Newbie here...question about testing

[AndieP]

Hi all! First off, we have a 23,000 gallon guinite pool. This is our 3rd summer to be taking care of a pool. Last summer, I stayed frustrated and battled water problems the entire season. This season, being niave and trusting the pool supplier w/o researching first, I switched to Pristine Blue. Needless, to say I am switching back to chlorine.

I have been reading and reading the past day or two and learned so much for all of you! So I went out and bought a test kit from Walmart (small town...nearest pool supplier is 30 minutes away). It says tests for TC, PH, TA, CH, and CYA. I am looking and reading the instructions about testing and it doesn't indicate how to test for CC. It just says Total Chlorine. Is this the same as FC? Is there any way to test for CC with this kit or should I take it back?

I searched to see if this was answered somewhere else but couldn't find anything. Thanks for any input....I'm sure I am going to have lots more questions once figure out where to start.

[itstoohot]

I have the same kit and it only tests for total chlorine. You will need a DPD test kit (the Wal-Mart one is an OTO). The DPD test kit (most) will render results for both free chlorine and total chlorine. Combined chlorine is then simply total less free.

[duraleigh]

The DPD test kit (most) will render results for both free chlorine and total chlorine. Combined chlorine is then simply total less free.

Well, that's pretty darn close. Actually, the FAS/DPD test measures FC first and, in a second step, measures CC's. Adding the results of the two gives TC.

I have no idea how I would effectively manage my water without Ben's kit.....he might have to do one of those "priceless" commercials.

[Pool_Mike]

that PristineBlue from what I read is or can be bad stuff and may effect your family health. I would keep away (at least from what I read and searched on here)

[waterbear]

Well, that's pretty darn close. Actually, the FAS/DPD test measures FC first and, in a second step, measures CC's. Adding the results of the two gives TC.
That is true for FAS-DPD but a DPD test first measures FC then measured TC and you substact the FC from the TC for the CC!
I have no idea how I would effectively manage my water without Ben's kit.....he might have to do one of those "priceless" commercials.

So many test kits....so little time for testing!