Here's a question...has anyone experienced different results when using R-0013 8oz refill from TF Test Kits? I have high CYA so I've been doing some drain/refills and testing CYA pretty regularly. I was getting consistent numbers with the regent that came with my Taylor kit and feel comfortable with my technique. I recently ordered the 8oz refill and now I'm getting consistent results that are about 40(ppm?) higher than I was getting with original regent. Ive' read through past threads for about two days and haven't found any similar issues as this so I'm prepared to accept that it's just me. Tests are done with back to the sun, at waist level until dot disappears. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Different Results With CYA Regent Refill?
- Thread starter Thekxl
- Start date
What is the difference in time frame from testing? Also, did you add anything to pool during that times? Last, but not least, think back in terms on how long the water was mixed from pump prior to testing? I know that I always test after water has been mixed for at least 2-3 hours, and not less as there are different results. I would trust your current testing, and also have a second set of eyes. Always, I round up 10 and do not second guess myself as the black dot always seems to be present, especially from a reflection.
Good points to consider Catanzaro.
-I test CYA weekly. I perform longer than usual backwash, refill, then test. I'm refilling from hose, so if anything, I was expecting it to start creeping down. I have also performed one major drain/refill. Again, expected it to go down.
-Pump runs all day prior to testing. Approx 10hrs.
-I have not added anything except bleach. This site has helped me from becoming "inexperienced pool owner" to "capable pool owner". Fired pool company about 3 weeks ago.
-I'm ok with trusting current reading. Thanks for your confirmation on that. CYA is so out of wack due to pool company and not knowing what the level was when we moved in. I really just want to get it lower before we close up for the winter. Current CYA level would take a truck load of bleach to get it shock level (exaggeration...kinda). Just going to have to suck it up on the water bill this year lol
-I test CYA weekly. I perform longer than usual backwash, refill, then test. I'm refilling from hose, so if anything, I was expecting it to start creeping down. I have also performed one major drain/refill. Again, expected it to go down.
-Pump runs all day prior to testing. Approx 10hrs.
-I have not added anything except bleach. This site has helped me from becoming "inexperienced pool owner" to "capable pool owner". Fired pool company about 3 weeks ago.
-I'm ok with trusting current reading. Thanks for your confirmation on that. CYA is so out of wack due to pool company and not knowing what the level was when we moved in. I really just want to get it lower before we close up for the winter. Current CYA level would take a truck load of bleach to get it shock level (exaggeration...kinda). Just going to have to suck it up on the water bill this year lol
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- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,560
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Thanks for the tip and your hookup over at TFP ajw22!
I'm struggling to think of a reply that wouldn't "read" the wrong way so bare with me here...
Honest question, how would standard solution help in this case? From what I understand it just shows you how the dot is supposed to look at 50? There are plenty of resources on here for a go getter to look at pictures from other posts. Is the standard water specific? I assume "not seeing the dot" means "not seeing the dot".
I've read almost every post here regarding CYA (no joke lol) and I'm confident I'm doing test correctly and understand the margins of error. I just thought 40ppm difference between tests was a bit drastic.
Enjoying the conversation!
I'm struggling to think of a reply that wouldn't "read" the wrong way so bare with me here...
Honest question, how would standard solution help in this case? From what I understand it just shows you how the dot is supposed to look at 50? There are plenty of resources on here for a go getter to look at pictures from other posts. Is the standard water specific? I assume "not seeing the dot" means "not seeing the dot".
I've read almost every post here regarding CYA (no joke lol) and I'm confident I'm doing test correctly and understand the margins of error. I just thought 40ppm difference between tests was a bit drastic.
Enjoying the conversation!
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Do not allow your CYA to go to low. If you are at 70-80 now, leave it there. You will probably have a reduction of at least 20-40 ppm over the winter. Keep your levels higher as you have about a month or so to go, if not slightly longer before closing. You do not want to go to low, then have to add next year because you removed to much this year. Thanks!
"Too low".....aah....can't wait until I need to worry about that. Current reading with Regent refill is 160. Original test kit regent was reading 120. Hence, the posted question.
I'll just keep working on it and assume current regent reading is correct. If someone had chimed in with "oh yeah! Refill regents can be off by a lot", or even "I had the same problem! See this post....." etc, it would be different. Since that isn't the case, I'll just assume that it was user error with the 120 reading and go by the 160.
-Once again, I have no idea what it was when we opened.
- Fired Pool company 3 weeks ago
-Only using bleach
-Continuing to perform drain/refills.
