Taylor R-0870 test powder (crystals) - hard to measure for anyone?

[Mm_putnam]

I got the Taylor K-2006 test kit this season (first time pool owner) and from day 1 the R-0870 powder has had a good bit of large-ish crystals in it. Is this typical? I feel like the large/chunky crystals make it difficult to accurately measure the amount when testing. Also, the powder seems to stick to the dropper which makes it doubly hard to measure as I know I'm not getting an accurate amount.

I could get something to grind the crystals if needed. Doesn't seem like I should need to do that but not a big deal. And do others of you have to regularly clean the dropper?

[BigDave]

You don't need to be accurate. The instructions say to use two dippers but one works fine most of the time. One clue here is thst the instructions say to use two dippers for either the 10ml sample or the 25ml sample.

Just put some in, if the sample turns pink, you've got chlorine.

I just tap the dipper on the top of the test vessel and let the R-870 corner of my kit box get a little messy.

[moblaine]

I noticed the same thing and also see the crystals seem to sit in the water sample no matter how much I swirl. Is that okay? I'm concerned it will affect my test somehow.

[aylad]

The refill container I got prior to the one I'm using now was the same way--it came to me already in crystals. You're right, a lot of it does stay undissolved in the water but that's okay. If you get pink, then don't worry about what doesn't dissolve. Your test will still be accurate.

[Mm_putnam]

So if I get any pink when I add the powder/crystals (regardless of qty of powder/crystals) I will get an accurate reading? That surprises me - but pleasantly surprised if that's the case.

[moblaine]

I'm no scientist, but I had been wondering if the crystals all dissolved, would my sample have been a darker pink and would it have taken more drops to turn it clear and therefore would I get a larger FC reading?

[Mm_putnam]

That's what I was thinking. I would think the # of drops of the reagent in comparison the amount of the powder is important - not just in comparison to the presence of the powder. But I also am not a scientist.