Creating my own test kit with Taylor reagents

[FernTheBrute]

Hi,
I'm in Canada so good test kits are hard to find and expensive. I've found the k-2600 in a couple of places, but I realize the only test in it I really, really need is the FAS-DPD test to get accurate high chlorine readings. Other tests... well my cheaper test kit seems to be good enough most of the time for Ph and Alkalinity. As for other readings (cya, calcium), I have them tested a couple of time per summer at either the pool or hardware store and the results are pretty consistent.
Could I get only the R-0003, R-0870 and R-0871 reagents and something to measure & mix the water? And what is the exact volume of water I need to use to get the right results?
If I'm not mistaken, I don't need a color chart for that test?
Thanks!

 

[PoolStored]

For FC and CC, you need R-0870, R-0871 and R-003.

CYA testing in pool/hardware stores is notoriously inaccurate. I'd recommend getting the K-2006C. I know, expensive, but worth it to avoid algae.

You need a vial that can give you 10mL of sample water for FC/CC testing. One scoop of the 0870, and each drop of 0871 is .5FC.

About the cheapest option for reagents 0870, 0871 and 003...even CR-0013 for CYA (you still need a tube with a dot for CYA) in CA is here:

Residential Pool & Spa Water Testing - Pool Supply Haus Ottawa Ontario

Balanced water chemistry is important for not only the health of your swimming pool or spa, but for your equipment and person as well. Keep your water in check by testing it with the Pool Supply Haus’ test strips and pool water test kits. We recommend testing your pool and spa water chemistry...

poolsupplyhaus.ca

 

[proavia]

How close to the US border are you?
You can have a TF-Pro test kit shipped to a US mail drop, and drive over to retrieve it.

 

[FernTheBrute]

How close to the US border are you?
You can have a TF-Pro test kit shipped to a US mail drop, and drive over to retrieve it.

2 hours drive. My wife will think I'm nuts

 

[FernTheBrute]

For FC and CC, you need R-0870, R-0871 and R-003.

CYA testing in pool/hardware stores is notoriously inaccurate. I'd recommend getting the K-2006C. I know, expensive, but worth it to avoid algae.

You need a vial that can give you 10mL of sample water for FC/CC testing. One scoop of the 0870, and each drop of 0871 is .5FC.

About the cheapest option for reagents 0870, 0871 and 003...even CR-0013 for CYA (you still need a tube with a dot for CYA) in CA is here:

Residential Pool & Spa Water Testing - Pool Supply Haus Ottawa Ontario

Balanced water chemistry is important for not only the health of your swimming pool or spa, but for your equipment and person as well. Keep your water in check by testing it with the Pool Supply Haus’ test strips and pool water test kits. We recommend testing your pool and spa water chemistry...

poolsupplyhaus.ca

But is the cya test really that inaccurate? I've had this test done in many stores and they are all within 10% of each other, can't be that bad?

 

[proavia]

2 hours drive. My wife will think I'm nuts

If she's like my wife, it won't be the first time.... or the last.
You could make a day trip or weekend out of it - a "special" getaway for her.

But is the cya test really that inaccurate? I've had this test done in many stores and they are all within 10% of each other, can't be that bad?

YES!! That's the one pool stores get wrong most often.

 

[FernTheBrute]

If she's like my wife, it won't be the first time.... or the last.
You could make a day trip or weekend out of it - a "special" getaway for her.


YES!! That's the one pool stores get wrong most often.

But they all get the same result, while not using the same machine. Also, I had to drain half of my pool this summer, went from exactly 80 to 40. Guess I got lucky several times?

 

[proavia]

But they all get the same result, while not using the same machine. Also, I had to drain half of my pool this summer, went from exactly 80 to 40. Guess I got lucky several times?

You can manage your pool however you choose.
We know the PS results are unreliable and unrepeatable - been proven here 10's of thousands of times.
If you don't have a reliable CYA number from your own kit, you're just guessing at the CYA and your can't reliably maintain the FC/CYA relationship in accordance with the FC/CYA Levels charts.
Doesn't matter if "they" all get the same result while using different machines.

You can order the R-0013 reagent, viewing tube and mixing bottle for the CYA test as well.

We recommend replacing the reagents every year. TFTestkits has a reagent refill sale every March.
Since it's late in your season, you can always continue to guess at your numbers until the Spring when you open and then get one of the recommended test kits.

Based on Canadian prices for the Taylor K-2006C (the 'C' is important) and SpeedStir, it may be more cost effective to order a TF-Pro (includes the SpeedStir/SmartStir) and drive down to the states to retrieve it.
Make a weekend vacation of it and treat your wife. Pick up your new test kit while you're here.