Is there a more accurate cya test than the Taylor kit?

ramirez41

Well-known member
Sep 20, 2023
61
Michigan
Pool Size
14000
Surface
Vinyl
Is there a more accurate way to test cya? I really struggle with the cya test. I can get big range in the test with my Taylor test kit. I make sure I mix for 30 seconds, have my back to the sun, I am holding it at my waist, glance away to insure my eyes are not seeing an imaginary dot. I can get different reading wheel using the same solution and I reshake it before retesting. I get a range from 40-60. Are the pool store tests more reliable for cya?
 
Yes … if you’re willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a digital photometer along with all the calibration standards and extra hardware needed … and then have it factory recalibrated every year or so.

So … practically speaking … no.
 
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As @mknauss has pointed out before, accuracy isn't a huge deal. 40 or 60 means target FC is 5-7 or 7-9, and the absolute min, where you'd be in danger of algae, is 3. So shoot for 7. All good. nb: you should "invert the bottle repeatedly," not shake it hard. I guess that could add air. For fun you can order a standard CYA=50 solution from TF Testkits and practice.