Re: Why so much hate on pool store's water test?
Conclusions drawn about Leslie's business ethics and/or propensity to be inaccurate in pool readinggs are, for the most part, ill founded IMO. First, there is the misguided and shop worn "testimonials" ...which is referred to in science circles and statistical studies as anecdotal evidence. Per Wikipedia, "
Anecdotal evidence is evidence from anecdotes, i.e., evidence collected in a casual or informal manner and relying heavily or entirely on personal testimony. When compared to other types of evidence, anecdotal evidence is gen erally regarded as limited in value due to a number of potential weaknesses.". The potential weakness in regards to the generally held consensus here about Lealies is fundamental in nature, and largely as follows: (i) the relatively small number of anecdotes about Leslies vis a vis the actually quite and disproportionally large total number of pool testing and customer experiences with Leslies and similar testing pool stores and (ii) the inherent subjectiveness of pool water testing.
First Point: Statistical Relevance. I know some here will ardently maintain that there is such a hugh number of complaints about Leslie's inaccurate testing that this alone should end any discussion abuout the subject. Actually, no it doesn't. First, there is the unintended exaggeration as to the actual number of such anecdotes. Seems like these numbers are huge but there not. I have done a few hours of searching on this subject and going back five years, came up with about 75 or so such anecdotes (not to be confused with actual posts, which are several hundred more but not unique, separate posters). Yet, there are some 7,000+ pool stores across the US and Canada. Do the math. Multiply that figure times there annual sum of testing and you come up with a huge number...making the adverse Leslie posts here a small fraction of the total tests Lesie's and other pool stores perform. The foregoing is not to say Leslie's pool testing accuracy is in the high, reliable numbers. But let's be real. Using the anecdotes here to support what some assert to be empirical evidence of Lealie's negligent testing MO, or even worse (see below) that Leslie's managers and employees have their thumb on the scale during the testing is wildly speculative and, from an evidentiary or scientific method standpoint, misguided.
Second Point: the Subjective element in testing. Those who track the anecdotes about Leslie's should also be familiar with the numerous posts from novice and expert alike about the subjective nature of so many of these tests. Yet, for some reason, the anti Leslie folks treat the test results taken by our members to be compeletely accurate while routinely assuming that the differing Leslie's test results are faulty. Moreover, a fair number of those reporting differing results are actually professed novices at testing. But no matter, its Leslie's who got it wrong. Hmmmmm....maybe, just maybe the OP is off on his/her testing (to which some will protest "No, this cannot be, for their's must be the accurate test of the two"). Hardly, a few drops too few or two many, or a slightly delayed color shift, or something called the human eye..and the test results can be dramtically off....Again, by either the Leslie testor or a member in this forum. In sum, there is nothing to support the accuracy of a member's test over a Leslie store test (or other pool stores who do free tests..and most do).
Then there are what I contend are the really specious arguments that a few here make, and which I believe to be repugnant...it's the one claiming that the pool store owner purposely skews the results to induce you to buy pool supplies. Has that ever happened...of course it has...just like auto mechanics fake results or engine evaluations to get your money. But then I guess we should all stay away from the auto repair places, right? Most readers here will get the point. But here's more. Try visting some of the employee rating sites online...the ones that post reviews of large sized chain companies. Look up the Leslie employee reviews. Most give very positive reviews for how Leslie's trained them about pool chemistry and customer service. None have had an ax to grind by exposing Leslie's as telling the employee how to sell more pool products by skewing the tests. And believe me, these sites are where that stuff gets exposed.
Re: My experience with several Leslie's stores: I do all my own testing. And over the last 14 years, I go to Leslie's now and then ..and have had maybe 12 different ppl do the testing over this time frame. Rarely have they been off. Maybe it was me (see above). But guess what...I patronize my Leslies becuz they twice serviced by polaris pool cleaner without charge...and there acid strength is twice that of the big box stores. I also will buy some pool toys there occasionally. And here's some earth shaking news: pool stores are in business to make money (what you say?). To some here this is the motivation that leads to the habitual skewing of test results. Wow..sorry to see that some here actually believe that Leslie pool managers, for the most part, are immoral unethical money grabbing hustlers. To you folks, time to grab that tin foil and fashion some hats. Note this...I am not drawing the conclusion nor asserting that Leslies has a high percentage of pool testing accuracy..only that I seen nothing yet to suggest otherwise.
Haters will contine to hate. Can't temper with reason, the opinion of those who are convinced that Leslies is out to rob you, or similalrly, that they are boobs who don't know which end of a test vial to pick up.
But Hats off to those whose response to posts about Leslies is far less judgmental and made without less vitriol ...who focus on the merits of doing one's own testing and less on deriding the pool store owners. To you ppl, I only have this to say: when it comes time for us to take over your planet, you shall be spared
First off, I don't understand why you feel that Leslie's is being singled out. We recommend that pool owners steer clear of
Pool $tores, it just happens that Leslie's is a large chain, and most of the time that is the store being discussed.
While I understand your point that some Pool $tore employees are quite accurate in their work and advice, a store is in business to make money, period, regardless the business. Seeing that most big-chain Pool $tores make most of that money on selling chemicals, I'm sure most tend to push miracle potions before they stress the importance of your FC to CYA ratio. TFP has proven, time and time again, that all you need to clear a green swamp is chlorine & patience.
Of course there is good and bad in all business, but my personal experience is that
most big chain Pool $tores hire young kids on vacation from school as seasonal help. These kids have no interest in pool chemistry, just that weekly pay check.
It has been proven time and time again that all you need is a proper level of sanitizer to keep the pool clean and safe for swimmers. There is no need for all these crazy potions that most Pool $tores push onto uneducated customers. Besides the chemical stew that these Pool $tore would have you swimming in, the cost of these potions is ridiculous. My first season with a pool was under the guidance of a large-chain Pool $tore. I spent more the end of that season trying to clear my pool than I have spent for the last two entire swim seasons following TFP guidelines, and my pool has been clear as glass. All I use is chlorine.
A good example of this 'chemical pushing' is when algaecide is recommended to clear a green swamp. That is absolutely ridiculous. Algaecide is a preventive item, it does not kill algae, and is not a sanitizer. Never mind the fact that most algaecides contain copper, a metal that builds up and stains pool surfaces, hair & fingernails.
If you went to your doctor with the flu, and he said that you needed a flu shot to clear up your symptoms, would you go back to that doctor?
Yes, the important thing from all this is the fact that nobody will care to get your pool care right better than you. It's your pool, and it's your own family's enjoyment and well-being, so of course the pool owner has a vested interest to get it right. Do you really think that the 17 year old behind the counter of a Pool $tore has that same vested interest? Highly doubtful.
