Total Chlorine vs Free Chlorine

[jgarden]

I have the TFT100.

The basic OTO test (aka Taylor K-1000) says it tests for Total Chlorine.

Then there is the Chlorine Drop Test which will tell you Free Chlorine (FC).

Are these terms synonymous? Is FC the same as TC? If not what is the relationship between the two?

The CYA chart indicates what your FC should be based on CYA. So it seems the important test is the FC.


What is the purpose of taking the TC readings?



Thanks

 

[Patrick_B]

Actually you test FC and CC then add the two for the TC result. You don't want much CC and less than 1.0 CC is ideal.

 

[jgarden]

Actually you test FC and CC then add the two for the TC result. You don't want much CC and less than 1.0 CC is ideal.

So the TC you get by combining the FC and CC should theoretically match up with the results you see using the K-1000 test?

 

[Patrick_B]

Yes, that's how you figure TC. The tests will be close, but the drop count test is much more accurate, and if you'll notice, the OTO (yellow) test has ranges. If you want a concrete and accurate reading the drop count is best.