Kem Tek 338 vs Jack's Magic Purple Stuff in salt pool?

[PoolDoc]

You did the bucket test. You added bleach -- to break down any phosphonates, and then oxidize any metals to the insoluble form, and then soda ash, to raise the pH to the point where they would precipitate.

Colors tell the tale: iron would make the sediment brown or orange; copper blue or green, or maybe black. You got tan. That means calcium plus maybe a tiny bit of iron. You *might* have other metals, but it's unlikely.

[JimK]

You did the bucket test. You added bleach -- to break down any phosphonates, and then oxidize any metals to the insoluble form, and then soda ash, to raise the pH to the point where they would precipitate.

Colors tell the tale: iron would make the sediment brown or orange; copper blue or green, or maybe black. You got tan. That means calcium plus maybe a tiny bit of iron. You *might* have other metals, but it's unlikely.

Thanks Ben. Actually, the sediment is white. I take this to mean it's not likely I have any metals and that adding the sequest isn't doing anything?

If I wanted to later test for metals using a Taylor kit, how long should I discontinue sequestrant use before testing to be sure the sequestrant doesn't interfere with the results?

[PoolDoc]

Wow. Missed this one.

Yes, white sediment in a metals test strongly suggests no metals are present.

As far as how sequestrants / chelants interact with copper tests (of various flavors), that's information we haven't been able to find yet!

[JimK]

Wow. Missed this one.

Yes, white sediment in a metals test strongly suggests no metals are present.

As far as how sequestrants / chelants interact with copper tests (of various flavors), that's information we haven't been able to find yet!

No problem, Ben. I know y'all have been swamped with requests for help this season. I kind of figured that if tan sediment meant a small amount of iron, that white sediment like I got meant no metals.

I'd still like to discuss and get a better understanding of what happened to the metals that I did have in my pool, but since I'm not currently having any issues that discussion can wait until after the end of the busy season. I look forward to that discussion.

[PoolDoc]

Thanks.