7.2 vs >8.2 Grrrrrrrrrrr

[Infidel]

Well, I spent several years as an analytical chemist, I've done many many titrations for alkalinity and hardness, so I understand titrations pretty well. I'd love to have a definite endpoint, rather than a subjective color comparison, being color blind doesn't help. Guess I'll start tracking down the FAS/DPD kit so I know my real Cl levels. I just spent ~$50 on the Taylor kit which I thought would be the answer to my problems.

And after all this, it still bugs me that I can get 2 very different pH readings from 2 different kits.

[waterbear]

Well, I spent several years as an analytical chemist, I've done many many titrations for alkalinity and hardness, so I understand titrations pretty well. I'd love to have a definite endpoint, rather than a subjective color comparison, being color blind doesn't help. Guess I'll start tracking down the FAS/DPD kit so I know my real Cl levels. I just spent ~$50 on the Taylor kit which I thought would be the answer to my problems.

And after all this, it still bugs me that I can get 2 very different pH readings from 2 different kits.

You must have the Taylor K-2005 which uses the DPD test with a comparator tube.. The K-2006 has the FAS-DPD titration test for chlorine. Otherwise it is identical to the K-2005 so most of the reagents are the same. Ben's PS234 is a better 'bang for the buck' in terms of number of tests vs. price!

As an alternative you COULD inve$t in a colorimeter to read the results for you. LaMotte and Hach have some good ones if you have a spare thousand lying around! Being a chemist I am sure that you understand the importance of calibration of test equipment, otherwise I would not make that suggestion.

[ChuckD]

Well, I spent several years as an analytical chemist, I've done many many titrations for alkalinity and hardness, so I understand titrations pretty well. I'd love to have a definite endpoint, rather than a subjective color comparison, being color blind doesn't help. Guess I'll start tracking down the FAS/DPD kit so I know my real Cl levels. I just spent ~$50 on the Taylor kit which I thought would be the answer to my problems.

And after all this, it still bugs me that I can get 2 very different pH readings from 2 different kits.

Well I've just got to get my US$0.02 in here, reading this thread hurts.

Dude, you've GOT to get your CYA down! This is the source of all your problems. Why waste time on questionable pH and Cl readings all because of you having to SuperDuper Chlorinate because of your CYA (which we're still not sure how high it is)? 100+ CYA is absurd!

Don't mean to offend, respect for your tenacity, but wouldn't it really be easier to drain and dilute and have at it?

C.

[waterbear]

Gotta agree with ChuckD on this one!....get the cya down to repectable levels! Shoot for 30-50 ppm!

[Infidel]

Well I've just got to get my US$0.02 in here, reading this thread hurts.

Dude, you've GOT to get your CYA down! This is the source of all your problems. Why waste time on questionable pH and Cl readings all because of you having to SuperDuper Chlorinate because of your CYA (which we're still not sure how high it is)? 100+ CYA is absurd!

Don't mean to offend, respect for your tenacity, but wouldn't it really be easier to drain and dilute and have at it?

C.

I fully agree, most of my headaches are due to having to have excessive Cl levels due to CYA levels. I shoud bite the bullet and drain it down. It's a relatively small pool so it shouldn't be that bad, I'll need to get a pump since my bottom drain isn't plumbed to the pump. I'm looking at replastering at the end of the season, so I may just deal with it until Oct. though.

[Infidel]

For what it's worth, the Taylor kit pH matches the pH taken via meter. My pool is also the bluest it's ever been for two days now. Spiked the sand filter with some DE, the cloudiness had already cleared a lot, should be great in a day or two.

[waterbear]

For what it's worth, the Taylor kit pH matches the pH taken via meter.

Kinda tried to tell you that before!

[Infidel]

This is what 44 ppm Cl looks like.

[brent.roberts]

that's a pretty lookin' pool

at 44 you better post a "no swimming" sign or the tree huggers will be at you for killing frogs