When to buy refills for reagents?

[voidpointer]

Once a year, I like to buy a TF-Pro refill kit just to support the site. However, I'm noticing certain reagents aren't going to make it a full year. I already anticipated that the CL drop test powder and reagents wouldn't last, so along with the refill kit I buy an additional set for that specific test. However, there are two others that are getting low:

- The red reagent for the pH test (I'm at about 1/3 to 1/4 remaining in the bottle)
- The 2oz bottles of clear liquid for the CYA test (I'm down to 1 bottle out of 3)

I test pH every 2 days and CYA every 7-8 days. CYA I could probably test less often, as week to week it doesn't change much. But it makes me nervous to go more than a week without running every test. My plaster is still new so I don't see the pH test getting extended out, as I hit 8.2 after 2 days.

Should I buy refills for these 2 reagents now, and hope it lasts me long enough that I won't be wasting too much when I am ready to buy a full refill kit in March 2024 (I just bought my last refill kit in March 2023)?

Unrelated (but while I have a thread going): I wanted to ask about the CH test. The color change from red -> blue is pretty slow. I usually record about 16 drops (400ppm) but if I do 15 drops and wait long enough, it slowly turns to blue (maybe 10-20 seconds). Is the slow color change the stopping point, or should I keep going until I see a rapid color change? It doesn't seem to instantly change color like the Salt or TA test does.

Thank you for the help!!

 

[duraleigh]

The reagent quantities are calculated to each last more than a year. Some people don't test enough and others too often so the kit is designed to strike a happy medium

I test pH every 2 days and CYA every 7-8 days.

That's close to being about right on pH but quite a bit too much on CYA.

A common approach to pH is to test every other day for maybe 10 days. If you see stability, then back off your pH testing to about twice weekly. You will gain confidence in the "trend: of your pH test and find you can go longer periods with confidence.

Once every 30 days is all you need for CYA. It tends to be one of the most stable parameters so six yearly tests should be plenty.

The R-0014 (called phenol red) is readily available at almost any pool store so buy locally if you run out. I think you can make it until the end of swim season with the CYA you have remaining.

but if I do 15 drops and wait long enough, it slowly turns to blue (maybe 10-20 seconds)

Don't wait that long try for somewhere around a drop every 2 seconds and when your last drop makes no further color change, that's the end of your test

 

[Newdude]

I like to buy a TF-Pro refill kit just to support the site

To be clear. You are supporting TFTestkits. We all love them and have had great experiences using them, but the kit company and the forum are two entirely seperate entities.

TFP is a charity and has strict rules it needs to follow set by the law. There cannot be any coming co-mingling of the two.

 

[VinnyinNJ]

Our season is roughly 4 months (mid May to week after Labor Day), I received my refills in July last year when we got our new pool. I had to order the R-871 reagent as I don't think it'll last until the end of the season; in fact I ordered 2 to start off next season as well. For some reason I didn't tighten the R-003's cap and I lost a bit but I think it'll last until the end of the season and I don't test for CC that often. I say order them when you need them.

I plan on ordering fresh refills in the beginning of next year as I don't think there's any dates on the bottles we get from TFTestkits. Of course I'll have more than enough R-871!

 

[voidpointer]

A common approach to pH is to test every other day for maybe 10 days. If you see stability, then back off your pH testing to about twice weekly. You will gain confidence in the "trend: of your pH test and find you can go longer periods with confidence.

Since March, my pH goes from 7.5 to 8.2 every 2 days, sometimes 3. That's been pretty consistent. I don't think I can get away with twice a week. Here, I've learned that if it gets over 8, I should add MA. Maybe next year I'll see it stabilize more? I don't know.

Once every 30 days is all you need for CYA. It tends to be one of the most stable parameters so six yearly tests should be plenty.

Are you implying I only test for 6 months a year? In Texas, I don't close my pool. I assume I'll be testing and maintaining for 12 months. But this is still my first year with a pool and I know I still have a lot to learn and experience. So maybe I'm misunderstanding you.

To be clear. You are supporting TFTestkits.

Ah, I feel silly. I thought it was a storefront for TFP to help with funding. Thank you for letting me know!

 

[Newdude]

Here, I've learned that if it gets over 8, I should add MA. Maybe next year I'll see it stabilize more? I don't know.

You're doing great. Up to the 1st year plaster has a healthy MA appetite. It will likly calm down eventually.

Are you implying I only test for 6 months a year? In Texas, I don't close my pool. I assume I'll be testing and maintaining for 12 months. But this is still my first year with a pool and I know I still have a lot to learn and experience.

Again. You're doing great. And again Dave is right. CYA is stable and doesn't change much. Once you are seeing that for yourself, and you're comfortable with your testing abilities (let's be honest this one SUCKS), switch to monthly. Once those prove to still be stable, every other month is fine. Especially the cool/cold months.