Quote Originally Posted by Gracy101 View Post





Now to my main problem with CH test/results (besides the incredibly high number).....

1) when I add the 5 drops of R-0011L Calcium Indicator, my sample turns decidedly pink not red. Is that a problem?
actually, it's supposed to turn pink
2) when adding the R-0012 Hardness Reagent, obviously my sample does not change from red to blue. Instead the pink color seems to "break up" into little particles floating in the water sample. I keep adding drops/swirling and eventually the water does begin to turn blue but the floating pink particles remain in suspension - reading at 525. What is happening/has happened?
This is often caused by metals in the water but it can also happen with no metal present but very high magnesium levels. It's a common interferance to the calcium hardness test. Nothing to worry about and easy to fix! Try adding 2-6 drops of the hardness reagent BEFORE adding the hardness indicator and then continue the test but count those drops added in your total. You should find that you get a definite end color without the interfenace. Here is the procedure:
1) add the 20 drops of calcium buffer and swirl
2) add 2-6 drops of hardness reagent (for this example let's say you added 6)
3) add your 5 drops of indicator. The solution should be pink.
4) Titrate with the hardness reagent until the color changes to blue. for this example let's say it took 28 drops.
5) add the initial 6 drops and the 28 drops for a total of 34 drops which would be 340 ppm calcium hardness.

 BTW, my fill water tests at 90 and there are no floating particles so I don't think the problem lies with the age/quality of the reagents, right?

I know I need to drain and refill to lower CH but beyond that, these particles and what they represent have me worried....

Also while the pool water looks clear to me overall, when I conduct the chlorine test it and the water turns from pink to clear, the water in the tube seems cloudy. Is this significant?
NO, this is also normal.
And lastly - today I noticed a few brown stains on the walls of the spa, each a couple of inches in diameter, right by the steps. Are they part of all this?
Could be iron stains, which would explain the interferance you are getting with the calcium test. Try holding a vitamin c tablet on them and see if they disappear. If they do they are iron. Easy to fix, just post your results and we can help.
Sorry this is kind of long but I've tried to give a complete picture - can anyone help? thanks in advance.....

Gracy
Hope this is helpful.