Preliminary test review - Aqua Check Trutest

[Brewman]

As luck would have it, I consolidated all my test strips into one container.
That could easily explain though, why my alk reading seem pretty close sometimes, and other times way off.  

[kayaknva]

Ok, here is my data on the strips.

First (one with the tester)
Number on bottom:7032
3.7 CL
7.3 PH
197 Alk

New bottle:
Number:6355
3.7 CL
7.4 PH
196 ALK

[MostlyLurkingGal]

Hi Doc
Ran a test with the strips that came with the meter and got ph= 7.0 and alk=157.
Turned around and opened the packet of the extra strips and did a reading that said ph=7.4 and alk= 90.
BOTH bottles are marked 6355 over 2008/10

[MostlyLurkingGal]

Soda ash is sodium carbonate--it affects pH more than TA though it will affect TA to a very small degree.  On the other hand, baking soda is sodium bicarbonate--it affects TA more than pH though it does affect pH to a degree as well.  In comparing the two, baking soda affects pH more than soda ash affects TA.

Looking at how low your pH is and how not so very low your TA is the reasoning behind my recommendations to you.  Soda ash (generically called "spa up") can be purchased from your spa dealer, a pool dealer, a big box store or from our favorite online spa chem pusherman...  I suggest you get some in order to affect you water properly.  Good luck!

Thank you windsurfdog...I have some Leisure Time "Liquid Spa Up" that says it raises pH and TA. It says it is Potassium Carbonate......so that is NOT the same thing as the "Spa Up" you are talking about, right?

[windsurfdog]

Thank you windsurfdog...I have some Leisure Time "Liquid Spa Up" that says it raises pH and TA. It says it is Potassium Carbonate......so that is NOT the same thing as the "Spa Up" you are talking about, right?

Correct.  I'm not familiar with potassium carbonate or how it affects TA and pH but I would think it is similar, just in liquid form.  I think you will find that sodium carbonate (soda ash) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) are much more cost effective than the Leisure Time stuff and easier to handle and store as well since they are in granular form.  As for application, liquid or granular really doesn't matter though granular is much easier to measure.  8-)

[glfahlc]

if you want MLG, i have a list of all the chems for your tub that you can purchase from the grocery store...

[Reese]

if you want MLG, i have a list of all the chems for your tub that you can purchase from the grocery store...

I'd love to see that!  I know about baking soda, borax, bleach and vinegar, but haven't seen recommeded doses.  Are there more?

[beach]

Doc, per your request:  Both bottles of test strips that you sent me were labeled 6355 exp. 2008/10.  I have not done a comparison between strips from each bottle.  

On a separate note, FYI - Here is a message that I received from the manufacturer:

In the case where the readings are more than +/-30ppm of the expected TA reading (per the FAQ), please ensure that the procedure you use follows in this order:  
1. turn meter on,
2.  press the start button on the meter and dip the test strip into sample simultaneously,
3.  shake the excess water from the strip,
4.  place the strip onto the window by ensuring the first pad is at the top of the window and then laying the rest of the strip down onto the window, laying completely flat.  

I was already following these steps, so something else is wrong here.  I'll keep experimenting to try and narrow it down.

[Vinny]

if you want MLG, i have a list of all the chems for your tub that you can purchase from the grocery store...

I would caution people not to use some grocery store items in a spa. Bleach would be one of them and I question borax. As I have said, I do use borax in my pool but the amout of soda ash needed for a spa is very little. I don't have a heater in my pool so I'm not too worried that I'll burn up or clog a heater. I have used borax in a pinch BTW but only once.

Baking soda is just that and vinegar can be used (I've used that once as well) ... but the question that has been brought up is - is it as potent as PH down.

I've used peroxide to bring chlorine down but wouldn't want to rely on it for continuous use.

Do you own calcium chloride for ice removal ... anyone know if it's as "pure" as the pool stuff.

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

Doc, per your request:  Both bottles of test strips that you sent me were labeled 6355 exp. 2008/10.  I have not done a comparison between strips from each bottle.  

On a separate note, FYI - Here is a message that I received from the manufacturer:


I was already following these steps, so something else is wrong here.  I'll keep experimenting to try and narrow it down.

Preliminarily, it's starting to sound like batch #6355 may be questionable.

[Repeat_Offender]

Just got my tester tonight and here are my first results:
This is with fresh water just changed on Sunday.


PH  - Taylor = 7.8   Aquacheck = 8.0
Bromine = 1.8  Aquacheck = 1.6
Alk - Taylor = 70  Aquacheck = 80  
 
Test strip info = 2009/10 Lot 7032

 
Joe

[beach]

Doc,

Any word from AquaChek on the new test strips they're sending you?  I'm anxious to see if they actually fix the TA reading issue.

Thanks!

PS. Posting this msg in the forum since IM is giving me error 104 right now.  

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

No words, ujust checking the mail here waiting on their arrival.

[Brewman]

The past couple tests I've done came out remarkably close on alk, and just a smidge off for Ph, and pretty much spot on with cl.

Of course rocket scientist that I am I put all my test strips in one bottle, so I have no way of knowing if it's the strips from one batch vs the other.  

I took the advice to turn on the machine at the same moment I dipped the strips.  Before I was turning the meter on a minute or two prior to dipping, shaking, and reading the strips.  Not sure if that's co-incidence or what.  Why would the timing of turning on the reader matter?

[Repeat_Offender]

Anyone have any follow up information to share on this product? I'm having a hard time getting consistant readings and it's growing increasingly frustrating.