TF-Pro Salt

[Mdragger88]

I bought the TF-Pro Salt a couple of weeks ago. Initially it can seem daunting to use... but go slow and follow the step by step instructions... Now that I've used it a few times it's become much easier and faster to run a test. The ones I have the most difficulty with are the CYA and pH test block. My vision with glasses makes it hard to determine when the dot disappears (perhaps getting the sampler would help -- but that won't improve my vision ). The test block is akin to test strips (which I've never used); one has to match colors which is difficult. In my case the reading can change depending on the background light and the whiteness of the background... Now that I've used them, I really like the drop tests as they are easy to interpret.
In hindsight I don't know if the salt test is really necessary becasue my SWG I have gives me a readout directly. When I buy a refill next year I may just get the TF-100 refill.

Place a white card/paper behind the comparator- i also sometimes use the blank browser screen on my phone since its white & backlit.
This is mainly for ph & determining the hue
For total chlorine its basically a “you have chlorine or you don’t” kinda test. Or as i call it “the really deep yellow means I’m good” test
For accuracy and making adjustments stick with the fas/dpd chlorine test.

You shouldn’t rely solely upon your swcg to tell you the salt level- as they age the measurement gets further and further off from reality. The water temp can also effect what is displayed on some units so knowing your actual salinity is very important for troubleshooting so you don’t keep feeding it salt and over salt the pool.
You need to keep the cell happy but don’t trust its reading completely. Always verify.

 

[spaHabit]

The good news is that the salt reagents will keep for several years, as long as you keep them in a climate controlled area. I typically only purchase the salt refill once every 2 years or so.

Good to know... Perhaps only test a couple of times a year?

Right now my SWG reads higher (around 3200) than what the salt test gives me (2800). Any thoughts on why that would be? I'm not too worried (or should I be?) as I understand it we want enough salt for the SWG to do it's job but the actual level is not too critical after that... +/- a few hundred around 3000 doesn't seem like it should make much of a difference.

 

[PoolStored]

Right now my SWG reads higher (around 3200) than what the salt test gives me (2800). Any thoughts on why that would be? I'm not too worried (or should I be?) as I understand it we want enough salt for the SWG to do it's job but the actual level is not too critical after that... +/- a few hundred around 3000 doesn't seem like it should make much of a difference.

Difference it testing method between the two. Don't sweat it, you are in a good place.

If the cell is happy, you are happy. Train yourself to use the idiot light.

 

[smicale]

Ok I just got my test kit! Now for the completely stupid how does the smart stir work? I push the power button and it lights up! Nothing happens after that and no instructions that I see on how to use it.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Right now my SWG reads higher (around 3200) than what the salt test gives me (2800). Any thoughts on why that would be? I'm not too worried (or should I be?) as I understand it we want enough salt for the SWG to do it's job but the actual level is not too critical after that... +/- a few hundred around 3000 doesn't seem like it should make much of a difference.

+/- 500ppm accuracy of reading from the cell (Pentair's value, others are probably similar), combined with +/-200ppm accuracy of the test.

As Poolstored said, as long as the cell is happy that's the key.

--Jeff

 

[PoolStored]

Look for a little white cross. Fill to the mark on the vial, then put the cross into the water, turn on the smart stir.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Ok I just got my test kit! Now for the completely stupid how does the smart stir work? I push the power button and it lights up! Nothing happens after that and no instructions that I see on how to use it.

Did you put the the magic pill in there?

Edit - Darnit! I got PoolStored!!

--Jeff

 

[smicale]

This?

 

[PoolStored]

Yep!!!

 

[smicale]

Just drop it in any cylinder ?

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Just drop it in any cylinder ?

Yes, after filling the cylinder with the water sample to the appropriate level.

Did you see the video in PoolStored's post #26, above?

--Jeff

 

[Newdude]

Now for the completely stupid how does the smart stir work?

Fill the vial as directed. (Probably 10ml)
Drop in stir bar after.
Press button
Be amazed.


I couldn't wait and tried to see the magic in my garage as soon as the package came. I had it apart trying to fix it when I thought 'well, lemme go try it with pool water' and I facepalmed pretty hard when I tried it with pool water and the stir bar. In hindsight, I should have started there. But here we are.

 

[TinFoilHat]

It's so magical that people are afraid to hurt the magic and lose it.

 

[smicale]

The chlorine/bromine Comparator Block test do I use this thing? I don’t see a YouTube video for it.

 

[PoolStored]

The chlorine/bromine side is for the OTO test. Ignore it. Use the FAS-DPD powder and reagent (0870 and 0871) to test FC. 10mL, and every drop is .5 FC.
The right side is used with the R-0014 to test pH. Fill to the top thin line, add 5 drops of the reagent, cap, invert, then read the color.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Once you have a firm grip on how your pool behaves and what additions you regularly make to it that give consistent results (like never any algae found) then you can use the comparator block for Chlorine. It's going to just give you a rough Chlorine level without regard to Combined Chlorine. I use my comparator when I test daily and then use the powder each weekend. Just remember that it pegs out at 5ppm which is a good "lowest point." If you have trouble distinguishing color on the PH side you can try 4 drops or maybe 3 to see if the colors are better defined for you.

 

[smicale]

On CH test the YouTube video says fill to 25ml but the book says fill to 10ml. Which is correct?

 

[PoolStored]

10ml.

When in doubt, bookmark this page for all test instructions...

Extended Test Kit Directions Archives

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[smicale]

Wow! I just got through the book! That took me at least an hour to do that! Here are my results. I tried entering them in the app but it continues to show as NO LOGS. Is that because I am not subscribed? Any way here is what I got on the first go of it.

FC = 3
CC = 1

CYA = 80

TA = 70

Chlorine/Bromine = 3 - 6 (this may not be right)

PH = 7.8

CH = 325

Salt = 3000

 

[PoolStored]

It gets easier and faster, I can do full panel in less than 10 min.

After you enter all the results to pool math, you need to choose the check mark to save. Without subscription, you can only have one logged test.

Everything is ok, but your FC is WAY to low for your CYA. Always follow this...Link-->FC/CYA Levels

With a CC of 1, you need to get your SLAM on...Link-->SLAM Process

It is also possible that the CC is inaccurate, so to confirm, do this test. Link-->Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
You fail, you SLAM.