Cost savings?

[rweiler994]

Since I have a SWCG and have to test for salt, the price of this simple reagent has increased significantly. I have my refill from last year from Taylor, and used about half a bottle testing my pool. Is this a test that old reagents will throw off? I am considering buying something like this. Any thoughts or concerns of accuracy for these meters would be appreciated. My budget is dwindling due to the economy and the fact that my company thinks 2% is a cost of living increase, so I will spend where needed, but have already had to cut back on a lot of other projects just to get by, and my son deciding to borrow our vehicle and see how well they burn when the oil is not changed correctly didn't help.

 

[mknauss]

The K1766 test reagents are very stable. They should be fine for several years if kept in normal temperature conditions.

 

[ajw22]

I have my refill from last year from Taylor, and used about half a bottle testing my pool. Is this a test that old reagents will throw off?

No, the silver nitrate is a very stable chemical and can be used for many years. Keep using what you have.

I use this salinity meter for quick checks of my salt level....

Amazon.com

Check its calibration by comparing the meter to your salt test. Then if the meter shows an abnormal level grab your salt test to confirm the salinity. If the meter shows what you expect then no reason to dothe drop test.

 

[rweiler994]

I keep them in a cabinet in my kitchen so no huge temp swings.

 

[rweiler994]

No, the silver nitrate is a very stable chemical and can be used for many years. Keep using what you have.

I use this salinity meter for quick checks of my salt level....

Amazon.com

Check its calibration by comparing the meter to your salt test. Then if the meter shows an abnormal level grab your salt test to confirm the salinity. If the meter shows what you expect then no reason to do the drop test.

That meter is slightly cheaper, I liked the one I linked because it does Ph also, and due to fill water being super high TA, the first month I have pool open I go through quite a bit of MA knocking Ph down until TA is under control.

 

[ajw22]

You need to buy pH 4, 7, & 10 calibrating solutions and regularly calibrate the pH meter if you are going to rely on it. Deduct that cost from your savings.

 

[Bperry]

You need to buy pH 4, 7, & 10 calibrating solutions and regularly calibrate the pH meter if you are going to rely on it. Deduct that cost from your savings.

Yea, I wouldn’t buy a pH meter again.

 

[rweiler994]

Think I will just go with the salt meter then...Thanks for the help as usual.

 

[wireform]

I would say once you get a good feel for the water you'll be able to forecast the PH rise and almost accurately test for the same thereby eliminating the testing to fewer times you'll have to test for it. For example if you pool is stable to the point where it consistently rises by the same amount in the fixed amount of days you can almost just drop in the MA and call it done.

 

[Newdude]

the price of this simple reagent has increased significantly.

It's $32 on Amazon instead of $42 elsewhere, up from $30. And it should last a looooooooong time. Once you're dialed in you can easily go monthly with salt tests, it doesn't change much