Initial fill completed this morning. Decided to test pH, TA and CH to see what we're starting with.
pH >= 8.2
CH = 75
TA = 330
Now, we have what we would consider hard water here north of Houston so I was kinda surprised to see the CH test turn blue after only 3 drops. I suppose this is a good problem to have if you have to have a problem with CH in the fill water.
I was also surprised at the pH number, but not overly so.
The TA number is the one I'm most concerned with. Before I run through another test (and use 33 more drops of reagent), I wanted to post this and see what others have to say. Especially those around me.
My testing methodology: I followed the instructions on the laminated card. Meaning I didn't review the extended test kit directions posted in the other forum. This was my very first trial with the test kit.
I bought extra magnets and extra 40 ml vials from TFP Test Kits so I could dedicate a vial and magnet to each test.
We had an old BBQ sauce plastic bottle from a local restaurant. Rinsed it out with warm water and Dawn several times.
Used a 1/2" x 36" PVC pipe (with cap with hole on one end and fitting with 3/8" ID tubing on the draw end) to extract water from below the surface of the pool.
Rinsed all bottles and magnets to be used for tests with pool water.
For TA, I made sure to wipe the tip with a damp paper towel. Didn't use a cloth as instructed by the kit. Can't believe that would make a huge difference, but I'm certainly open to being wrong.
Thoughts?
pH >= 8.2
CH = 75
TA = 330
Now, we have what we would consider hard water here north of Houston so I was kinda surprised to see the CH test turn blue after only 3 drops. I suppose this is a good problem to have if you have to have a problem with CH in the fill water.
I was also surprised at the pH number, but not overly so.
The TA number is the one I'm most concerned with. Before I run through another test (and use 33 more drops of reagent), I wanted to post this and see what others have to say. Especially those around me.
My testing methodology: I followed the instructions on the laminated card. Meaning I didn't review the extended test kit directions posted in the other forum. This was my very first trial with the test kit.
I bought extra magnets and extra 40 ml vials from TFP Test Kits so I could dedicate a vial and magnet to each test.
We had an old BBQ sauce plastic bottle from a local restaurant. Rinsed it out with warm water and Dawn several times.
Used a 1/2" x 36" PVC pipe (with cap with hole on one end and fitting with 3/8" ID tubing on the draw end) to extract water from below the surface of the pool.
Rinsed all bottles and magnets to be used for tests with pool water.
For TA, I made sure to wipe the tip with a damp paper towel. Didn't use a cloth as instructed by the kit. Can't believe that would make a huge difference, but I'm certainly open to being wrong.
Thoughts?