Does anyone have any recommendations for tools to measure calcium hardness? I'm currently measuring CH using my TF-100 kit's reagents, but run through them quickly due to the number of tests I conduct per week. I am curious whether there are any devices out there that utilize no reagent through electronic means or at least less reagent solution.
Testing for calcium hardness
- Thread starter Motozoic
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 53,111
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
How often do you test CH? You usually only need to test CH once a month. It does not change unless you lose water or have a plaster problem.
I've been having issues with my whole house water softener (which also refills my pool), so am testing the refill water frequently.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 53,111
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Contact Rebecca and see if you can get a bulk discount on reagent refills?
tftestkits.net
- R-0010 - Enough for 19 tests
- R-0011L- Enough for 70 tests
- R-0012 - Enough for roughly 35 tests
Reagents
- R-0010 - Enough for 19 tests
- R-0011L- Enough for 70 tests
- R-0012 - Enough for roughly 35 tests
There are a few methods to test CH with a Taylor 2006 test kit.
From Tayor's manual:
Calcium Hardness Test
1. Rinse and fill large comparator tube to 25 mL mark with water to be tested.*
2. Add 20 drops R-0010. Swirl to mix.
3. Add 5 drops R-0011L. Swirl to mix. If calcium hardness is present, sample will turn red.
4. Add R-0012 dropwise. After each drop, count and swirl to mix until color changes from red to blue.
5. Multiply drops in Step 4 by 10. Record as parts per million (ppm) calcium hardness as calcium carbonate.
*When high CH is anticipated, this procedure may be used: Use 10 mL sample, 10 drops R-0010, 3 drops R-0011L, and multiply drops in Step 4 by 25.
If you use the 10mL sample, you will use less reagent.
From Tayor's manual:
Calcium Hardness Test
1. Rinse and fill large comparator tube to 25 mL mark with water to be tested.*
2. Add 20 drops R-0010. Swirl to mix.
3. Add 5 drops R-0011L. Swirl to mix. If calcium hardness is present, sample will turn red.
4. Add R-0012 dropwise. After each drop, count and swirl to mix until color changes from red to blue.
5. Multiply drops in Step 4 by 10. Record as parts per million (ppm) calcium hardness as calcium carbonate.
*When high CH is anticipated, this procedure may be used: Use 10 mL sample, 10 drops R-0010, 3 drops R-0011L, and multiply drops in Step 4 by 25.
If you use the 10mL sample, you will use less reagent.
The above mentioned test is how I've been testing the water for hardness, although I'm using a 10mL sample instead of 20.
I did a little research and have discovered that there are some electronic products, such as the Oakton WD-35613 which will make measurements via a calcium specific ISE probe (Ion Selective Electrode). Not the cheapest, though... $200 for the meter and then another few hundred dollars for the electrode.
I did a little research and have discovered that there are some electronic products, such as the Oakton WD-35613 which will make measurements via a calcium specific ISE probe (Ion Selective Electrode). Not the cheapest, though... $200 for the meter and then another few hundred dollars for the electrode.
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