Newbie needs a water chem set

[LBI salt pool]

Hey y’all, I have a CL/PH test kit that I use on my hot tub. Have brand new fiberglass 10x20 in ground pool at the Jersey shore. Of course I was given test strips with my package. From all I’m reading I feel that my double test kit is not good enough. Which one do I get and how do I use it? I want simple, simple. Do I need to do every test every time I open box? The test kits I see the pool guys carry around look big and complicated
Thanks

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
You need a proper test kit. I suggest the TF-100/Pro or Taylor K2006C. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols.

Basic Pool Care Schedule

This basic pool care schedule can guide you in creating your own pool care routine. Regular pool maintenance will keep your water sparkling!

www.troublefreepool.com

I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[LBI salt pool]

Thank you…..so far the info on the site has been super helpful

 

[LBI salt pool]

T100 salt is so expensive…105 dollars is nuts. I know that one trip to the pool store may cost me that much just in chemicals alone but there’s a lot of tests in there that I may never use ……my small kit already has CL and PH.
Thoughts? Can I use it for my hot tub too? Is this forum helpful for hot tubs too?
Thank you

 

[Newdude]

T100 salt is so expensive…105 dollars is nuts. I know that one trip to the pool store may cost me that much just in chemicals alone

Well said. *one trip*. 'Come back next week for your free test'. Ask me how I know.

my small kit already has CL and PH.

We need a different test for FC that's included in the better kits.

Can I use it for my hot tub too? Is this forum helpful for hot tubs too?

Yes and yes.

The how-to sticky :

How do I use Chlorine in my Spa or Hot Tub?

If you have a question about any information within this Sticky, please start a new thread for yourself where you will receive very quick responses to your specific questions. Thank you! Introduction There are two main things to consider when maintaining your hot tub water, Water Balance and...

www.troublefreepool.com

The spa subforum :

Spas and Hot Tubs

The special chemistry and operation of Spas and Hot Tubs.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[LBI salt pool]

Received TF100 salt test kit today. I will start testing tomorrow since Friday is “ pool and spa day”.
Seems like testing frequency varies on here as opposed to the instructions that came with the kit. Kits says I should test for CL with the powder weekly as well as testing for alkalinity weekly
Says I should do dropper test for CL and PH daily with the small plastic block. Sounds like most people don’t test daily on here.
Reagents aren’t that expensive but I don’t want to burn through them either.
I have a small block for cl and ph that I have been using for my hot tub for couple years…. How is that one different than the one I received today?
Lastly, my kit all came in a clear plastic tackle type box. On older texts it seems guys were “ modding out” there boxes. Is this box not going to serve me properly?

 

[mknauss]

Basic Pool Care Schedule

This basic pool care schedule can guide you in creating your own pool care routine. Regular pool maintenance will keep your water sparkling!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[LBI salt pool]

Thank u. So it says to test chlorine daily but do I use the simple 5 drop test in the small block daily or the test with the powder in the beaker?
Thanks again

 

[PoolStored]

Use the powder/reagent for now. Until you know your pool and can keep FC in range for your CYA, this is best. Always follow this. Link-->FC/CYA Levels

I use the powder/reagent daily. I don't do the OTO, nor do most guides/mods/experts here. Some do (@Newdude)

After you get experience, then add in the OTO (5 drops) and compare colors to the range from the powder/reagent. If you get good at knowing OTO colors above 5 you *MIGHT* be ok...but can be a Crud shoot.

Better know than risk algae.

Great job on the kit, it will save you lots of money and heartache.

Oh, and the box works great. To extend the life of reagents, keep them indoors, cool place, out of sunlight.

 

[Newdude]

After you get experience, then add in the OTO (5 drops) and compare colors to the range. If you get good at knowing OTO colors above 5 you *MIGHT* be ok...but can be a Crud shoot

+1. You need to be one with the pool first. Once you already know what the tests will say most days, then you can switch to the block and if it's GOOD and yellow you'll be confident you aren't hitting min FC today.

It's vague at best. Run the two side by side when you have a minute for funsies. Eventually you'll get a good feel for it. For now, the powder test is the primary one.

 

[LBI salt pool]

Ok. Like I said , I use the OTO on my hot tub so I’m not unfamiliar. So it sounds like one of the first tests I do tomorrow should be to find my CYA level. According to dip stick it appears at least 100 now. Once I find my CYA I will know what my FC should be, correct?
As an aside, do I really have to put those little caps on top of the block? I usually just use my fingers

 

[PoolStored]

Use the CYA test in your new test kit. NO DIP STICKS!

CYA - Cyanuric Acid Test

Cyanuric acid (CYA) is the chemical name for the product commonly called “pool water stabilizer” … Read more…

www.troublefreepool.com

Fingers/thumbs over the block is fine.

 

[LBI salt pool]

Should I do the CYA test first today so I will then know where my CL levels should be?

 

[LBI salt pool]

Is it a good idea to take a cup of pool water into the house and do all the tests in there or does it always need to be fresh sample?

 

[Newdude]

Should I do the CYA test first today so I will then know where my CL levels should be?

The CYA test does best in full sun, using your body to shield the vial. The sun will be plenty high about 11AM.

Is it a good idea to take a cup of pool water into the house and do all the tests in there or does it always need to be fresh sample

Bringing it immediately in the house ? That's plenty fresh.

If the sample sits for an extended time, it needs to be mixed well and the FC will be lowered appropriately by UV exposure, different from the pool. Temperature affects the Ph as well.

The rest should be what they're going to be, even if it's tomorrow. But even if it's raining out it takes seconds to run out and grab a sample so there is rarely a reason to hold onto one from before.

 

[LBI salt pool]

 

[SecoSteve]

Is it a good idea to take a cup of pool water into the house and do all the tests in there or does it always need to be fresh sample?

This is where the pool store visit is worth it. They will give you a free sample bottle test to take home. They want you to keep going back with water samples to buy their expensive products.

I have great water sample bottle from a pool store that has a squirt type lid that pops open. It is great for getting the proper amount(10ml, 25ml) in the cylinder.

But, I never take them a sample to test. Even for fun. It just confuses me. I do my testing indoors most of the time, even the CYA test(sometimes I'll take that test outside)