I tested some Taylor ph Indicator solution, R-0004, that is over a year old to some new. They look the same in color and test results are the same. Just FYI, I always store the test in the box with top closed and inside, and make sure caps are on tight. All info I have read says to discard if expired, or year old. Mine is 15 months and still seems good, so just questioning how valid this expiration date is, or just trying to sell more solutions. Hate to throw away what seems to be good solution, especially what good test kits cost. Anybody have a valid reason why I should not use?
Expired Taylor test kit
- Thread starter Fireman John
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,393
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The manufacturer does not know how the reagents have been stored. So the expiration date is conservative. If stored in a cool dry place reagents can be good for at least 2 years. I replace mine every 2 years and that is about when some are used up.
Of course. When and how will you decide not to use it? Useful life is not forever and the manufacturer is telling you you can rely on the 1 year lifespan but not much more than that. Many things last beyond expiration but precise and and repatable readings are too importat to save a buck or two. Test often and test accurately.........it's what TFP teaches.
I have some "leftovers" indoors, in a cabinet (dark), still read same as newly bought supplies and I think they are from the 1990's.
Do you intend to rely on and use them? That might be fun and interesting in your 500 gallon tub but it is penny-wise and pound foolish in a pool with thousands and thousands of gallons.
Color me... "in for a penny, in for a pound".
I need all the good luck test wise I can get.
I need all the good luck test wise I can get.
Oly
Gold Supporter
Like everything in life, you should weigh the total costs vs all the benefits and risks for your unique situation.
Some costs are too high but can be reduced, some risks can be managed and insured while some benefits are worth every penny.
More options and good information are key.
Some costs are too high but can be reduced, some risks can be managed and insured while some benefits are worth every penny.
More options and good information are key.
Quite different for 1000's of gallons to be sure. On the hot tub I've used old sealed bottles and kind of keep a "skeptical eye" on the results, worried mostly that once opened they could fail quickly. Of course, not being a chemist it's pure conjecture...
I think sometimes I get to comfortable with suggesting things that have worked out for me should somehow be ok. I reckon I forget there are always other factors and really serious consequences for half-baked advice.
I wish Taylor sold a K-2006 mini kit. I keep my kit in the fridge and use them a year past the expiration date, and still never use up all the reagents (except CYA). I'd love to pay half as much for half-sized reagent bottles and replace them twice as often.
Yup I've seen that. I take the kit out for 5 minutes max at a time, keep it in the shade, and only take the reagent I'm using out of the case for as long as it takes to do the test. They aren't away from the fridge, or even out of the still-cold case, long enough to warm up. It seems to work well enough, as the outgoing kit always gives the same results as the new one when I replace it every couple years.