Lots of drops, can I do this?

[steveinaz]

I notice using my Taylor test that some test require alot of drops. Can I just use half the sample of water, using half the reagent instead? For instance, TA and CH require 18-19 drops; could I just use half the water so that I'm only using 8-9 drops?

[CarlD]

It's your pool--you can do whatever you want.

I suggest you run some tests first to see if you get the same results. You CAN get re-agents from Taylor directly, or Taylor re-Agents from Leslies on-line.

The OTO test can be boosted by diluting pool water with steam-distilled water. If you mix 1 part pool to 1 part distilled, you double the reading--so an OTO reading of 3 ppm means it's 6ppm. If you use 2 parts distilled to 1 pool, then a reading of 3 means you have 9ppm.

Generally, though, it's a bad idea to mess with the amounts. But, as I said, it's your pool and your responsibility.

[waste]

Carl, and Steve, I was thinking almost the same thing, but my trouble was 'how to get 2 1/2 drops' instead of 5 - doubling it wouldn't be a problem, but halving it most certainly would

[steveinaz]

True, I need to quit being cheap...LOL

[waterbear]

Yes, you can but you will lose resolution. In fact, if you read the instructions on the lid of your Taylor at the bottom of both the TA and CH tests it it says:

"When high TA is anticipated, this procedure may be used: Use 10 ml. sample, 1 drop R-0007, 3 drops R-0006 and multiply dops in step 4 by 25."

"When high CH is anticipated, this procedure may be used: Use 10 ml. sample, 10 drops R-0010, 3 drops R-0011L and multiply dops in step 4 by 25."

This cuts the resolution (precision) of these test from 10 ppm to 25 ppm! You can use less reagents but you will not have as accurate a results. If you levels are high the less accurate results are more than enough, however. (For example, if your calcium hardness is above 500 it really isn't that critical to know if it is 525 ppm, 530, or 550 ppm. If you CH is onl 160 ppm and you want to raise it the 10 ppm resolution becomes much more important!)

EDIT: These same procedures can be used with Ben's PS-234 (and other kits) since they use the same Taylor reagents for tese tests!

[steveinaz]

Thanks Waterbear, I figured that would be the case. I spend 35k on a pool, and I'm worried about saving a $2 reagent...LOL, I crack myself up sometimes.