More than Algae

[Watermom]

Ken,
Glad the pool is clear! Algae monsters can't take the high cl levels and retreat as you have found. Now, you just have to make sure it never comes back by diligently maintaining proper water chemistry. Chem Geek has steered you towards the test kits we recommend. Hope you'll consider getting a good kit. It will make taking cared of your pool a lot easier.

Try the dilution method and see if you can get some readings and then repost.

BTW -- I merged your new post into the original thread. Better to keep all the information together to make it easier for us to help.

[funtimeken]

Hi Mom,

Thanks for the info. I will try the dilution to see what happens. Also, could you or someone else please explain the difference between the "DPD" test kit which I have (from 2001 by the way), and a "FAS-DPD" test kit? I am really not sure what the difference is. I tired to look and Googled it, but it really was not much help.

Thanks.

Funtimeken

[Watermom]

With the DPD test, you add drops of two different reagents to a water sample, mix, then compare the color to those shown on the side of the test block. You are limited as to how high of a chlorine level you can read. (I think most can read up to 5ppm.)

With the FAS-DPD test, you add a scoop of powder to a water sample which turns it pink and then add drops of a different reagent until the sample turns clear, counting drops as you go. Your reading is the number of drops X 0.2 or 0.5 depending on how much of a water sample you use. You can test much higher chlorine readings with FAS-DPD up to at least 50 or more.

Hope this info helps clarify. My recommendation is to get a FAS-DPD kit -- the Taylor K-2006 is the one we suggest.

[chem geek]

You can see how the FAS-DPD test works in a demo shown in this link.

[funtimeken]

Hi Mom,

Just a quick note to keep you up to date. I tried both the regular and the diluted methods of testing. The regular is still a waste, but vibrant and wonderful colors!!! The diluted method resulted in the FC higher than the 5ppm on the test kit, and the TC the same. There was no change overnight. I guess at this point, we just keep the pump running and let it do it's thing. I also will be getting a FAS kit. Thank you to you and Chem-Geek for the info. It was very helpful.

Yours forever,



Funtimeken

[funtimeken]

Hi Mom,

Just another update for you. At this point, the pool is still very clear and the cl is still over 5ppm, but no where the high levele it was at. I just tested it and it looks to be about 8-10 ppm. The PH is great at 7.5. The CYA is still off the charts. I have read that the test kit reagents generally have a shelf life of about 1 year, and you should start each year with freash reagents. Is tere any truth to this, or is it just another one of the "Pool Guy's" lines? If it is just a line, I will order my new FAS kit now. If it is true, I will most likely wait until next year, because we will be closing up the pol in a few weeks.

Thanks for the help.

Fondly,

Funtime

[aylad]

Not Watermom, but just wanted to post this link that may help you out with the shelf life question...
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=9874

I personally am using reagents that are anywhere from 2-4 years old, with equal readings if tested with new ones. I keep my reagents in a cool, dark cabinet in the house.

Janet