Color match confusion on Chlorine test

[pooloclock]

As a first time pool owner, with some research I bought the Taylor Service Complete Pool Water Test Kit K-2006C. (side note, that it didn't come with R-0001 or R-0002!). But anyway, I purchased those at a pool supply shop to try and run my first chlorine test.

After following the steps with the kit - 9ml pool water, 5 drops each of 0001,0002, I got a light pink color (see photo) but then it says to color match it, however I have no idea what to color match to! The only color scale I have is the pH color scale on the mixer.

What am I missing?

 

[JamesW]

 

[JamesW]

2000 Series Comparator, Bromine & Chlorine (hi range), DPD/pH, 7.0-8.0

2000 Series Comparator, Bromine & Chlorine (lo range), DPD/pH, 7.0-8.0

 

[pooloclock]

Ah, thanks, that's helpful. Looks like they might have mis-labeled the kit as it has neither the chemicals or the mixer to be able to measure Chlorine. Thanks!

 

[JamesW]

Residential Series™ Comparator, Bromine & Chlorine (hi range), DPD/pH

 

[ajw22]

Your kit is made to do the FAS/DPD chlorine test using R-0870 & R-0871. You should have those reagents and R-0003.

 

[JamesW]

The FASDPD test uses the big tube with a 10 or 25 ml sample. We recommend the 10 ml sample size.

 

[mgtfp]

Could it be that you are following instructions for the Taylor 2005 kit, but you have the (better) 2006 kit?

The 2006 uses FAS-DPD, you have to add a scoop of DPD powder (R-0870), which will turn the water pink. Then you add the FAS reagent drops (R-0871) until the water turns clear. Using a 10ml water sample, each drop of R-0871 corresponds to 0.5ppm of FC. If you for example had to add 10 drops to turn the sample clear, your FC is 5ppm.

Edit: Looks like Allen was a bit faster. Took me too long to look up the reagent names, as an Aussie using Clear Choice Labs kits, I don't know the Taylor numbers by heart...

 

[pooloclock]

Thanks! Wowzer.

How long does it usually take experienced folks to run through the tests to get all the levels?

 

[JamesW]

How long does it usually take experienced folks to run through the tests to get all the levels?

It takes about an hour or two to get all of the tests completed.

But, seriously, just a minute or two per test once you get good at it.

 

[mgtfp]

And you don't have to run all the tests all the time, especially not in winter:

Basic Pool Care Schedule

This basic pool care schedule can guide you in creating your own pool care routine. Regular pool maintenance will keep your water sparkling!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[jseyfert3]

How long does it usually take experienced folks to run through the tests to get all the levels?

If you have the SpeedStir it's very quick. Here's a 43 second long video of me doing the FC/CC test one handed cause my other hand was holding the phone. This video was before I got the SampleSizer (which I just got), in this I was using a syringe which I had pre-filled and set to 10 mL, but the SampleSizer is much faster and I love it.

 

[CrystalRiver]

I don't live with the pool I maintain. It may be five minutes from when I walk in through the fence until I walk out again. That includes visual check of pool, read pump pressure gauge, clear any debris from the skimmer basket, test chlorine and pH and add chlorine.

If I need to vacuum, or backwash, then it's longer of course. Most of the chemistry doesn't need to be tested daily. I do chlorine daily, pH every 1-3 days depending. I check my calcium annually, TA before adjusting pH, and CYA monthly.