Doubting myself on how to read CYA test result

[Florida Man]

I have the Taylor K-2006 test kit. To be honest I haven't ran through the tests in quite some time and just winged it adding bleach in to the pool over the winter. Well, the kids are back in the pool and I did the tests. The little black dot never seemed to disappear at the bottom of the tube, so I put about I think 40 ounces by weight of stabilizer.

So today (day after adding stabilizer) the kids are both complaining about their eyes hurting bad after swimming. They've been swimming for the last two months without complaints until now.

So, I just did the rest of tests and will rectify all these issues. FC:3.2, pH:7.3, TA:50, CH:40

But back to my main question: I really doubt myself as far as accurately reading the CYA test. Does the black dot have to completely disappear? Or just fade? Doesn't this vary depending on the persons eyesight etc? I feel like if I keep looking hard enough it will always be visible.

If it's just until it gets real cloudy, I'd say it's about 50-60... If it's until completely disappears no matter how hard I look, maybe the whole tube almost to top.

 

[andysousa]

You should not be able to see the dot at all. Look away and keep looking back so your eyes adjust

 

[Poolzzz]

The dot should disappear. Taylor has instructional videos for each of their tests here: K-2006 Completeâ„¢ Kit with FAS-DPD - YouTube

 

[Richard320]

Welcome!

Start by mixing the stuff real good. Then fill the view tube to the 80 line. Then go stand in the sun and hold the tube down at waist level. Do you see the dot? If so, CYA is less than 80. Pour the solution back, mix it up again, pour to the 70 line. Just work you way up (down) the scale. Look for the dot, then look away, then look again. If you think you've got it, go back and reuse the solution and start 10 higher than you think. Do you see it? Go to the next level. There's no shame in repeating the test several times. You're reusing the same sample, so you're not wasting reagent.

This method avoids staring at the dot for so long at a time. It eliminates this:

 

[crimson avenger]

Welcome!

Start by mixing the stuff real good. Then fill the view tube to the 80 line. Then go stand in the sun and hold the tube down at waist level. Do you see the dot? If so, CYA is less than 80. Pour the solution back, mix it up again, pour to the 70 line. Just work you way up (down) the scale. Look for the dot, then look away, then look again. If you think you've got it, go back and reuse the solution and start 10 higher than you think. Do you see it? Go to the next level. There's no shame in repeating the test several times. You're reusing the same sample, so you're not wasting reagent.

This method avoids staring at the dot for so long at a time. It eliminates this:

This was a very helpful method. Really got me to understand how to view and perform the CYA test.