Clear, but no chlorine???

[BigDave]

I suggested the OTO kit because OTO will not bleach out in high chlorine.

How did youn test CYA 150ppm?

Congrats on the new filters.

[Watermom]

And, thank you for the subscription!

[mary jo]

The Walmart/Target stores in my area are all out of hth OTO chlorine testing kits (it's a short swim season here in Illinois). But I did read something in Taylor's manual about how to test for high levels: they suggested adding the 5 drops each of Reagent #1 and #2 into the vial and THEN adding pool water a drop at a time to see if there is any CL is present, so I tried this and the sample never turned pink.

[Watermom]

If you can't find an OTO kit at Walmart or Target, you can get one at your pool store but just do not let them talk you into buying anything else. They will try!

[mary jo]

Thank you Watermom!!! I think the problem is: the new post section does not show up at this time ( although it did earlier today).
Anyway- I did find some OTO from a neighbor who had 2- and tested for chlorine and got zero again. Just to see that the OTO was indeed fresh and working I added a drop,of bleach to some water and tested it and it came out dark orange. So I think we an say that my pool has zero chlorine in it, however LOTS of CYA.

[FormerBromineUser]

Hey, Maryjo.

I am not going to make any chemical recommendations because I am new to the BBB method myself and there are MANY experts here who can help you. (I know what I would do with your test results but...... hint: it starts with b l e a and doesn't include t r i c h l )

I live in Saint Charles, IL so I know what's available in our area. If you HAVE to purchase any chemicals from a pool store, I recommend you go to In-The-Swim. Their corporate offices are in West Chicago and they have an outlet store right there. (They also carry Taylor reagents in case you need them right away). I would not suggest returning to The Great Escape. If you are in doubt, remember that they recommended Alkalinity Plus when your TA is fine.

Get some FC in that pool, and good luck!

[mary jo]

Thanks FormerBromineUser! I've now read enough posts that I think I should invest in a lot of bleach! I would go ahead and add some tonight just to see what would happen but I'm not sure about how long I'd have to wait until I could close the automatic cover.- which I do every night. I hope this issue gets resolved by next Tuesday- my daughter has planned one last pool party for the season. Fingers crossed!

[mary jo]

OK- I will try to get the OTO kit, but I did try diluting the pool water with bottled water (all I had) and testing using at different concentrations: 1:2, 1:4 1:9 and got zero chlorine reading all times. I got the CYA reading by diluting my pool water with tap water as you recommended: 1 part pool water, 2 parts tap and got around 50 so I tripled it to get 150.