using expired chems

[mjc123]

Hey all, given the logistical hassles of getting pool testing chemicals in Canada (that don't cost an absolute fortune) I'm using "expired" reagents from the tf-100 I bought a couple years ago (and had to jump through a ridiculous number of hoops to acquire).

So far, all of the results seem to be within the expected range. I've noticed some of the bottles have little precipitates floating around, but otherwise they *seem* to still work. Wondering if anyone knows anything about using older chemicals and how critical replacing them is. I realize Taylor recommends replacing them every year, but then again, who benefits most from that? lol

 

[ajw22]

Using chemicals over 2 years old is pushing your luck.

We don't know how they were stored over their life and how they degraded.

We have heard many instances of expired chemicals giving different ppm readings then new ones.

The entire premise of TFPC is based on accurate testing. Without accurate testing you are just playing a guessing game that may or may not work.

Best of luck.

 

[duraleigh]

Well said, ajw22.

You just can't be certain of the results and precise results is the whole idea.

 

[mjc123]

yeah, I mean, I realize it's not ideal - I do plan to get replacement chems at some point. That being said, I went from testing every week - meticulously and methodically, to being comfortable testing only monthly or "as required" (ie after heavy bather loads, etc). So far, even with unexpired pool chemicals, I've never had any issues - in fact, so far (touch wood) the only issue I've had was this year because we've had so much rain I have had to keep adding salt and baking soda to keep the SWCG happy and TA up. We got more rain in a single storm than we usually get in 2 months haha