Why do diff companies have diff target levels? (ie bioguard vs taylor vs tfp)

[Rybray]

For instance, regarding alkalinity, Bioguard recommends between 125-150, Hach strips 80-120, Taylor 80-120 and TFP says 60-80.
23,000 gal plaster pool, 18 yrs old. I just took over its care aft3r our last pool guy went nuts and abt destroyed it. Now it's crystal clear and most of the stains are gone too. I grew up using Taylor's test kit (more years ago than I will admit) and now am using bioguard products from Lindsay's because it's the closest pool Chem place to us. I have learned to keep my cya under control! Am using shock packets and like 1 tablet a week and chlorine levels are good. Am just confused as to why the target levels for things would be so different.

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP.
It would be best to read What is TFPC?
Glad to read that you have a Taylor test kit - the preferred one is K2006-C which has the FAS/DPD test for chlorine.

The easiest reply to the TA level is that TFP promotes the use of a SWCG or liquid chlorine for chlorination not pucks. Neither a SWCG or LC have acid in them so they do not decline pH or TA. The use of pucks contain acid therefore the other companies as you refer to them need to have a high TA range such that TA does not decline below 50. Whereas with TFP, we control TA and pH with the use of muractic acid on specific doses. So TFP can have a lower TA to start. Furthermore if you read up on TA, a lower TA such as 60-80 will slow the rise of pH so in fact you may not need a lot MA.

TA - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com