first readings!

[polyvue]

Yes. Reagents are R-0001 and R-0002. No powder. So, if the directions are wrong, what am I testing for first? Is it FC (with 0001 and 0002) then CC (even though that's not what the directions say) with 0003? And, is this OK? I have a disagreement between the OTO and test strip readings and these. Those agree that the total CL is between 5 and 10, closer to 5.

THANKS!

The directions are correct. Not sure why you would get a lower reading for Total Chlorine (TC) after applying R-0003. Are you conducting the chlorine test first and within a couple of minutes of drawing the sample? Halogens (like chlorine) do dissipate quickly, especially in small samples. Skip the pH test and any others and just test for chlorine.

Hmmm... what else? Are you using the right (9 mL) sample tube - with gradations showing .5, 1., 1.5, 2, 3 and 5 ppm in increasingly saturated (red/pink) hues? After determining FC using 5 drops each of R1 and R2, add R3 immediately to determine TC. Hold the sample tube up to northern light (the sky) or against a white background outside, or use a color corrected day lite bulb (5000 K) or photography light. Even minor degradation of light can cause 1 and 2 ppm to look similar. Have someone else make the call -- color vision differs among individuals. See if your neighbor or significant other sees the same color hues as you do.

There may be other reasons but I can see how this would be frustrating.

If all else fails: Supplement your otherwise excellent test kit with a real FAS-DPD chlorine test. The DPD test is OK but you'll love the color change in FAS-DPD (from pink to no color).

http://www.taylortechnologies.com/pr...D=1&KitID=2185

[CarlD]

Polyvue:

GREAT catch!

I do have somewhere the DPD drop test (a Leslie's clone) but I've never bothered with it. It never occurred to me that the OP was using DPD and not FAS-DPD.

NOW we have to ensure the DPD instructions are followed correctly and go from there.

[PBLsQuad450]

Thanks for your replies! OK, I just tested it over and over and over. I added bleach last evening. So my FC now reads 2.5. Here is what I think is the deal, I think it is exactly the same for TC after the next test, but the color degrades VERY, VERY quickly. I can watch it go from 2.5 (and I mean immediately after adding, invert and check) down and down. The instructions do say re: 0003 to check "immediately" and record as... Boy, they ain't kidding. It is a little easier to identify it with even this slightly higher CL level. I am going to add more bleach later and re-test. It might be more evident at 3+. And, following the directions EXACTLY.

Oh, and isn't it a good thing if FC and TC are equal?

Again, THANKS!!

[aylad]

Oh, and isn't it a good thing if FC and TC are equal?

That's the goal!

Janet

[CarlD]

Yup.

The difference between them is called CC: "Combined Chloramines" or just "Combined Chlorine". This is the stuff that gives bleach and pools that chlorine smell, and irritates eyes and nasal passages. Having zero CC is, indeed, the goal.

My pool can be as high as 8 or 10ppm and STILL not smell like "chlorine" because CC is 0. Stick your arm in and IT will smell like "chlorine" as the FC metabolizes all the "contaminants" on your arm and skin.

[PBLsQuad450]

I know I keep saying thank you over and over, but I so appreciate all of your help. Does anyone have experience with the Taylor 2005 kit? The color of the reagent/water mixture in the comparator tube fades very quickly in both CL tests. ESPECIALLY the TC test. I'll definately admit to being a little color dumb to begin with but you have to move fast with getting those numbers or the solution starts showing lower CL. I ask because I wonder if the reagent is old or something? I guess maybe I just have to bite the bullet and admit I bought the wrong one and $60 something.

[sturev]

PBL, I have the 2005 kit and the color doesn't fade on the CL test(s); It takes me a couple of minutes to do both CL test... I always test early am or evening (not in the sunlight). How old is the kit? Make sure to take samples below the surface (I go as deep as I can reach).

I acutally ordered the 2006 kit and they sent me the 2005, so I'm waiting on the correct one to arrive... I'm a newbie, so that's all I can think of...