Wildly Different Test Results?

er_maine

Member
Apr 14, 2025
5
Maine
First post. I have the Taylor TF-100 test kit. For some reason, I get pretty different test results. See table below:

DateFCCC
2025-04-28 10:30:00 AM204.5
2025-04-28 9:35:00 AM181
2025-04-28 8:10:00 AM20.52.5
2025-04-28 7:10:00 AM18.53

I am taking water samples from the same spot each time. I am using the Chlorine only test tube. I rinse it out with tap water and dry it with a paper towel after every test.

I'm new to testing the water myself so is this fairly normal? Is it within the expected MoE?
 
Last edited:
Welcome to TFP!!!

Not sure what you are testing with those numbers. As @TinFoilHat indicated, if your CC is the second column, it is time to SLAM. (or maybe you are already in SLAM mode with those numbers?)

Taylor accuracy is +/- 1 drop in 10. Since you are using 10mL sample, you are using 40 drops, so accuracy would be +/- 4 drops or 2 FC. You are in range.

Clean with rubbing alcohol. Use coffee filters, they don't leave fuzz like paper towel, and you can get a 100 pack for a buck at wally world or $ store.

Speed stir improves accuracy if you don't have one.

Hold the reagent vertical, and SLOOOOWLY squeeze drops, let them form and drop under their own weight. Go slow.
To help with accuracy, read this:
 
Welcome to TFP!!!

Not sure what you are testing with those numbers. As @TinFoilHat indicated, if your CC is the second column, it is time to SLAM. (or maybe you are already in SLAM mode with those numbers?)

Taylor accuracy is +/- 1 drop in 10. Since you are using 10mL sample, you are using 40 drops, so accuracy would be +/- 4 drops or 2 FC. You are in range.

Clean with rubbing alcohol. Use coffee filters, they don't leave fuzz like paper towel, and you can get a 100 pack for a buck at wally world or $ store.

Speed stir improves accuracy if you don't have one.

Hold the reagent vertical, and SLOOOOWLY squeeze drops, let them form and drop under their own weight. Go slow.
To help with accuracy, read this:
Yes, I am in the process of slamming.

I just wanted to make sure that the results are within MoE and I'm not somehow doing something incredibly wrong. It sounds like I'm within the MoE of the 10mL sample size. Thank you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PoolStored
Yes, I am in the process of slamming.

I just wanted to make sure that the results are within MoE and I'm not somehow doing something incredibly wrong. It sounds like I'm within the MoE of the 10mL sample size. Thank you.
If you have a CC of 4.5ppm I’d question whether you’re doing the test correctly. If it really is 4.5, your pool should be a pretty big swamp mess. The FC variation wouldn’t normally be that much to worry about but the CC makes me wonder.

Post up some pictures of the test sample and what you’re doing to have someone double check it.
 
If you have a CC of 4.5ppm I’d question whether you’re doing the test correctly. If it really is 4.5, your pool should be a pretty big swamp mess. The FC variation wouldn’t normally be that much to worry about but the CC makes me wonder.

Post up some pictures of the test sample and what you’re doing to have someone double check it.
I'll record a video of my testing procedure in ~20-30 mins and upload it.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support