I'm looking for an alternative to the testing strips that I've been using. Is the TFTestkits TF-100 the best "bang for the buck" kit? Is this kit more effective than the strips?
Secondly, after noticing I had some cloudiness, I decided to bring a sample to a local pool supply store for testing. My salt reading was good at 3,100 and everything else seemed fine except Cyanuric acid which was low based on the strips. The pool supply store confirmed these test results but also mentioned the phosphate level was very high (1,000).
After treating with stabilizer, they recommended treating with PhosFree to lower the level. They also mentioned a couple of capfuls of Natural Chemistry's Triple Action Perfect Weekly for weekly maintenance.
After treating with stabilizer and Perfect Weekly yesterday morning, the pool is crystal clear and the strip readings seem fine. So today, I added 1/2 dosage of Phosfree. I started poking around and it seems there are mixed views on phosphates. I also noticed that my strips and the T-100 don't test for phosphate levels which I'd prefer to do myself.
So I'm wondering . . do folks monitor phosphate levels? If so, what do you use to accurately test? Is this even necessary? Thoughts?
Thanks in advance-
Secondly, after noticing I had some cloudiness, I decided to bring a sample to a local pool supply store for testing. My salt reading was good at 3,100 and everything else seemed fine except Cyanuric acid which was low based on the strips. The pool supply store confirmed these test results but also mentioned the phosphate level was very high (1,000).
After treating with stabilizer, they recommended treating with PhosFree to lower the level. They also mentioned a couple of capfuls of Natural Chemistry's Triple Action Perfect Weekly for weekly maintenance.
After treating with stabilizer and Perfect Weekly yesterday morning, the pool is crystal clear and the strip readings seem fine. So today, I added 1/2 dosage of Phosfree. I started poking around and it seems there are mixed views on phosphates. I also noticed that my strips and the T-100 don't test for phosphate levels which I'd prefer to do myself.
So I'm wondering . . do folks monitor phosphate levels? If so, what do you use to accurately test? Is this even necessary? Thoughts?
Thanks in advance-