Re: What is the purpose of Trichlor Tabs ??
Run your tests again, only use the 10 ml line instead of the 25 ml line for chlorine (saves your FAS-DPD reagents). You listed TC but the kit tests for FC and CC. TC=FC + CC. Still, you and the stores looked close.
pH: Run your test again--that's awfully different than the two stores. I suspect you didn't read it correctly.
TA: DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT! And don't add the baking soda. Pool stores make more of an issue of TA being low than it needs to be.
Hardness: Test again with your kit, but I suspect your number is the best. Don't drain just to lower it.
CYA: Here you're all over the map. You have 360 (not 400) but the two stores have 100. Try the test again, normally, and see what you get.
IF your numbers are ACTUALLY:
FC=10
CC: <.5
pH: 7.6
TA: 70-80
CH: 400
CYA: 100
and your pool is clear then go swimming!
But run your tests again and see what you get. I like running the CYA test multiple times by pouring the solution back into the squeeze bottle then adding it to the black dot tube again. I'll always do it at least 2 times, sometimes 3.
Re: What is the purpose of Trichlor Tabs ??
I meant I got FC:10 and CC .2. I am a bit frazzled, sorry! I used the 10ml line and 25 ml line and got the same results as far as chlorine.
I got 90 when I tested the CYA diluted 50/50 then multiplied by 2 is where I came up with 180(not 360)
I won't add anything right now and see how it looks and test it tomorrow. I like your idea about the cya, that stupid dot on the bottom thing seems very unreliable
Re: What is the purpose of Trichlor Tabs ??
You'll catch on. If you use the 10ml line you may (for example) get a reading of 10, 10.5 or 11. If you use the 25ml line you may get 10, 10.2, 10.4, 10.6, 10.8 or 11. 10 and 10.2 aren't significantly different, neither are 10.8 and 11. And 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6 all pretty much the same.
So you should get the same reading but the 25ml is more precise, but also uses 2 1/2 times more reagent for the test, so your R-0871 bottle empties faster.
The CYA test is THE most difficult, by far, test of all, but it's very, very important. The MOST important part is to use the same technique every time. It takes a while to get the hang of it.
Re: What is the purpose of Trichlor Tabs ??
I don't believe small pool store when he says his CYA test can go up to 300. Baloney.