LaMotte ColorQ Water Tester

[salinda]

Also, my CH is beyond the range of the test, but the tech support told me the test should reflect this by giving me a result on the high end of the range. It is currently giving me a result in the middle.

[salinda]

Update...

Here is a response from LaMotte:
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Dear Linda,

Our lab has been working with your sample. Your hardness values are well beyond the recommended levels. This high hardness value in your water is buffering the sample and interfering with the test reactions.

Lowering your hardness is necessary to prevent scale and protect your hardware and equipment. Once the hardness values are in the proper range, test interferences will be eliminated.

I will send you a vial of our Insta-Test strips @ no charge to use while you lower your hardness. I will also include a set of replacement chemicals for your ColorQ. Please let me know your shipping address.

Thank you for your patience. I look forward to your reply.

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I sent the following response. Note that my CH, although high, is only 570. The colorQ is supposed to test to 400 so it doesn't have to be much over to interfere with the kit. Too bad....

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Charlie,

Thanks so much for the response.

Right now, I am handling the high hardness by maintaining a low TA number. I have had now scale on my equipment for the 3 years that my hardness has been high, so it is not problematic. My pool is about 35,000 gallons, so reducing hardness via the recommended drain and refill would be a real hardship, especially this year.

Should I return the ColorQ and try again in future years after I do a major drain/refill?