Thanks for your input guys. I love this site and all the work you do to answer questions in a timely manner.
I'll just keep working on it and assume current regent reading is correct. If someone had chimed in with "oh yeah! Refill regents can be off by a lot", or even "I had the same problem! See this post....." etc, it would be different. Since that isn't the case, I'll just assume that it was user error with the 120 reading and go by the 160.
-Once again, I have no idea what it was when we opened.
- Fired Pool company 3 weeks ago
-Only using bleach
-Continuing to perform drain/refills.
Thanks for your input guys. I love this site and all the work you do to answer questions in a timely manner.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,560
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The standard solution should read CYA 50. If it reads 90 to you it confirms there is a problem. If you have a problem with your reagent Rebecca at TFT is the person to be notified.
You should see what the dot looks like at the 50 line with the standard solution.
You either have a testing technique issue or a reagent issue. The standard solution can help you figure out your testing technique issue. TFT is the one to turn to if you have a reagent issue.
Just send her an email through the website and explain your problem. She is on here but I forget her name here.
The standard solution is used in place of the pool water and you still mix in your R-0013 reagent.
The standard solution is not just a mix that you pour in the tube to see what the dot looks like.
So, like said above, if the standard solution mixed with the R-0013 reads way high, then there is likely a reagent problem.
Although, being that the reagent is just reacting with the CYA in the water, I am not sure how the test mix could get too cloudy and read high. I would more likely that that it could read artificially low if there was not enough "ingredient" in the reagent to react with all the CYA in the water sample.
The standard solution is not just a mix that you pour in the tube to see what the dot looks like.
So, like said above, if the standard solution mixed with the R-0013 reads way high, then there is likely a reagent problem.
Although, being that the reagent is just reacting with the CYA in the water, I am not sure how the test mix could get too cloudy and read high. I would more likely that that it could read artificially low if there was not enough "ingredient" in the reagent to react with all the CYA in the water sample.
Interesting point Jason! That makes complete sense......now, get this. I just stopped by the pool store for some skimmer socks, and on a whim I bought another bottle of R-00013. I do plan on buying the standard but this was just an impulse buy. Besides, what's another $10 between friends lol.
So, I got home and tested it and bam, smack dab on 120. Now, I don't mind using the 8oz refill and subtracting 40 from the result, but you guys think I should still contact TFT for QA purposes?
So, I got home and tested it and bam, smack dab on 120. Now, I don't mind using the 8oz refill and subtracting 40 from the result, but you guys think I should still contact TFT for QA purposes?
For now, work with the 120 reading. Try to get it down to around 80-90, so by next year you will have less work on your hands.
Will do. In process of one last drain refill. Also just ordered standard solution.
Thanks again everyone and enjoy the rest of the season!
Thanks again everyone and enjoy the rest of the season!
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,560
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I would let them know. They may be many other customers using a bad batch and draining pools unnecessarily.
I'm still relatively new to TFP, but thought I'd bring up a few points that jumped to mind:
1) What are the lot codes on the reagent bottles you have? Is it possible the ones giving a lower reading are older?
2) We all know there is a margin of error with the CYA test, which as stated many times is amplified by the dilution method. A reading diluted on the tube between 70-80 represents a cya level of 140-160ppm. Already anywhere within 20ppm margin for error. It's not 40ppm but is for sure a factor here.
1) What are the lot codes on the reagent bottles you have? Is it possible the ones giving a lower reading are older?
2) We all know there is a margin of error with the CYA test, which as stated many times is amplified by the dilution method. A reading diluted on the tube between 70-80 represents a cya level of 140-160ppm. Already anywhere within 20ppm margin for error. It's not 40ppm but is for sure a factor here.
Hey Ashton! Thanks for chiming in! As with any question, I hope this helps future pool owners!
1. I just finished contacting TF Test Kits so I literally just looked at the refill bottle. To my surprise, there are no lot/batch codes on it. Just the ID label.
2. You are correct in that we are aware of the margin of error. However, the post was about the actual reading taken. They were different from one CYA agent to the next by 40.
1. I just finished contacting TF Test Kits so I literally just looked at the refill bottle. To my surprise, there are no lot/batch codes on it. Just the ID label.
2. You are correct in that we are aware of the margin of error. However, the post was about the actual reading taken. They were different from one CYA agent to the next by 40.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,560
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I believe Taylor puts lot/batch codes on their bottles. TFT repackages bulk Taylor chemicals and does not put code on their bottles.