Newbie getting bizarre testing results

[dstern]

I am new to testing and balancing my pool water. I thank you in advance for any help or advice you can provide. I am in Tampa, so post Hurricane Milton, which was a major rain event for me. Probably 10-15 inches. So my first test was salt. I use a Hayward T-9 SWG. The instant salt indicator tells me 2800, but my test using Taylor K-1766 took 29 drops before it turned salmon. There is no way that I can have 5800 ppm salt. So first question: WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY SALT TEST?

Then I turned to FC. Using the TF-PRO kit, I added a scoop of the DPD powder, the water turned pink, and I began to add R-0871 drop by drop, swirling as instructed, but after 30 drops it was still pink. Again, there is no way I have FC level of greater than 15 ppm. The VS pump is running 24/7 at 1600 RPM and the SWG is set at 60%. So my second question: WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY Cl TEST?
I hope you can help this newbie!

Thanks.
David

 

[JamesW]

WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY SALT TEST?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY Cl TEST?

Sample size?

 

[dereksanders]

Take the 25ml vial and fill to 10ml for the salt test. Many of us fell victim to filling it to 25ml at one time or another.

 

[dstern]

Thanks @JamesW. Your question made me realize an error. When i repeated the salt test with a sample size of 10 mL, I got 2600 ppm. That makes sense.

I repeated the DPD Cl test to make sure i didn't make a sample size error. The sample size was 10 mL. I stopped adding drops at 25 so as not to waste reagent. What should I do?

 

[dstern]

Take the 25ml vial and fill to 10ml for the salt test. Many of us fell victim to filling it to 25ml at one time or another.

Yes, thanks. Now to figure out the Cl test!

 

[JamesW]

The sample size was 10 mL. I stopped adding drops at 25 so as not to waste reagent. What should I do?

Are you using the correct reagent bottle?

Run the test to completion.

Do you have an OTO test?

If yes, show a picture of the OTO test color.

 

[DPS072124]

I’m not an expert but could the CL test be related to drop size and the static charge issue with some reagent bottles? Try wiping the tip with a damp paper towel.

 

[dstern]

Are you using the correct reagent bottle?

Run the test to completion.

Do you have an OTO test?

If yes, show a picture of the OTO test color.

Yes, I used the correct reagent. I don't have an OTO but I do have a a DPD. It indicates a level above 5 ppm, that's why I was using FAS. Photo attached. My CYA tested at 50 so I've added to raise it to 75.

 

[dstern]

I have just realized that my TF Pro kit includes an OTO test. I've attached a photo of the result. Looking forward to advice.

 

[mknauss]

Your SWCG is adding 6.7 ppm FC to your pool every 24 hours. So your FC is elevated.

Lower your SWCG % generation or reduce your pump run hours to reduce the FC you are generating each day. Monitor FC to achieve target level for your CYA.

 

[dstern]

Your SWCG is adding 6.7 ppm FC to your pool every 24 hours. So your FC is elevated.

Lower your SWCG % generation or reduce your pump run hours to reduce the FC you are generating each day. Monitor FC to achieve target level for your CYA.

Thanks. My SWG is set at 60% currently. How much do you recommend I reduce it? Should I test daily until it reaches the target or will it take longer? Thanks again.

 

[mknauss]

Using PoolMath, Effects of Adding, is how I got the 6.7 ppm FC each day with your 60% setting. I would suggest you drop the % generation to 30%, or cut the pump run time in half, and test FC every few days and see that it is falling. You may have to reduce the generation further as we get into late fall/winter.

 

[JamesW]

My SWG is set at 60% currently.

Shut it off for now.

Do the FASDPD test to completion.

You can make a sample with 50% distilled water and 50% pool water to save reagent.

Multiply result by 2.

Verify proper procedure.

 

[JamesW]

but after 30 drops it was still pink. Again, there is no way I have FC level of greater than 15 ppm.

The OTO color indicates a high FC level.

The color can easily be over 15 ppm FC.

Is the pool covered?

 

[dstern]

Shut it off for now.

Do the FASDPD test to completion.

You can make a sample with 50% distilled water and 50% pool water to save reagent.

Multiply result by 2.

Verify proper procedure.

Ok, I shut off the SWG for the past 48 hours and completed the tests. Here are my results:
FC 23
CC 0
CYA 70
PH 7.2
CH 725
I've left the SWG off the bring the FC down. What else should I do?

Thanks.

 

[PoolStored]

What is your TA?

Nothing much to do except let the sun lower your FC.

When your FC gets back in range (to find your range, use this...link-->FC/CYA Levels), then turn the cell back on and maintain FC in range.

With a CH of 725, I'd turn on TRACK CSI and TRACK TEMPERATURE in pool math. I'd also enable sharing with TFP, so we can see your CSI.

 

[dstern]

What is your TA?

Nothing much to do except let the sun lower your FC.

When your FC gets back in range (to find your range, use this...link-->FC/CYA Levels), then turn the cell back on and maintain FC in range.

With a CH of 725, I'd turn on TRACK CSI and TRACK TEMPERATURE in pool math. I'd also enable sharing with TFP, so we can see your CSI.

I can't see how to turn on Track CSI and Track Temperature in Pool Math. Tips on where to find those functions?

 

[PoolStored]

Gear upper right hand corner. Scroll down. CSI temp and share with TFP are there…

 

[dstern]

Gear upper right hand corner. Scroll down. CSI temp and share with TFP are there…

Thanks. I have added them. Please ignore the TA in my log. I need to retest.

 

[PoolStored]

Log your pool temp when you record TA restest so we get CSI CALCULATED.