Salt testing...

[desertOasis]

I've been using an eSeasonGear SALT-3000 to measure salt concentration. It had been tracking very closely to the results from those indicated by the R0630/R0718 reagents in my TFT-100 kit. I ran out of one of the reagents so I was just using the SALT-3000 for some time. I had been gradually adjusting the salt to 3600 ppm, the optimum according to my Intellichlor SWCG.

I was getting close when I bought some reagent replacements. The SALT-3000 had been reading 3530-3550 ppm if I let it sit in the water for a few minutes. I was shocked when the test kit read 4400, two times in a row. I assume the test kit is more reliable(?), so now I need to drain water and replace with fresh to get it back in line.

Anyone have a similar experience?
Also, the reading on the electronic dipstick slowly decreases for the first couple of minutes it's submerged. Is the initial reading more accurate than the final?

Another question: Is the newer SALT-3050 more accurate?

Ron

 

[wireform]

You do not need to drain as long as the intellichlor isn't complaining. The kit is the most reliable as long as the reagents are still good.

 

[AUSpool]

Electronic testers need calibration. And the trick is finding calibration solutions you can trust. For $20 I wouldn’t expect much but if calibrated regularly it will work. That exact handheld from eseasongear was my first. I think they sell a 3000ppm calibration solution. I use a HM salt meter with a lab grade calibration solution and can get it to concur with the drop test. The key is regular calibration.

 

[ajw22]

Handheld battery operated testers like the SALT-3000 calibration drifts as the battery wears out and gets weaker. An old electronic tester is no more reliable then an old chemical test.

Their accuracy needs to be checked against a reliable chemical test.

Also, the reading on the electronic dipstick slowly decreases for the first couple of minutes it's submerged. Is the initial reading more accurate than the final?

Final reading is accurate after air bubbles float off the probe.

Gently shake the dipstick in the solution to release the air bubbles and stabilize the reading.

Another question: Is the newer SALT-3050 more accurate?

No.