New User- Taylor's Drops versus local Pool Store Readings on Alkalinity and CYA

Using the Taylor's test kit drops, we get a reading of 100 ppm for alkalinity. We take the same water to the local pool store and they measure at 60 ppm. So, we added baking soda at 2 pound increments and took the water to the local pool store again (we did not use Taylor's for a pre-test). They measured at 25 ppm. What the heck?

I will say the water has been cloudy because of too much too quickly (this happens when two people are trying to get the pool up to snuff), but is slowly clearing.

Same for CYA...readings for Taylor's is normal to slightly high (50-60 ppm). The readings from the pool store started at 25 ppm, then jumped to 91 ppm. Another what the heck moment!

My wife did add a clarifier after the initial store visit because of the cloudy pool and they talked her into it, but she knows better now.

Any speculation on the differences?

I was kinda trying to gauge the test drops accuracy compared to a computerized/mechanized method.

Trust your own readings. Pool store readings are often inaccurate. (Think about it ------ if you pool is "messed up," they can sell more chemicals!)
Is it a Taylor K-2006 that you are using?

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