New TF-100 TA test suspect; 3x old Taylor kit

[johnvk]

Hello folks.

First, this is a great site. I feel like I had been seeing only dimly, and now I see fully. And my first TF-100 kit arrived, and I feel like I am in pool care heaven. So thanks all who make this possible.

Now here's my stats:

CYA 30
FC 5.5
CH 250
TA 200 or 70?
pH 8.2
76ºF
CSI .87 or .38? according to "Pool Math" [PoolMath]

So here's my problem.

My brand spankin' new TF-100 kit is measuring my TA at 200. That's way higher than it's ever been.

My old Taylor kit (2013, 6 years old) is measuring TA at 70.

I would automatically prefer the new kit...

but...

There are some mitigating factors.

Factor 1: 200 just seems too high. How would it get that high? I haven't really added anything for the past 12 months that would raise it that high. If anything, I lowered the water last fall and it rose by snow/rain.

Factor 2: the drop size and behavior of the TF-100 kit was unusual. This may sound a bit weird, but as I was putting in the drops it was if they had a static electricity repulsive force and would "jump" off the tip, causing drops to be too small. Maybe even 1/2 normal diameter some of them, meaning 1/8 the volume, and thus needing 8x the drops to get the same reaction.

While searching for "tftkits instructions" I happened across this post Just got new TFT test kit - TA test shows double which describes the same phenomena with the TA bottle.

It says to wipe the tip with a damp cloth? I guess that inhibits the static electricity? I have never had to do that with previous kits. I guess I will try that.

Also, I don't know how my pH got so high. I plan to lower with muriatic acid but wanted to post all the collected details here first just in case.

Thanks good folks!

 

[mknauss]

It says to wipe the tip with a damp cloth? I guess that inhibits the static electricity? I have never had to do that with previous kits. I guess I will try that.

Correct. When new, some times the bottle tips can let go small droplets due to static electricity. It normally goes away after the 2nd or 3rd test.

 

[Donldson]

Not all kits suffer from this static problem, but some do so it is wise to advise everyone to do it with a new-to-them kit. The TF-100 is most susceptible because they use extremely fresh chemicals while a k-2006 that has sat on the shelf for a few months will likely lose the static charge.

Post edited to be more understandable.