Testing for salt

[rjb1211]

My equipment upgrade is scheduled for early April. It will include SWG which will be my first experience with it.

I am putting together an order for reagent refills at TFTestkits and will get their salt test kit. How often should I plan to test the salt level once it is up and running? I will be installing the IntelliCenter and the IntelliChlor IC40. If the answer if often are the salt test strips accurate enough for day to day use, with the drop kit used weekly?

 

[rjb1211]

Well, I guess I should have looked at the test strips a little closer before asking about them. There are only 10 strips per bottle so that is not exactly economical for daily use.

 

[Homebrewale]

Salt doesn't just disappear from a pool. Splash out will not have an effect. Evaporation will not affect it. It generally leaves the pool two ways - from excess rain or from backflushing. You should not expect to test often. I could probably only need to do it monthly.

 

[duraleigh]

I agree with monthly testing for salt and agree with homebrewale's very informational posting

 

[Bperry]

Well, I guess I should have looked at the test strips a little closer before asking about them. There are only 10 strips per bottle so that is not exactly economical for daily use.

The salt strips are just as useful as other strips I’d guess. No need to use them at all if you have the drop based kit. I only test salt once or twice per season unless the SWCG tells me it’s low.

 

[rjb1211]

Thanks. This also tells me I don't need to get extra silver nitrate reagent.

 

[Newdude]

This also tells me I don't need to get extra silver nitrate reagent.

Oh yeah. Of all the bottles, you'll throw out 95% of it when it expires.

You need 3 or 4 tests to dial it in, maybe one or two more being new. Then it's monthly once you are comfortable it's stable.

 

[woodyp]

Just don't keep your salt at the very bottom of the range so you don't get surprised between testing times.

 

[Jimrahbe]

rjb,

Not sure if you have a magnetic stirrer device or not, but performing the salt drop test 'almost' requires one..

I find the salt test about 10 x easier, and more consistent, using the speed-stir over trying to swirl, count and look for a color change all at the same time..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[rjb1211]

rjb,

Not sure if you have a magnetic stirrer device or not, but performing the salt drop test 'almost' requires one..

I do have one. I have many calibrated cylinders and typically wash the magnetic stir bar after each test before putting it in another cylinder for the next test. Any reason to have two stirrers or more than one bar?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Any reason to have two stirrers or more than one bar?

rjb,

No.. My point was just that the salt test works much better when using the speed-stir type of device.

Thanks,

Jim R.