My first test... questions

[gogolion]

I got my K2006 test kit in the mail today and had a couple of questions. I watched the videos on Youtube before using the kit. When I tested CYA the comparator tube was full when the black dot disappeared. There is no label at the top of the tube, but I estimated it to be about 25, does that sound right?

Also, when testing pH I had a really hard time comparing the colors when I held the comparator tube up to the sky, like they do in the video. The water looked almost clear compared to the colors you're comparing to. I'm guessing the blue sky messed with things. When I looked into a white towel I had more luck and it looked like about 7.3. Am I messing up the test by looking at it into a white towel?

After getting answers to these questions I'll post my full results and ask for recommendations.

Thanks!

[Watermom]

25-30ppm on the CYA sounds about right and using a white towel as a background to check pH is just fine.

[gogolion]

Well here is what I got:

CYA: 25
PH: 7.3
FC: 0.8
CC: 0.6
TA: 110
CH: 180

I know I need to get my chlorine up so I added a bottle of 6% bleach tonight (1.42 gallons). I'll retest in the morning and post results. Anything else I should do based on those numbers? Should I add stabilizer? 25 is kinda low isn't it?

[Watermom]

Yes, stabilizer of 25 is kinda low. I think you'll do better at 40-50ppm. Go ahead and add another 5lbs of CYA.