How do pool stores test everything with that machine?

[cfclay]

I've been back to a pool store 30 miles away, twice now this summer- for them to test my salt and also to buy it as we were out in my town. We've had tons of rain like, well- some people. I need to get a "salt meter" and be done with them, I have the large TFP test kit and do all other tests. They keep saying I need to increase my Alkalinity, and that's never what I showed at my house. I let them test and take their recommendations anyway.

My question is- how do those stores test for "everything"? I only seem them enter water in one device. Never multiple tests. Is it some sort of spectography or something?

 

[mknauss]

It is essentially test strips that get read by a photometer of some sort.

Why are you buying salt at a pool store? I get mine at Home Depot, water softener salt. Plain. $5 a bag.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Buy the Taylor K-1766 salt test kit. It'll cost you about the same as gas money to and from the pool store.

 

[cfclay]

It is essentially test strips that get read by a photometer of some sort.

Why are you buying salt at a pool store? I get mine at Home Depot, water softener salt. Plain. $5 a bag.

Haha, you sir- must live near a home depot. I... after already investing heavily in Ryobi Tools sold at Home Depot- 13 pieces to be exact- and that 100 mah electric riding mower..... I have moved to an area that is about 55 minutes away from home depot .
Seriously, Walmart and Lowes out in my town last month. Last week- they could have been in stock. Actually just checked Lowes- nope. Nada. Wonder why?

 

[cfclay]

Buy the Taylor K-1766 salt test kit. It'll cost you about the same as gas money to and from the pool store.

Excellent- thank you!

 

[mknauss]

So you do not live in the location you have in your profile.

 

[Bvacchiano]

So you do not live in the location you have in your profile.

Without me digging into it Do u buy the Solar Naturals (blue bag)? Does it dissolve very quickly??

 

[mknauss]

Whatever is plain. Do not get Iron protection or whatever.

It dissolves quick enough. Might take 15 minutes. Quicker if you brush it around.

 

[cfclay]

So you do not live in the location you have in your profile.

Lexington, KY... very south of there.

 

[cfclay]

Without me digging into it Do u buy the Solar Naturals (blue bag)? Does it dissolve very quickly??

I used to buy whatever was at Lowes or Walmart. Sometimes I know Walmart had the Clorox brand. Last purchase was the pool store brand.

 

[mknauss]

I know Walmart had the Clorox brand.

We recommend you not use the Clorox brand of salt. Many reports of iron stains from that salt.

 

[PullJunkie]

Here is what I've been using: