re: Test Kits

[Sumo1]

Thanks, guys! The sale I found is at Lincoln Aquatics and the K-2005C lists for $94.90/on sale for $67.75. The K-2006C lists for $122.50/on sale for $84.50. I would imagine they are kits from the 2006 season. Do you think I could expect to get adequate performance from them for the 2007 season? I've only been a test strip user up to now. Hal

[waterbear]

Thanks, guys! The sale I found is at Lincoln Aquatics and the K-2005C lists for $94.90/on sale for $67.75. The K-2006C lists for $122.50/on sale for $84.50. I would imagine they are kits from the 2006 season. Do you think I could expect to get adequate performance from them for the 2007 season? I've only been a test strip user up to now. Hal

If they have stored them properly they should be fine. The reagents are good for at least a few seasons if kept out of sunlight and heat (I keep mine in my house on a closet shelf). I would go with the K-2006C since the FAS-DPD chlorine test is much more accurate and easier to read than the DPD chlorine test. One caution is that the DPD powder in the K-2005C does tend to go bad way before the other reagents but you can always order more from Taylor or from the Poolsolutions website (once Ben has gotten caught up with everything. He has 10 gram DPD powder replacements listed for $6.75!). Some of the members on here have done some experiments with old, dark, clumpy DPD powder and have reported that it still works! http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=4659
If it were me I would grab the K-2006C at that price!

[chem geek]

The test kit should be absolutely fine for this season. Since the kit was sealed, there was no light or moisture that would get in to degrade the chemicals. The only problem would be if they left the kit out in heat, but it's probably been stored in a warehouse, so it's probably OK.

The DPD powder is probably the most sensitive chemical found in the kit and this thread talks about experiments made by forum members who found that it lasts quite a while (more than one season). If you want to extend the life of your chemicals, you can refrigerate them as cooler temperatures (and dryer air) slow down whatever decomposition that could occur, but just keeping the kit in your home at "comfortable" temperatures will be fine for at least one year and probably at least two. I would not be surprised if most forum members only change their chemicals as they get used up and generally don't have problems.

Richard