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View Full Version : How accurate are CYA test strips?


Rangeball
06-06-2006, 03:42 PM
I found a kit to tide me over until Ben's issues are resolved, but it doesn't test CYA.

I have test strips that measure FC, PH, Alk and CYA.

Since CYA isn't as crucial other than knowing you have some in a ballpark range, do you think I can get by with relying on CYA strips until I get Ben's kit before next season?

I'm only using bleach, no di or tri chlor and not planning to add any CYA. I have about 20 ppm now (based on strip test).
CarlD
06-06-2006, 04:14 PM
Not very. I tested my water with my PS233 on Sunday--read 30ppm. Today a strip said it could be between 0 and 30....Not much good, is it?
Rangeball
06-06-2006, 04:17 PM
Doesn't appear to be :)

I guess I can guesstimate based on the FC # I hold on average after a full day of sun. So far it seems to be right in line with the 20 ppm I'm guessing from the strip.
waterbear
06-06-2006, 10:26 PM
Doesn't appear to be :)

I guess I can guesstimate based on the FC # I hold on average after a full day of sun. So far it seems to be right in line with the 20 ppm I'm guessing from the strip.
Operative word here is guessing! Ditch the 'guess strips' and get the $15 walmart kit that will test CYA!
Rangeball
06-07-2006, 10:07 AM
Would love to, but our Walmart only sells strips :(

I'm not that worried, I know I have "some" stabilizer, and I'm not totally sold on it's worth anyway. I'll keep my eye out for a CYA drop test.
Watermom
06-07-2006, 12:20 PM
I have "some" stabilizer, and I'm not totally sold on it's worth anyway.

If you ever tried to maintain a chlorine reading without stabilizer, you would quickly recognize cya's worth. You can pour bleach in the pool in the morning and it would be gone by afternoon on a hot sunny day. You can't keep it in there without cya.
Rangeball
06-07-2006, 12:35 PM
If you ever tried to maintain a chlorine reading without stabilizer, you would quickly recognize cya's worth. You can pour bleach in the pool in the morning and it would be gone by afternoon on a hot sunny day. You can't keep it in there without cya.


I agree.

By "totally sold", more than just enough to keep a residual on a sunny day :)