? regarding the Walmart/Aquachem 6 way

[jnorris]

If anyone uses this kit...When I do the water hardness test, the first step is to add 2 drops of the hardness solution A and mix. It says a violet color will develop if hardness is present. Mine does not turn a violet color, but it does sort of change. It's hard to say what color it is, just that it is not the color of plain water. Maybe it is a slight off-pink color? Anyway, if it is not violet, then would my hardness really be "0"? Then I assume I don't follow through with the rest of the test, where you add the B solution until it changes to blue?

The reason I'm testing is, I sometimes use Cal Hypo to shock, and I wanted to make sure my calcium level wasn't high. I do have a propane heater though, so what should my calcium level be (vinyl pool)?

[drband]

Interesting... I used one of those kits last year and NEVER could get a reading on the calcium test either. However, when I got one of Ben's kits this spring, my calcium showed 140 ppm. I'm not sure why the AquaChem test will not work. The rest of that kit seemed OK.

Save for one of Ben's kits... they're easier to use and much more accurate!

[les_smith]

I was told on the forum not to worry about water hardness if you have a vinyl liner. My pool is an AG pool, maybe there is a difference with the IG vinyl pools. I don't think so, but I'm not a pro either.

[bradjo]

Hi jnorris;
I use one of those AquaChem kits and it matches the results of my Taylor K2006C pretty closely. The test for hardness isn't as finely titrated as that in the Taylor kit but it works.

My water with the AC kit turns a sort of pinkish. I wouldn't really call it violet. Further mine doesn't really turn blue it turns Navy! Which is essentially in the blue family I suppose but if you are seeing those colors you are doing ok.

Essentially Calcium isn't really important in a vinyl liner pool. But it's not precisely of no value. In some instances Calcium can precipitate out (scale). With some heaters that might be a problem if you can't clean them.
Jo

[DavidD]

The reason I'm testing is, I sometimes use Cal Hypo to shock, and I wanted to make sure my calcium level wasn't high. I do have a propane heater though, so what should my calcium level be (vinyl pool)?

Excellent reason to test for CH in a vinyl pool. I know someone with the AC test and I'll try to get by there this week to see how it reacts with a sample of my water and compare it to the Ps233. My guess is to assume once the colors changes, that is the point in which you judge. You may want to get a sample tested at a local pool store (watch out for the sales pitch! ) and compare with your reading. Now, as far as the recommended level for a vinyl pool with a heater I would suggest no higher than 300 ppm (should give a little wiggle room) however you should check with the heater manufacturer to be sure.

Dave

[waterbear]

There seem to be some issues with the aquachem kit's calcium hardness test that have been discussed before in the forum. Here is the thread.
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=1112