- Oct 6, 2009
- 175
- Pool Size
- 22500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool Core-55
I am the proud new owner of a 22,500 galloon in-ground pool, and after 2 weeks of brushing the pool twice a day and testing the water every day, I feel I am only slightly more knowledgeable about pool ownership than I was when this all started!!
When they started up my pool, the guy gave me the standard test strip kit from the PB, but then went to his car and gave me an AquaCheck Select test kit and said it was a better test kit. It does provide 6 tests instead of only 3 that the first kit provides, however, having tried both kits - and even seeing some differences in the readings - I'm afraid I'm getting lost between the colors!! I've seen other posts on this forum from others who also suffer from not being able to confidently confirm the readings based on the colors on the strips. I wait 15 seconds and then view my results, but it seems by the time I dry my hands and go to write down the results, the colors continue to change. I'm not sure which version of the numbers I should be referring to.
Does anyone recommend any digital test kits? I see that AquaCheck makes one that you just insert the wet test strip and it provides you with a nice digital readout - no guesswork!!
I see that the TF100 test kit is recommended highly on this forum, but I think I prefer the simplicity of the test strips - unless someone can convince me otherwise.
Currently I believe my levels to be as follows:
CYA - 20
Total Alkalinity - 50
pH - 6.8
Free Chlorine - 5
Total Chlorine/Bromine - 5
Total Hardness - 100
This is just following the first supershock about 36 hours prior. I also do not have the Nature2 cartridge in place yet (was told to wait till all chemicals were balanced).
If anyone cares to comment on my levels and/or my inquiry about digital test kits, I'd be very greatful.
When they started up my pool, the guy gave me the standard test strip kit from the PB, but then went to his car and gave me an AquaCheck Select test kit and said it was a better test kit. It does provide 6 tests instead of only 3 that the first kit provides, however, having tried both kits - and even seeing some differences in the readings - I'm afraid I'm getting lost between the colors!! I've seen other posts on this forum from others who also suffer from not being able to confidently confirm the readings based on the colors on the strips. I wait 15 seconds and then view my results, but it seems by the time I dry my hands and go to write down the results, the colors continue to change. I'm not sure which version of the numbers I should be referring to.
Does anyone recommend any digital test kits? I see that AquaCheck makes one that you just insert the wet test strip and it provides you with a nice digital readout - no guesswork!!
I see that the TF100 test kit is recommended highly on this forum, but I think I prefer the simplicity of the test strips - unless someone can convince me otherwise.
Currently I believe my levels to be as follows:
CYA - 20
Total Alkalinity - 50
pH - 6.8
Free Chlorine - 5
Total Chlorine/Bromine - 5
Total Hardness - 100
This is just following the first supershock about 36 hours prior. I also do not have the Nature2 cartridge in place yet (was told to wait till all chemicals were balanced).
If anyone cares to comment on my levels and/or my inquiry about digital test kits, I'd be very greatful.