Backwashing and shocking

[waterbear]

Does your test kit use the same larger comparator tube for testing pH, TA, and CH and use the small chlorine tube for the CYA test? If so then you have the K-2005 and you might seriously consider addding a stand alone FAS-DPD test since that is the only test that is different in the better K-2006 kit.
If your test kit has a small tube for the pH test (same size as the chlorine test) and a separate large tube for the TA and CH tests then you might want to consider getting a K-2006. It is a much better test kit.

[jmcrae]

My kit came with four devices. Chlorine and pH are tested in the same container - one side for chlorine and the other side for pH.

The TA test and calcium hardness tests are performed in a different container - looks like a tall shot glass with ml measurements 5mL to 25mL - no top.

The CYA test involves using two containers - one for mixing the chemicals and when the solution is cloudy, pouring it into a very slender tube with a black dot that is supposed to disappear when viewed from the top and the tube is then read at liquid level.

[waterbear]

You have a K-1005, which you can get directly from Taylor for $39.05 plus shipping. It is ok but for just a bit more money you could have had a much better test kit.

The TA, CH, and CYA tests are the same as in the K-2006 so they are what you want to have.

The pH test is not as precise as the one in the K-2005/K-2006 but usable. It is better than most other pH tests, FWIW.

Be aware that this kit uses pH reagent R-0014 and NOT R-0004 when you need to get a refill. The acid and base demand tests in this kit are not that trustworthy. The K-2005/K-2006 is much better at these tests.

The chlorine test is a DPD test and your comparator does not have the dilution markings on it that the K-2005 kit has so you would have to do the dilutions in a different container first.

I would still add a stand alone FAS-DPD test to this kit as Polyvue mentioned in his post above. This will give you the functional equivalent of the K-2006, which is the kit most recommended here and on other forums. The advantage of FAS-DPD testing over DPD testing is that you can test up to 50 ppm FC with a precision of either .5 ppm or .2 ppm. There are no dilutions involved and there is no color matching. It is a drop counting test that turns from pink to colorless and it basically foolproof. It is a bit slower and slightly more expensive per test but its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages. This would have you all set as far as water testing goes!

Hope this info is helpful.

[jmcrae]

Thanks Waterbear!
Your information has been very helpful and informative. I have a much greater respect for my pool.
I am going to get the FAS-DPD. I'm very interested in just what "precise" looks like.
Thanks again to everyone.
Judi