New user of TF Pro test kit

[AZ_paul]

Getting my new TF Pro test kit this week and finally will stop going to Leslies after 3 years. Should i get an extra magnetic stir bar to just use for FAS/DPD testing, or can i use the one that comes with Smart Stir in the kit for everything? Anything else I should get at this time?

2 biggest challenges i have with pool is that my PH here in Phoenix AZ always tests > 7.8 since new water comes in at 7.9 - 8.0, so constantly putting in acid. And CH creeps up to 500+ every year. Open to any suggestions to address these 2 issues.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
I use just one stir cross. Rinse well.
The pH rises as your fill water has a TA of 130 ppm.
Use softened water for makeup water due to evaporation. Your pool will evaporate 1.5 to 2 pool volumes per year.
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[TinFoilHat]

Use the one stir bar for all testing, just remember to rinse it off as you rinse out the tubes. It's normal here to need a little acid every week or every other week.

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

I have 3 vials and 3 magnetic stir bars. I prefer to rinse my test gear after I'm done with the whole set of tests.

 

[PoolStored]

I have 3 vials and 3 magnetic stir bars. I prefer to rinse my test gear after I'm done with the whole set of tests.

+1.
Residual chemicals can build up on vials and bars, even with rinsing.
I've started the practice of cleaning my vials, when there is build up, with rubbing alcohol, and/or a drop of R0009 and a bit of water as Taylor recommends.
Rubbing alcohol seems to work best for all the test residue, R0009/water or a bit of ammonia are best for the salt test residue.

 

[Newdude]

I'm hoarding all the other vials for when something happens to my 'FC only' vial.

 

[mknauss]

You can be as obsessive as you wish -- but you can also not be cleaning everything like a madman.

Honestly, I have not 'cleaned' a vial or stir bar in years.

 

[PoolStored]

You can be as obsessive as you wish -- but you can also not be cleaning everything like a madman.

I'm not that obsessive, maybe once every other week, when I get some buildup. Salt seems to be the worst. Others, not so much. Sorry I didn't make frequency clear in the post...I'll update for posterity.

 

[Newdude]

I'm not that obsessive, maybe once every other week, when I get some buildup

Be honest, it was twice today and your pool is still closed.

 

[PoolStored]

Be honest, it was twice today and your pool is still closed.

 

[AZ_paul]

Welcome to the forum!
I use just one stir cross. Rinse well.
The pH rises as your fill water has a TA of 130 ppm.
Use softened water for makeup water due to evaporation. Your pool will evaporate 1.5 to 2 pool volumes per year.
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

thanks. using soft water not viable option for me. My fill #s in Scottsdale AZ are PH of 7.9-8.0 and TA of 125 (prior to getting CYA to 30, so really closer to 115 I guess). Feels like I constantly chasing a PH of 7.8 or less and cannnot get there for more than a couple of days. Any other advise how to better manage PH and TA

 

[PoolStored]

Just manage your pH and TA will come down over time. When pH gets to 8 or above, lower your pH to 7.2. Do it in .4 increments. pH will rise again, lower it to 7.2 again. TA will come down over time.

When TA gets to about 60-8080, stop forcing H to 7.2. With TA of 60-80, your pH should be stable around 7.8-8.0.

7.8-8.0 is just fine for pH.

PH TA Relationship - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Managing pH and Total Alkalinity - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Lowering Total Alkalinity (TA) Quickly with the Acid Aeration Method

Thought I'd make a post that might help others. We've had quite a few members this year with high TA, and I've been typing the same information over and over. I'm going to post this so I can link it to help others. High TA can cause rapid pH rise. High TA is typically caused by high TA fill...

www.troublefreepool.com