Getting accurate test results for CYA

[Quickstep192]

Sorry for the barrage of questions, but I just got my TF test kit and I’m eager to get things dialed in knowing that I’m now getting accurate test results.

The CYA test is the most challenging for me. Just when I think the dot has disappeared, I seem to see it re-appear.

I have the test tube sitting on a white surface in good light.

Is there a trick to doing this test to get consistent and accurate results?

 

[ajw22]

Read CYA Testing - Further Reading

Dont sweat the test . +/- 10 ppm accuracy is fine and round up. So if the dot disappears between 50 and 40 then call it 50 and move on.

The only reason we test CYA is to set the FC level. Error on the high side of reading CYA and you just add a few more ppm of FC. Not a big deal and don’t sweat the readings. Get yourself in the ballpark and you will be good.

 

[nobody291]

Is there a trick to doing this test to get consistent and accurate results?

I really find the standard solution for CYA to be useful. You know the "answer" is a CYA of 50, and it helped me figure out what it meant for the dot to disappear.

 

[Texas Splash]

Below are my own personal cheat-cheat notes if you care to reference as well.

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. Some people like to squirt enough solution to go line-by-line for a better feel. 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.