OCLT Question - is barely passing OK?

[PieterS]

Tried an OCLT just for kicks to educate myself. Using K-2006 test kit. pH around 7.6.

Last night (~8:30 PM):
FC 4.4
CC 0.4

This morning (~7:00 AM):
FC 3.6
CC 0.4

So I did not decrease by more than 1 ppm (barely) and my CC is not above 0.5 (barely). Any concerns with these numbers?

Thanks.

 

[Texas Splash]

Actually, starting at 4.4, you would've had to drop to below 3.4 to fail, so you passed.

 

[mknauss]

As long as the water is crystal clear (no debris build up) then follow the FC/CYA Levels in the Target Range.

 

[Texas Splash]

Also, for future FC testing, use the 10 ML water sample size with one generous scoop of powder. Mix with drops until clear and divide in half. Example: 16 drops equals an FC of 8. Might save you some reagent and is still accurate.

 

[PieterS]

Also, for future FC testing, use the 10 ML water sample size with one generous scoop of powder. Mix with drops until clear and divide in half. Example: 16 drops equals an FC of 8. Might save you some reagent and is still accurate.

Thanks for the tip! Do you actually mix with a spoon/implement or do you swirl as test suggests? Seems to be hard to know when powder is fully dissolved...

 

[mknauss]

Swirl the tube. The powder dissolves immediately. There may be a speck or two of powder that does not dissolve, that is a good sign as it means you added enough powder.

 

[PieterS]

As long as the water is crystal clear (no debris build up) then follow the FC/CYA Levels in the Target Range.

Thanks. Using a SWG - so aiming to increase my CYA. Trying to do so slowly as I don't want to over-shoot. Was at 30 a few days ago - have added enough to get me to 50 - I'll check again in a few days.

Does it make any sense to kick up the SWG a bit to higher output to fight off anything as I'm getting to desired levels of FC and CYA? Does the 0.4 CC indicate there's something active in the water?

Pool is about 4' deep - not sure if I'd call the water 'crystal clear' - it's not necessarily sparkling but very easy to see bottom all the way around.

 

[mknauss]

If the water is not crystal clear - and I mean clear - then you should follow the SLAM Process. Easier to do now at low CYA.

 

[Joe Garcia]

I'm not hating on any swirl the tube fans, but spend the money for a SpeedStir. The results are way faster and certainly consistent. It's the best $40 I've spent since I took charge of my own testing.

 

[Newdude]

^^^ +1. For me as a clumsy oaf it might be more valuable than the kit itself because I’d never be that consistent. I was skeptically on the fence when I ordered the speed stir but the first second I dropped the stirrer in and it went so fast I could barely see it...... I was sold. Hook, line and sinker.

 

[PieterS]

I'm not hating on any swirl the tube fans, but spend the money for a SpeedStir. The results are way faster and certainly consistent. It's the best $40 I've spent since I took charge of my own testing.

I'll look into that - sounds like a useful add-on!