A quicker way?

[roguegeek]

I have a pool I’ve been taking care of for two years now, no problem, with a K-2006 and K-1766. Other than a couple of issues in the beginning that you all helped me with, it’s been smooth sailing. It’s fair to say I’m pretty anal and keep on top of the maintenance daily, which has costed me a lot in K-2006c tests.

My question is this. Has there been some sort or tech released that will give me decent test numbers without having to break out the entire kit? Something I can add to the pump or something? Something standalone? I’m not looking for super accuracy or anything like that. Just something that can give me a general idea of the six main readings and helps me pull out the K-2006 every other week or so instead of every other day. I know the easiest thing would just be to just use some good test strips, but I wanted to see if there was a sexier/techier solution first. I know. It’s a shot in the dark. Possibly a magic bullet, but I wont know unless I ask.

I guess I have an additional question as well. What good test strips can be used to supplement the K-2006/K-1766 testing?

 

[mknauss]

There really are no good test strips. And there is yet to be a reliable test method that is automatic.

The drop based test kit is the best to stick with. As you know your pool, you should be able to spread out your testing regiment.

 

[roguegeek]

There really are no good test strips. And there is yet to be a reliable test method that is automatic. The drop based test kit is the best to stick with. As you know your pool, you should be able to spread out your testing regiment.

Yeah, but I wont do that. That’s just not my style or preference at all. If I’m reading your comments correctly, it sounds like there are options out there, but they’re ones that people may be reluctant to list or would deem unreliable. Knowing test strips are bad (I’m guessing that’s being called out based on the accuracy of them?), what are the best options available? And with those “automatic” options you called out, what might they be at this point and what is the hesitation with them?

 

[Killer95Stang]

After a few years, you should only be testing ph and TC a couple times a week. All the other tests like salt level, cya, ta and ch only need to be done every month or so. Most people can look at the weather and pretty much know what you need to do to the pool. Testing my water takes about 3 minutes tops a few times a week.

 

[roguegeek]

After a few years, you should only be testing ph and TC a couple times a week. All the other tests like salt level, cya, ta and ch only need to be done every month or so. Most people can look at the weather and pretty much know what you need to do to the pool. Testing my water takes about 3 minutes tops a few times a week.

Yup. I entirely understand what you’re saying and I believe I am fully capable of having that intimate knowledge of my system. That being said, I’m still looking for some answers to my questions.

 

[mknauss]

You asked for the best options. Your test kit is the best option.

 

[duraleigh]

TFP pool water management is centered around precision testing.......that's why it works so well. It's difficult to compromise that testing with convenience.

How often are you testing each parameter? Maybe you are testing too much.

 

[riley00dog]

My ph probe and auto acid dosing takes care of my ph and reads accurately on the display. I look at this a couple of times a day simply because it’s right near where the dog gets fed lol. I still test once a week to ensure it doesn’t need recalibrating. Swcg takes care of the FC now that it’s dialled in. That gets tested once a week too, unless I have reason to test earlier. All other tests get done when I think necessary. I’m still getting to know my pool, but typically I test salt, cya, ta and calcium once every 2-4 weeks. Right now we are getting over three weeks of straight rain so I’m testing and adjusting a little more often. There’s really no need to check everything everyday. I do my main pool care and testing on a Friday evening. It’s become our routine. The kids have a nice long swim after school, while I brush, change the hairnet, test the water, throw the robots bag in the wash and give the deck a quick clean. I probably spend half an hour to an hour and find it very relaxing being that it’s end of week and there’s no rush for anything.

 

[zea3]

At this point in time we do not know of a reliable electronic tester that measures all the parameters accurately and affordably. Electronic testers will also required frequent recalibration, so time and effort saved with an electronic tester vs using a drop based kit is probably a wash.

Test strips do not give precision results. They are designed to give results within a predetermined range. For example CYA is often measured as 0-50, 50-100, 100+ with a color gradient result. If your result is in the 50-100 range, it could be 50, which is ok or it could be 100 which is too high. Test strips are also affected by temperature and humidity. Exposure to high heat or humidity will reduce the accuracy of the strips, and you have no way of knowing the conditions the strips have been exposed to between the factory and your house.

