Home testing vs pool store machine - who's right?

[LokiDucks]

So I've little lurked long enough to know we don't like Leslie's, but my local independently owned shop seems to use a similar, if not identical, water testing system.

I still test my water myself using a TF100 kit and adjust accordingly based on the Pool Math app, but I do bring in a sample whenever I go shopping for chemicals.

The question is: how can I be sure I'M the one getting the right results? Am I picking the right shade of red for pH? Can the calcium test be bluer?

Right now pool looks and feels great, but I do hate seeing the red scores on their report cards...

 

[TinFoilHat]

You're looking for a problem that probably isn't there. If you are competent with your test kit and you can prove that with a long track record of balanced water then you are the better one to do the testing than some random pool store employee.

 

[ajw22]

The red scores on the Pool Store report card are how they sell stuff whether you need it or not. It is marketing to you and not a judgement of how well you are maintaining your pool.

Trust your testing and ignore Pool Store marketing.

 

[Donldson]

but I do hate seeing the red scores on their report cards

Very simple solution to that...

 

[Turbo1Ton]

The question is: how can I be sure I'M the one getting the right results? Am I picking the right shade of red for pH? Can the calcium test be bluer?

"A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure."

Trust your own testing. If you have questions, come here where all the testing is done the same, so you can discuss.

--Jeff

 

[cwswifty]

Here’s a comparison between AccuBlue (Leslie’s) and a Taylor/TF style test kit. Remember these numbers are under ideal conditions. Do you trust your best effort of some random pool store employee who’s doing there best to sell you something you likely don’t need?

More importantly, you and your pool store are showing your FC below minimums. You should address that immediately.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Right now pool looks and feels great, but I do hate seeing the red scores on their report cards...

Easy, stop going to the pool store for their silly report card.

If you want something to worry about, take a look at your FC level. Its at 1.5 and well below the minimum for your CYA. Bump it up and keep it in the 5-7 range ASAP before you get algae. Note the pool store was right about the liquid chlorine recommendation, but no need to wait 24 hours to swim... 24 mins maybe, but 24 hours is just silly.

 

[Lake Placid]

Note the pool store was right about the liquid chlorine recommendation, but no need to wait 24 hours to swim... 24 mins maybe, but 24 hours is just silly.

That made me laugh…add liquid chlorine then wait to swim and introduce bather waste after you’ve allowed the chlorine with its sanitizing ability to dissipate.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Loki,

I agree with JJ.. Stop worrying about the pool store and worry about why in the world is my FC so low...

Your FC should be inside your Target range at all times.. Even with a low CYA of 40, your FC should be no lower than 3 ppm.

With a CYA of 60, your FC should be no lower than 4 ppm

FC/CYA Levels

No matter how good or bad your Pool Store readings are, their whole purpose in life is to sell you expensive magic potions. The less you go to the pool store, the less likely that they will succeed.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[LokiDucks]

Hahah thanks, all. Got the response I was pretty much expecting!

Regarding the FC -- my salt cell is on the fritz. I added liquid chlorine after getting those test results to bring me into the green zone.

(And my cell is within the 3 year warranty, so Jandy is sending out a tech to look at it and see if there is a fixable problem or if they'll replace).