CYA Testing

[CosmicMiami]

After a mini-SLAM, I added CYA as advised in another thread. I was at 45 and was advised to raise it to at least 60. I'm shooting for 70+ as I'm in SoFla and the pool gets lots of sunlight. Used Pool Math Calculator and added the recommended CYA. In fact, after the first dose, I added more as the test was still a little low.

I'm still sitting at around 60. The test, as most of you know, is subjective. Is that dot still there or is it gone? LOL

It has been raining here for the last 5 days so lots of water going into the pool. But not enough to dilute that much.

Ordered more CYA reagent this morning as I'm almost out. Maybe enough for one more test. I don't want to go over on the CYA.

 

[Thurston]

I'm no expert, but I get similar results when increasing the CYA. Try to be cautious about not going over, but then it doesn't go up as fast as predicted by Poolmath. And reading the test results is really hard. Is that a reflection or a dot?

I think you're doing it right, going slowly and being more concerned with staying under the max than with getting it done quickly.

 

[Texas Splash]

In case it helps .....

CYA Testing:
Proper lighting is critical for the CYA test, so you want to test for CYA outside on a bright sunny day. Taylor recommends standing outside with your back to the sun and the view tube in the shade of your body. Use the mixing bottle to combine/gently mix the required amounts of pool water and R-0013 reagent, let sit for 30 seconds, then gently mix again. Then, while holding the skinny tube with the black dot at waist level, begin squirting the mixed solution into the skinny tube. Watch the black dot until it completely disappears. If it helps, pour a little, look away, then look back and pour some more. Once it disappears, record the CYA reading. After the first test, you can pour the mixed solution from the skinny view tube back to the mixing bottle, shake, and do the same test a second, third, or fourth time to instill consistency in your technique, become more comfortable with the testing, and validate the CYA reading. If you are still questioning your own results, have a friend or two do the same test 2-3 times. Share your results only after everyone is done to see if you came up with the same average results.

 

[Thurston]

Thanks for the reminders, multiple tests is good idea I'll start doing that.

 

[CosmicMiami]

In case it helps .....

Thanks Tex. Holding at waist level would require the use of several different eyeglasses...LOL

Seriously good advice. I've been holding closer and inside with an LED light at my back.

My CYA is certainly higher than indicated by my test methods. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Poolzzz]

Taylor has an instructional video for the test. People should watch it. It can be found on the following page: K-2006 Completeâ„¢ Kit with FAS-DPD

Besides bad lighting, the biggest difference I see is the "pace of play". Most obsess and do the test far too slowly.

I've discussed the "go outside, back to sun, waist high" thing that TFP recommends and Taylor said that isn't what they teach. Actually they said lighting isn't that critical provided there is reasonable amount of indirect/diffuse lighting. I've walked around with my CYA test standard and found this to be true so do it in my kitchen where I do all my other tests.

Best approach is to buy the CYA standard and learn how to measure it accurately. It does take training and everyone is a little different in how they see things.