Is this “The Mark?”

[stretchphoto]

I am trying to get started using the TF Pro kit. I have quite a few questions that don’t seem to be answered in the instructions. So I thought I would just start here.

Is this “the mark” referred to on the TFP “extended test kit directions?”

Thanks.

 

[flynwill]

Yes that's the mark.

 

[Newdude]

Yep. But the FC side of that block is no good. It's as accurate as a test strip, per Taylor's own say so. It's OK for a spot check of 'do I have chlorone left', and it's really yellow so you are above minimum until later. That side makes a great hand holding spot for when you test PH.

Test and dose with the powder test. To know you used enough powder but not too much, have one or two grains swirling around undisolved. Those are 'extras' and once you figure out what your precieved version of 'heaping scoop' is, repeat it.

 

[duraleigh]

If precision is what you want, the FAS/DPD (one using the powder) is the best chlorine test.

The OTO (comparator block) test will dependably show you the presence of chlorine and dependably tell you if you have noticeably too little or too much chlorine. Many owners use the OTO test daily and then once weekly or so, do the powder test for precision.

 

[stretchphoto]

OK, gents... so I'm doing my first-test-ever. You're saying skip the OTO and use the FAS/DPD test, correct?

Is there a quick start guide somewhere that would provide this kind of information in a step-by-step fashion? That feels pretty necessary to me.

Thanks.

 

[stretchphoto]

Question RE: FAS-DPD Chlorine Test (FAS-DPD Chlorine Test)

3. Using the small spoon shaped end of the dipper, add one heaping dipper, or two level dippers, of R-0870 and swirl to mix. If the sample turns pink for a moment and then turns clear again, or if it turns brown, add another dipper of R-0870. If the sample remains clear the entire time, your FC level is probably zero, however it is best to verify that with an OTO chlorine test, since the FAS-DPD test is prone to the occasional false zero.

Is the goal to have the sample remain pink before adding the R-0871?

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

Normally you will have plenty of chlorine in the water and the sample will almost instantly turn pink and stay pink until you add the R-0871.

But, if you have no chlorine, or very little chlorine, in the pool, it will never turn pink.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[pjt]

Is the goal to have the sample remain pink before adding the R-0871?

Yes. If the sample stays clear, you have no FC.

 

[Newdude]

And once the test goes clear at the end, that's it. If it sits for a bit it may go back to pink. That one doesn't count.

 

[stretchphoto]

Ok. Thanks.

We just had the pool rebuilt. I added a few chlorine tabs to the skimmer a few days ago, added salt yesterday. So basically starting from scratch here.

Next q, this time re total alkalinity:

Instructions say stop counting the R Dash 0009 when the solution turns red. Is the attached red enough? It looks pink to me, but I really don’t have any reference point.

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

You keep adding drops until it no longer changes color and then you subtract the last drop.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[stretchphoto]

Alright. I have no idea if I’m doing this right. But here are my results. I guess I just follow the instructions when I click on each result.

Questions:

1/ Do I do this in the order the results appear? (FC first followed by pH, TA, CYA?)

2/ Do I have to wait any length of time between each item?

Thanks.

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

Do it in any order you wish?.

I just do them one right after the other.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

If this is a fresh fill, your CYA can't be 100 already.

Might want to look at that one again.

Thanks,

Jim R

 

[stretchphoto]

S,

If this is a fresh fill, your CYA can't be 100 already.

Might want to look at that one again.

Thanks,

Jim R

Thanks, Jim.

I just threw in 100 as a high number because I filled the tube up but could still see the black dot. The laminated instructions don't say what to do if this happens.

Looking now at the more detailed instructions here on the site, I see that filling the tube to the top but still seeing the dot indicates a zero reading.

 

[stretchphoto]

Ready to add bleach. But from what I’ve read here, the cloromax additive makes this Clorox bleach unusable for pools. Is this correct?

Thanks.

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

Do not use Cloromax, because of the additives.

I suggest you go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy Liquid Chlorine. Often called Chlorinating Liquid.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[stretchphoto]

S,

Do not use Cloromax, because of the additives.

I suggest you go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy Liquid Chlorine. Often called Chlorinating Liquid.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Heading out now! So thankful for your assistance, Jim.

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

I just threw in 100 as a high number because I filled the tube up but could still see the black dot. The laminated instructions don't say what to do if this happens.

This means your CYA is low, not high. The tube shows lower numbers as you approach the top. You need to add CYA. Pool School says

Solid/granular cyanuric acid (CYA) should be placed in a sock and the sock put in the skimmer basket or suspended in front of a pool return. After adding CYA you should leave the pump running for 24 hours and not backwash/clean the filter for a week. Squeezing the sock periodically will help it to dissolve faster. Test and dose chemicals in your pool assuming the amount of CYA added is in the pool according to Pool Math. CYA can be tested the day after it is fully dissolved from the sock.

 

[stretchphoto]

WOO HOO!!! Seven point two (ish)! I’m so proud of myself.

And so grateful to the cognoscenti.