We are all about accuracy and simplicity at TFP. If we knew of a reliable strip or electronic tester we would be all over it.

 

[roguegeek]

You asked for the best options. Your test kit is the best option.

It’s not what I asked. There was far more specificity than that. I would encourage you to reread my questions if you are interested in providing constructive answers.

TFP pool water management is centered around precision testing.......that's why it works so well. It's difficult to compromise that testing with convenience. How often are you testing each parameter? Maybe you are testing too much.

Thanks for taking the time to provide some context. It’s appreciated and helpful. I currently test at least a couple times a week. I’m sure it’s more than needed, but I just like to have a general idea of what’s going on. It’s fun for me, but like I said above, I tend to go through a lot of test kits.

My ph probe and auto acid dosing takes care of my ph and reads accurately on the display. I look at this a couple of times a day simply because it’s right near where the dog gets fed lol. I still test once a week to ensure it doesn’t need recalibrating. Swcg takes care of the FC now that it’s dialled in. That gets tested once a week too, unless I have reason to test earlier. All other tests get done when I think necessary. I’m still getting to know my pool, but typically I test salt, cya, ta and calcium once every 2-4 weeks. Right now we are getting over three weeks of straight rain so I’m testing and adjusting a little more often. There’s really no need to check everything everyday. I do my main pool care and testing on a Friday evening. It’s become our routine. The kids have a nice long swim after school, while I brush, change the hairnet, test the water, throw the robots bag in the wash and give the deck a quick clean. I probably spend half an hour to an hour and find it very relaxing being that it’s end of week and there’s no rush for anything.

Awesome. Thanks for giving me a little snapshot into your routine. pH probe and auto acid? I’m intrigued simply because this acid is the chemical maintenance I do the most. FYI, I’m not saying I want to implement everything being listed, but I would like to know the options.

At this point in time we do not know of a reliable electronic tester that measures all the parameters accurately and affordably. Electronic testers will also required frequent recalibration, so time and effort saved with an electronic tester vs using a drop based kit is probably a wash.

Fair enough. Are there fairly reliable options out there that work with singular parameters? A pH probe and acid system was mentioned above.

Test strips do not give precision results. They are designed to give results within a predetermined range. For example CYA is often measured as 0-50, 50-100, 100+ with a color gradient result. If your result is in the 50-100 range, it could be 50, which is ok or it could be 100 which is too high. Test strips are also affected by temperature and humidity. Exposure to high heat or humidity will reduce the accuracy of the strips, and you have no way of knowing the conditions the strips have been exposed to between the factory and your house.

Understood. As I mentioned above, I’m looking for supplemental ways to test. This means in addition to the normal testing I do. In your opinion, do you think throwing a test strip into the water on a daily basis in addition to consistent and frequent test kit testing holds absolutely zero value?

 

[Donldson]

In your opinion, do you think throwing a test strip into the water on a daily basis in addition to consistent and frequent test kit testing holds absolutely zero value?

Using test strips daily doesn't have zero value. Not at all...

It has negative value. If the numbers you are basing your care on are inaccurate then you will be correcting problems that don't exist, missing problems that do exist, and creating entirely new problems for you to deal with down the road. This will lead to more chemicals used, more time spent, and shortened lifespan of your finish and equipment.

You can do anything you want with your pool, you don't have to be spending all this time and energy trying to get the TFP blessing for something you want to do. Trying to get us to slip up and offer a reliable test strip that we have apparently all sworn an oath to keep from the masses is wasting far more time than you are trying to save.

 

[Catanzaro]

Trying to get us to slip up and offer a reliable test strip that we have apparently all sworn an oath to keep from the masses is wasting far more time than you are trying to save.

Powerful!

I cringe when someone tells me they use "test strips". Do not comment and either discuss something else or walk away.

 

[zea3]

You can't be assured you can find a test strip that has not been compromised in transit. If the strip is bad it gives bad information and is of 0 value to you. If you want to find a test strip and compare it to your drop based kit on a weekly basis, you could probably use it without getting too far off track in your chemistry, however if you don't confirm with your drop kit weekly, you are taking a big risk with the quality of your water.

I would ask riley000dog some questions about their system to see if that is something you would want to pursue further.