Accurate test results

[waterbear]

The are using test strips with a colorimeter. This is similar (or possibly is) the Alex system by Bioguard.....Run, don't walk, to a different pool store for your tests....Based on this info I would trust your Aquachem results over theirs!

[Pamsel]

Actually, I think I posted that wrong. I believe they are a BioGuard store - not AquaBan. They actually call themselves "your accurate water testing center"! The other main pool store in my area only uses test strips - same as I used to use at home. All the other stores in my area are either branches of these two, or very small stores. I'm going to have to search the yellow pages and call around. I may not have a place to get my water tested accurately.

[CarlD]

Actually, I think I posted that wrong. I believe they are a BioGuard store - not AquaBan. They actually call themselves "your accurate water testing center"! The other main pool store in my area only uses test strips - same as I used to use at home. All the other stores in my area are either branches of these two, or very small stores. I'm going to have to search the yellow pages and call around. I may not have a place to get my water tested accurately.

Yeah, they aren't going to say "Your in-accurate water testing center" are they? Which, of course, unfortunately, is what they really are.

The best solution is a good test kit. There are 3 that I think are good. First, Ben's PS-234--but do a search on that here. That's simply the best organized, easiest to use, and ultimately the most economical as it comes with its own refills. Then there's the Taylor 2006 (available on-line from Taylor chemicals). Finally there's the Chlorine FAS-DPD Service Kit from Leslie's on-line site, which is also a Taylor-made kit. All 3 use the FAS-DPD method for testing chlorine, which is the best for home-owners. Also Taylor will sell just a FAS-DPD test kit, and Leslie's used to have their own version of it-- same test, packed differently.

If used correctly, all three should give nearly identical results as they basically use the same tests

The cheapie alternative, if you can get it, is the WalMart HTH 5-way drop test kit. In some parts of the country you can get it easily, where I am, it's no longer sold. But for $12-$15 it's a heckuva bargain and it DOES work well.

You can buy separate copper and iron test kits because they usually aren't in the regular kits. But the two kits together cost more than Leslie's FAS-DPD kit!

[Pamsel]

Thanks Carl. I have just ordered Ben's kit, but don't know how long I'll have to wait until I get it. Seems there's been some problems getting them shipped out promptly. Until then, I do have the Wal-Mart kit and will do the best I can with it.