Got Conflicting Cya Readings From Taylor And Pentair

[Gavin]

I have both test kits ..a Taylor K2006 and a Pentair CYA tester.

The Pentair read 100ppm and the Taylor 45ppm.

but how can this be? I went with the Taylor reading.

[Pool Clown]

Richard ???

[chem geek]

In my experience, the Taylor kit has measurements consistent with what I've added to my pool and others seem to get reasonably consistent readings with it that seem fairly accurate. The trick is to do the measurement in bright indirect light, not shining directly into the tube. The best is outdoors with your back to the sun so that you are shading the tube and looking down into it. The other thing to note is that it is best to let the water sample get up to room temperature if it's very cold.

I don't have the Pentair kit so I can't comment on its accuracy. I would trust the Taylor result.

[Gavin]

In my experience, the Taylor kit has measurements consistent with what I've added to my pool and others seem to get reasonably consistent readings with it that seem fairly accurate. The trick is to do the measurement in bright indirect light, not shining directly into the tube. The best is outdoors with your back to the sun so that you are shading the tube and looking down into it. The other thing to note is that it is best to let the water sample get up to room temperature if it's very cold.

I don't have the Pentair kit so I can't comment on its accuracy. I would trust the Taylor result.

Thanks Richard I will try that. I think this is why I even had several conflicting readings with the Taylor. I need to keep my back to the sun. Very good tip thanks!

[2n3055]

I think Taylor also uses a Pentair-made cylinder, Taylor #4088, as part of their Counterlab setup. 19 mL reagent 19 mL sample. If in doubt, order the CYA Standardized solution from Taylor to test your technique (or make your own standardized solution).

[rbdeli]

Last year, I began doing CYA testing outdoors with my back to the sun and still got slightly inconsistent readings from test to test using the K-2006. I find CYA testing with any kit to be the most erratic and less trustworthy of all the tests I do. I've never had complete confidence in it. I wish they made a CYA test that was as obvious and clear as the FAS chlorine one.

I have both test kits ..a Taylor K2006 and a Pentair CYA tester.

The Pentair read 100ppm and the Taylor 45ppm.

but how can this be? I went with the Taylor reading.

[PaulR]

After mixing up the CYA solution, I always take a reading 3-4 times to make sure I'm being consistent in the results. It is a very subjective test.

--paulr

[Gavin]

After mixing up the CYA solution, I always take a reading 3-4 times to make sure I'm being consistent in the results. It is a very subjective test.

--paulr

good idea. I was wondering if the CYA has a limited shelf life?

[chem geek]

The CYA reagent is just melamine in a buffered low pH solution so should last years. Taylor officially says their chemicals should be replaced every year, but for that reagent you could easily go 2 years or more. It's mostly the liquid dyes that are sensitive and the FAS-DPD titrating solution (and the DPD powder if exposed to air, but if sealed it lasts a long time).

[Gavin]

The CYA reagent is just melamine in a buffered low pH solution so should last years. Taylor officially says their chemicals should be replaced every year, but for that reagent you could easily go 2 years or more. It's mostly the liquid dyes that are sensitive and the FAS-DPD titrating solution (and the DPD powder if exposed to air, but if sealed it lasts a long time).

Good to know thanks.

[waterbear]

I would have to say it is testing error by an inexperience user based on other threads started by the OP.

[Pool Clown]

Oooo SNAP!