My test kit arrived and I am already confused. I tested the ph and chlorine. Ph appeared to be 7.5. I couldn’t tell about the chlorine side because it was orange and there wasn’t a color to match it to. What’s this mean?
Just got my test kit.
- Thread starter Macyc
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 58,767
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Use the FAS DPD test for FC.
See Extended Test Kit Directions Archives
See Extended Test Kit Directions Archives
Orange means your FC is higher than the OTO test can measure. Dpd test is the correct answer.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,767
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Your other thread -- what did you need accomplished? You started it with a psi question.
My pool has a dark finish. Over the past 3 years, I’ve noticed white patches here and there that do not brush off. They are spreading (see attached pic). I’ve been using a pool service. I’m trying to take over (I know nothing) and work at getting these patches to go away. Hardness level in pool is 420 so I don’t think that is the cause. Is the answer to keep my ph on the lower side of normal and over time and diligent brushing, they’ll wear off? Is that FC level far too high? I did recently fight an algae issue that has resolved (none over past two days). Do I wait for the sun to take the level down? And what number am I shooting for?
Attachments
- May 3, 2014
- 58,767
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Btw, I assume it was an algae issue. When I would brush, a dark dust would brush up like a cloud. Water appeared clear otherwise. I would vacuum and still notice this stuff when I would brush to a lesser degree. Next day, it would be same as before I vacuumed. I cleaned the cartridge in the filter and after vacuuming, the pleats would look green. They don’t anymore.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,767
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Ok I will run the others. FYI, I feel unsure of myself in the testing right now (first time, just got my kit in the mail that I ordered per recommendations here). However, I am following the directions, step by step, one at a time, drop by drop and so on. So I have to assume that even though I’m unsure or confused from lack of experience, this is the way to go and I am doing it correctly. Overtime, I imagine this gets easier? Are you guys who have done this for a while looking at directions step by step or does it become memorized? 
- May 3, 2014
- 58,767
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Yes I have it but wasn’t sure how to use it .
Here are my test results
FC 21
CC .5
TC 21.5
TA 80
CH 600
CYA 80
. Here are my test results
FC 21
CC .5
TC 21.5
TA 80
CH 600
CYA 80
midlifecrisis
Bronze Supporter
- Jan 3, 2023
- 327
- Pool Size
- 9500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I've only been doing this for three months and I have all of them memorized. To be fair, I tested obsessively in the beginning (because... that's what I do), but it gets easier.Are you guys who have done this for a while looking at directions step by step or does it become memorized?
I ordered the TF-Pro refill kit in March while it was on sale even though the kit was bought in Jan because I tested so much early I knew I was going to run out. I will be into some of the new kit by the end of May, but I have slowed down testing now, especially with my SWG.
- Jun 1, 2018
- 13,943
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Use the smart stir!
After adding the sample to the correct line you throw the pill/cross thingy in & press the button so it “stirs” for you & all you need to focus on is the drops
I always need to read the ta, ch, salt instructions each time because I don’t do those that often but the others (fc,cc,ph, & cya) become 2nd nature.
After adding the sample to the correct line you throw the pill/cross thingy in & press the button so it “stirs” for you & all you need to focus on is the drops
I always need to read the ta, ch, salt instructions each time because I don’t do those that often but the others (fc,cc,ph, & cya) become 2nd nature.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,767
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
pH still 7.5? Your CSI is getting high with that CH. Though I would doubt the white spots you see are from that. Likely just plaster inconsistencies. Likely will not go away.
Do you now know how to use the SmartStir?
Do you now know how to use the SmartStir?
I turned my pump flow rate down and swg percentage up per my first post here. If I’m testing how much chlorine I lose overnight, do I keep my swg at this new setting and go from there tomorrow? Or should I turn it down now since my FC is that high?
- May 3, 2014
- 58,767
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Did you read the article I linked?
I would turn down the SWCG to half of your current setting, then be sure it is completely OFF for the test tonight.
I would turn down the SWCG to half of your current setting, then be sure it is completely OFF for the test tonight.
midlifecrisis
Bronze Supporter
- Jan 3, 2023
- 327
- Pool Size
- 9500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You need to turn the SWG off while you are doing an OCLT test.
If the SWG is generating chlorine you can't accurately determine how much chlorine, if any, was lost overnight.
If the SWG is generating chlorine you can't accurately determine how much chlorine, if any, was lost overnight.
- Feb 6, 2015
- 6,242
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
I read the article. I will do the test as instructed. A side note, we have been having heavy downpour thunder storms for the past few days late afternoon lasting for several hours. Is this a bad time to do that test? It’s raining now but supposed to pass by 8 pm. So can I proceed with the test around 11 pm?
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