Question on performing CYA test

[Oasisdave2]

So I have a few questions on doing the CYA test using the TF-100 test kit. I know they may sound stupid but I really want to make sure I'm doing things right to get the CYA level right
1) Should I stand in direct sunlight or shade when doing the test or does it really matter?
2) the directions say to hold the vial waist high. Should the top of the vial be at my waist or the bottom?

Thanks for any help and other advice you can give.

 

[Texas Splash]

1 - Ideally a nice sunny day, about mid-day if possible with the sun high in the sky, with the sun over your shoulder. Your body will keep direct sunlight out of the vial.

2 - That's splitting hairs a bit. Hold it where it is comfortable near the waist.

 

[PoolStored]

So I have a few questions on doing the CYA test using the TF-100 test kit. I know they may sound stupid but I really want to make sure I'm doing things right to get the CYA level right
1) Should I stand in direct sunlight or shade when doing the test or does it really matter?
2) the directions say to hold the vial waist high. Should the top of the vial be at my waist or the bottom?

Thanks for any help and other advice you can give.

Great Questions!

1) Stand in bright direct sunlight, with the sun AT YOUR BACK. It matters.
2) THAT doesn't really matter. Just glance. No, really, just a GLANCE. If the dot is obscured you are done.

Also, fill to the first line, hold at your waist, glance. See dot, fill to the next line, repeat. When the dot is obscured, you are done.

 

[Texas Splash]

In case it helps ......

CYA Testing:
Proper lighting is critical for the CYA test, so you want to test for CYA outside on a bright sunny day. Taylor recommends standing outside with your back to the sun and the view tube in the shade of your body. Use the mixing bottle to combine/gently mix the required amounts of pool water and R-0013 reagent, let sit for 30 seconds, then gently mix again. Then, while holding the skinny tube with the black dot at waist level, begin squirting the mixed solution into the skinny tube. Watch the black dot until it completely disappears. If it helps, pour a little, look away, then look back and pour some more. Some people like to squirt enough solution to go line-by-line for a better feel. Once it disappears, record the CYA reading. After the first test, you can pour the mixed solution from the skinny view tube back to the mixing bottle, shake, and do the same test a second, third, or fourth time to instill consistency in your technique, become more comfortable with the testing, and validate the CYA reading. If you are still questioning your own results, have a friend or two do the same test 2-3 times. Share your results only after everyone is done to see if you came up with the same average results.

 

[RSLR]

After the first test, you can pour the mixed solution from the skinny view tube back to the mixing bottle, shake, and do the same test a second, third, or fourth time to instill consistency in your technique, become more comfortable with the testing, and validate the CYA reading.

↑ I think this is a great tip. I've been worried about burning through reagent as I work on my 'technique'. Measuring CYA is one thing I still struggle with because it's rather subjective (at least to me). But I like the idea of testing the same sample a few times in a row for the sake of consistency.

 

[Oasisdave2]

Thanks for all the tips everyone!!

 

[Bvacchiano]

One thing I always see on here that is never consistent is the actual CYA value. For instance if the dot disappears at 60 then your CYA is 70. Not 60. What is the consensus on this? Is it 60 or 70 in this scenario? I bet we get 50/50 answers…

 

[MA5177]

Don’t over think it

 

[revitup]

I honestly see no difference between performing the CYA test outdoors or in my garage under a 4’ led light. Waist high or up closer to my eye. Results are pretty much the same, +/- 10 or so.