Taylor K-2006 (new) vs Leslie’s???

[Rekop827]

I like to take my water to Leslie’s to test to “verify” my test results. However, they are often significantly different than mine. For example I measure my CH at ~320 but Leslie’s says it’s 242.
I measure TA at 60-70 and they say it 52. Is this normal? Is the K-2006 not that accurate or is Leslie’s also not that accurate. (I’ve repeated my test results to confirm my results are at least consistent. I would like to feel more confident in my test results. Do I need a better test kit? Any advice would be appreciated. Thx.

 

[Bperry]

I like to take my water to Leslie’s to test to “verify” my test results. However, they are often significantly different than mine. For example I measure my CH at ~320 but Leslie’s says it’s 242.
I measure TA at 60-70 and they say it 52. Is this normal? Is the K-2006 not that accurate or is Leslie’s also not that accurate. (I’ve repeated my test results to confirm my results are at least consistent. I would like to feel more confident in my test results. Do I need a better test kit? Any advice would be appreciated. Thx.

Yes it’s normal that Leslie’s isn’t very accurate. (Not a joke).

 

[PoolStored]

Trust your taylor kit. It is the gold standard...Leslie's accuracy below is with a calibrated meter and a trained operator. Likely best case.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Do I need a better test kit?

R,

Let me put it this way... I'd rather let it drip down my leg, as to walk into a Leslie's just to use their bathroom, much less have them test my pool water...

If you take the same water to 4 different pool stores, you will get 4 different answers..

Trust the kit you have...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Rekop827]

Thank you all for your feedback. I can accept that Leslie’s is not accurate and I feel much better as a result. As I’m a bit OCD and would still like to verify that my results are fairly accurate - what options do I have? Is there anywhere that would test a sample inexpensively that you would trust? If not, I’ll just go with the flow but if there was another option I would keep be interested in it.
Thanks again for the education and the quick responses.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Thank you all for your feedback. I can accept that Leslie’s is not accurate and I feel much better as a result. As I’m a bit OCD and would still like to verify that my results are fairly accurate - what options do I have? Is there anywhere that would test a sample inexpensively that you would trust? If not, I’ll just go with the flow but if there was another option I would keep be interested in it.
Thanks again for the education and the quick responses.

Not really. If you really want to double check, buy a TF-100 or TF Pro and compare the results to your current test kit. Comparing your results to a pool store is like comparing your calculus test answers to the dumb kid in class.

TFtestkits.net

tftestkits.net

 

[Bperry]

Thank you all for your feedback. I can accept that Leslie’s is not accurate and I feel much better as a result. As I’m a bit OCD and would still like to verify that my results are fairly accurate - what options do I have? Is there anywhere that would test a sample inexpensively that you would trust? If not, I’ll just go with the flow but if there was another option I would keep be interested in it.
Thanks again for the education and the quick responses.

Your Taylor kit is the best option.

 

[JamesW]

I measure TA at 60-70 and they say it 52.

They report "Adjusted" TA, which is calculated as follows.

Adjusted TA = TA – (CYA X CYA C.F) – (Borate x Borate CF)

Borate C.F (correction factor) based on pH.

pH.......CF

7.2.....0.051

7.4.......0.0786

7.6......0.1248

7.8......0.1989

Cyanuric Acid correction factor based on pH.

pH........CF

7.0.......0.22

7.1.......0.24

7.2.......0.26

7.3.......0.28

7.4.......0.30

7.5.......0.32

7.6.......0.33

7.7.......0.34

7.8.......0.35

7.9.......0.36

For example, if the pH = 7.6, TA = 90, Borate = 50 and CYA = 70, the adjusted alkalinity is 90 - (70 x 0.33) – (50 x 0.1248) = 60.66.

 

[Newdude]

*then they tell you to add really expensive baking soda in a fancy bag, because your TA that they mathed to make low, is low.

The now high TA jacks your Ph, so they sell you Ph down, which lowers your TA too and I hope you like expensive roller coasters.

As I’m a bit OCD and would still like to verify that my results are fairly accurate

A 2nd grader could ace these tests. 'Fill vial to 10 ml' etc etc. Each step is ridiculously simple. Have some faith in yourself. We dont even know you and we know you can do this.

 

[Rekop827]

*then they tell you to add really expensive baking soda in a fancy bag, because your TA that they mathed to make low, is low.

The now high TA jacks your Ph, so they sell you Ph down, which lowers your TA too and I hope you like expensive roller coasters.

A 2nd grader could ace these tests. 'Fill vial to 10 ml' etc etc. Each step is ridiculously simple. Have some faith in yourself. We dont even know you and we know you can do this.

OK, Ok, I got it. As always, I appreciate all the info. My issue was a lack of confidence in the tests, not my ability to actually perform the tests. It just came down to lack of trust in the tests since they never “matched”. As everyone has made it clear that I should just trust the Taylor kits and stay away from Leslie’s, that is what I plan to do. I have learned so much from TFP and the forums here - thanks again to all who have responded.
Since TFKits also use Taylor reagents I don’t see the benefit of trying them as a comparison test. So I’m just going to go with the results that I have from now on.
Thanks!!!

 

[Buggs]

Here's one way to quickly verify at least some of your tests at home. When one of your tests indicates that you need a chemical addition to adjust a water parameter, use PoolMath to determine the amount of chemical that is needed. It will calculate what the new water parameter should be, given the amount added. When you make the addition, measure the chemical as accurately as you can. Then, as soon as the new chemical is fully mixed in, perform the test again . It's kinda' cool to find the that new test value agrees quite accurately with what PoolMath predicted.

There's still a few gotchas to look out for, such as finding out that your pool volume is actually a bit different than you first thought. Or you allowed your testing reagents to get a little long in the tooth.

For me, the best validation of the testing came after I learned the pool management process. I understood the chemicals I was adding and exactly why I was adding them. My confirmation is that I have a pool that reacts and performs exactly as I expect.

 

[Rekop827]

Thanks - that makes a lot of sense. I pretty much do that now but not as precisely as I could - but will be more precise going forward. Of course, my original point is that if the tests were off to begin with, they were probably going to be off the same amount even after making adjustments. However, I am letting it go and just assuming the results are accurate enough for pool work and therefore the same for the adjustments. Appreciate the excellent feedback as always.

 

[PoolStored]

Of course, my original point is that if the tests were off to begin with, they were probably going to be off the same amount even after making adjustments.

Both cannot be true. i.e. Your testing is wrong. AND...you made a chemical addition and your testing showed that your results were as expected. (putting aside testing errors).
You are overthinking it.
Your test, when performed correctly are the gold standard. Trust it.
Dial in your pool volume with your chemical addition and testing to confirm expectations.
Then just manage your pool, with your kit, use pool math and maintain recommended levels.