Recieved my Kit - FIRST RESULTS!

[Simmons99]

Instead of a distinct blue endpoint the color changes to a purplish color and might have purple 'floaties' in the blue solution. By adding a small amount of the third reagent first you tie up the metals and prevent this. I have used up to 6 drops of the third reagent in this manner when testing with excellent results. The color change is much more distinct. Remember to count the drops added before the indicator solution as part of your total!

I don't use metals in my pool - but the purple floaty things is what I get when I test for Calcium - should I have my water tested for metals . I use Jack's purple stuff already as required by my pool builder for warranty - but this worries me - all fill water is city tap water.

[waterbear]

I don't use metals in my pool - but the purple floaty things is what I get when I test for Calcium - should I have my water tested for metals .

In my experiece 'purple floaties' might be interference from metal or might just be from the magnesium (which is part of the total water hardness). I have found that using 6 drops of reagent 3 first instead of just 2 drops helps to often reduce or eliminate them. The biggest problem with them is they make it difficult to see the blue endpoint of the test unless you look very closely.
It is entirely possible for city water to have metals so that IS a possiblility but if you are using a seqesterant you should not have any problems. If you want to make sure you can have a sample of your fill water tested for metals....Your pool water has seqesterant in it already so metals might not show up on a test. Hope this helps.

[SUNNYDAYS]

I am surprised that no one told you to shock your pool. Most of my reading on this site has told me to shock my pool when you have .5 CC.

[duraleigh]

Sunnydays,

Most folks look at > than .5CC as a point to consider shocking. My water frequently tests .5CC and, as long as I don't see any other visible indicators, I ignore it.

[SUNNYDAYS]

Good to know as I am still learning. I did not know that.