Pool store vs Taylor test kit

[Tattooed Nurse]

Out of curiosity I took some sample water to the pool store to test for metals. I use the Taylor K-2006 test kit. They use the Accublue at the store. My concerns are the chlorine level being high even though we haven't ran the SWCG in months due to cold weather (assuming it's in our top off). Also, the phosphates are running high on their test which I don't have a way to test for those with my kit. I'm attaching images of their test and mine. We have had a lot of dirt in the air here in West Texas lately so I'm assuming that is why the phosphates are elevated. Should I be concerned with the phosphates?

 

[mknauss]

Do your self a favor, quit going to pool stores for pool water testing.

Throw their test results away. Trust your testing.

 

[Texas Splash]

Should I be concerned with the phosphates?

No. As long as your FC is balanced correctly to your current CYA as noted on the FC/CYA Levels, there is no need to worry about phosphates. Your own FC test is plenty strong, so just stick to your own results.

If you are ever curious about phosphates, you can purchase your own Taylor phosphate kit.

 

[Tattooed Nurse]

Do your self a favor, quit going to pool stores for pool water testing.

Throw their test results away. Trust your testing.

I never use them. Only the Taylor. Just curious about the metals is the reason I took a sample in

 

[Tattooed Nurse]

No. As long as your FC is balanced correctly to your current CYA as noted on the FC/CYA Levels, there is no need to worry about phosphates. Your own FC test is plenty strong, so just stick to your own results.

If you are ever curious about phosphates, you can purchase your own Taylor phosphate kit.

Thank you! I might look into that since I am needing to reorder some reagents anyway.

 

[sande005]

My SWCG doesn't actually stop producing until the water temp is below 50. Methinks yours was still doing so, even though you thought it wasn't. And your CL reading is not elevated. It is right where it should be for the level of CYA you have been running.
Most municiple water systems strive for close to 0 CL by the time it makes it to the tap. Some may have a few ppm, but not much that will increase the level in a pool. Have you checked your fill water?

 

[Jimrahbe]

TN,

As a nurse, I am surprised you don't see yourself as a pool "hypochondriac".

Phosphates are measured in pp billion.. You are at 250!!! You'd have to be over 3 or 4 thousand to even think about phosphates...

I'm sure you see plenty of actual patients that have this same issue..

Jim R.

 

[Tattooed Nurse]

My SWCG doesn't actually stop producing until the water temp is below 50. Methinks yours was still doing so, even though you thought it wasn't. And your CL reading is not elevated. It is right where it should be for the level of CYA you have been running.
Most municiple water systems strive for close to 0 CL by the time it makes it to the tap. Some may have a few ppm, but not much that will increase the level in a pool. Have you checked your fill water?

My SWCG has been off for several months and I still have not turned it back on.

 

[Tattooed Nurse]

TN,

As a nurse, I am surprised you don't see yourself as a pool "hypochondriac".

Phosphates are measured in pp billion.. You are at 250!!! You'd have to be over 3 or 4 thousand to even think about phosphates...

I'm sure you see plenty of actual patients that have this same issue..

Jim R.

I am very much a pool hypochondriac and OCD about cleanliness as well. LOL!! I understand that they are measured in pp billion but I am a new pool owner. Our body chemistry is not the same as pool chemistry. Blood is measured in g/dL, g/L, IU/L, IU/mL, mg/dl etc in lab....not pp billion.

 

[PoolStored]

1ppm = 1 mg/L

 

[Tattooed Nurse]

1ppm = 1 mg/L

Makes sense