Quote Originally Posted by salinda
Can you tell me what drop-type salt test I should use? I have been using the strips that you put in a small vial of water and wait a few minutes to take a reading.

Also, regarding the potential damage to tile/coping etc., I have found only the opposite. I have a Calcium reading on the high side (520 ppm). My overflow from my spa always had a lot of scale. Since the swg has been in operation, the scale has actually been disappearing. Maybe I am just more aware of ph and adding muriatic acid more often.

I do use A LOT of acid--at least 1/2 gallon/week with a 37,000 gallon pool.
The salt water test kit is from Taylor, (Item # K-1766) which you can order from your local pool store. I don't think Taylor likes to sell to the public direct. Test your salt level at least once a week while removing the scale and then once a month when your pool chemistry is balanced. Use the salt test strips only as a rough guide.

A calcium reading of 520 ppm is definitely on the high side, so keeping the pH down to between 7.2 to 7.6 will definitely help. You will be using a lot of acid during this time. 300 ppm CH is your goal. The TA should be checked as well, and if above 150 ppm, I would start aerating to bring it down using a low pH down to 120 ppm. Hopefully your scale should disappear even faster.

Check your cell once a month too.

Hope this helps.

Pat