if you have chlorine in pool - it is either yes or no. It only goes up to 5ppm as well so of no value if you need to have your FC at a higher target. The main use of the comparator (for my use) is if you test your tap water as normal city water has less then 5ppm.

With regard to cleaning - I have a large mouth plastic cup marked as POOL USE ONLY. I dump the fluid in there after each test. I have my pool sample in a squirt bottle (can get it free from Leslie’s). The bottle volume is more than enough to do a set of tests. So I just use the extra sample water to rinse the vial, the comparator, the scooper, etc after each use and dry with paper towel or a micro cloth. Don’t add soap as that will leave a film.
I don’t dump any thing in my pool nor do I put it in the ground. I put it down a waste drain.

My process FWIW -
It is always good before each test to squirt a small amount of your pool sample in the vial to rinse it (clears any dust particle, etc), then pour your sample (10ml or 25ml depending on which test), do your test. Discard your test fluids in the plastic cup, rinse your vial, dry and store. Wipe dry the magnetic stirrer (if you us the speed stirrer device), and the scooper.

In time you may expand your test kit. I have a dedicated vial for each test (FC, TA, CH and Salt) as well as a dedicated magnetic stirrer. This just keeps everything together for each set of tests and no worries of cross contamination between tests.

Good Luck.
Click to expand...
I like that idea of a separate magnetic stirrer. How do you keep the separate or tell them apart?
 
hokiejaws07 said:
I like that idea of a separate magnetic stirrer. How do you keep the separate or tell them apart?
Click to expand...
Well i also have a separate vial for each - so the stirrer goes in each vial, which is also next to each group of reagents For each test.
If you use just a single vial, then simply put the magnetic stirrer next to the group of reagents for that test.
I store all mine in a fishing tackle box - so reagents, vial and stirrer are separated by dividers for each test.
 
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I’m not too to confident in my ability to accurately read the comparative pH test either. What’s a recommended pH meter — I assume this is the most accurate reading?

Does Taylor sell one? Is the one on TF accurate and solid choice?
 
HermanTX said:
Well i also have a separate vial for each - so the stirrer goes in each vial, which is also next to each group of reagents For each test.
If you use just a single vial, then simply put the magnetic stirrer next to the group of reagents for that test.
I store all mine in a fishing tackle box - so reagents, vial and stirrer are separated by dividers for each test.
Click to expand...
Why the vial vs just filling up the cylinder for each test? Just trying to learn different methods.
 
hokiejaws07 said:
I’m not too to confident in my ability to accurately read the comparative pH test either. What’s a recommended pH meter — I assume this is the most accurate reading?

Does Taylor sell one? Is the one on TF accurate and solid choice?
Click to expand...
If you going to invest in a pH meter then best to purchase a good one. The 1 I use and widely used by many on this site is the Apera PH60

The cheaper ones all look the same with different names and do not hold calibration.
 
Tried using the comparative this morning to read the pH and that is much easier than the chlorine one.

Also was able to easily test the CYA. The instructions said it my take some time, but I did what it said and was able to tell when I could not see the black dot.
 
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