Need a recommendation for a good test kit (esp. CYA)

16 years ago

Our PB gave us a drop test kit at pool school. It tests for Chlorine, PH and total alkalinity. We're using tri-chlor pucks in an in-line feeder and I feel pretty strongly that we should be checking the CYA level so we can switch to BBB if it hits 50. I did a Google search but strangely could not find a place that sells just a CYA test kit. Does anyone know of one, or if that's not available by itself what is a good all-purpose test kit to get that includes CYA testing?

Thanks!!

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Comments (5)

tresw
Original Author
16 years ago
After doing some more reading, the set that the PB gave me is apparently the "Pentair Lifeguard #78" (although it's a no-name version, same packaging but no labels). I see the "Taylor K-2006" set recommended in several places which sounds good, but I would still like to know if anyone knows of a CYA-only test I can buy and use in conjunction with the Pentair kit I have now.

I forgot to mention my kit also tests for acid demand, so it seems like a pretty decent kit other than not having a CYA test.
repair_guy
16 years ago
The Pentair version is about $22.00
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keithw
16 years ago
The Taylor K-2006 is a great kit. One of the additional benefits above the CYA test is that it has a FAS-DPD Chlorine test. It is a lot more accurate than the standard Chlorine test and it also will test very high Chlorine levels for when you need to shock your pool. To save on shipping, I would recommend that you get a few reagents when you place the order. You will almost certainly need these reagents this summer. The CYA test uses a lot of reagent and I found that the Chlorine test is the one that I did most often.

TAYLOR CYANURIC ACID - REAGENT #13 16OZ
TAYLOR DPD POWDER - 10 GRAM BOTTLE
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sandradee
16 years ago
Tresw...you can get just a Taylor CYA test thru the Taylor Technologies website. The kit K-1720 measures CYA from 20-100 and sells for $47.45. The kit K-1721 measures CYA from 30-100 and its price is $22.05. Personally, I think the 30-100 range would be just fine.

From time to time you'll want to check your calcium hardness too and you'll need a test for that. Also salt, if you have a SWCG.

When you're ready for another full kit, I'd recommend the one I've linked below. It's based on the one I got from PoolForum (kit no longer available) and I think it's perfect. Once you've got this type of kit, you can just order Taylor reagents as you need them for whatever test is running out.

Sandy

Here is a link that might be useful: Trouble Free test kit
tresw
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Keith & Sandy, I really appreciate it! Based on the fact that my test kit is DPD and not FAS-DPD, I'll just suck it up and buy a new kit. So far our water has been surprisingly stable, I've had to add acid but that's probably due to the new plaster and the multiple heavy rains we've had. Since the plaster dust cleared about a week ago, it has been very clear and a beautiful blue color. The inline chlorinator is doing the job well, but I definitely want to keep an eye on the CYA.

Thanks again!

Need a recommendation for a good test kit (esp. CYA)

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tresw
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repair_guy

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Need a recommendation for a good test kit (esp. CYA)

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treswOriginal Author

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treswOriginal Author

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