Here are the instructions that are included in the TF-100 kit. It may not make perfect sense because you don't have the contents of the kit in front of you but it may help give you an idea of the process involved. These instructions appear on the inside of the TF-100 kit box on waterproof labels.
Many people copy this page into their own computer for further use.
Please Read This First
Before you start on the tests, there are a few things you should remember to insure accurate results:
1. Keep your chemistry clean and dry (especially the R-870 powder)
2. Keep your Test Kit out of the Sun, heat and rain
3. Measure everything carefully
4. Rinse your equipment before and after each test
5. Reseal all chemistry tightly
6. Collect all your pool water samples about a foot under the surface.
Careless measuring, handling or
testing procedures will usually result in inaccurate results.
Daily (or as needed)
The blue plastic box (K-1000) contains a test kit for Chlorine and pH. Typically, pools should consistently have a chlorine content of at least 2ppm and a pH of 7.2 – 7.6.
1. Rinse the test block and fill both sides up to the thin black line about ¼” from the top (doesn’t have to be perfect).
2. Next, add 5 drops of R-0600 to the Yellow side and 5 drops of R-0014 to the Red side. Replace the caps and shake well.
3. Hold the test block about 2-3” away from a white sheet of paper as a backdrop. Match the colors of the solution to the colors printed on the test block. Do not record....this is simply a frequent "reassurance" test
Weekly (or as needed)
Chlorine Drop test - If you need to......1) measure Chlorine levels accurately or 2) higher than 5ppm or 3) test for Combined Chloramines…perform the Chlorine Drop Test. (FAS/DPD)
1. Rinse and fill the “Chlorine only” graduated cylinder to the 10mL mark
2. Add ONE heaping scoop of the R-870 powder and swirl to mix. (It may not all dissolve….don’t worry) The solution will turn pink. (unless you have no chlorine)
3. Next, carefully add R-871 solution one drop at a time. Count each drop and swirl until the solution turns back to clear. Multiply the number of drops you added times .5 (14 drops X .5 = 7ppm)
4. Record your results as FC (free chlorine)
5. To test for Combined Chloramines, add 5 drops of R-0003 to the solution and swirl. If it remains clear, you have no CC’s. If it returns back to pink, add R-0871 as before, counting and swirling between each drop. Once the solution returns clear, multiply the added drops times .5 again…..this will be your CC reading. Record it. The total of FC and CC should be recorded as TC (total chlorine)
Total Alkalinity test – TA has a buffering affect on pH, preventing it from moving suddenly. Good TA readings will be around 70-90 for salt pools and 100-120 for normal pools
1. Rinse and fill the clear plastic cylinder to the 25ml mark
2. Add two drops of R-0007 and mix. Then, add 5 drops of R-0008 and mix again. Solution will turn green.
3. Add R-0009 one drop at a time, swirling between each drop. Wipe the tip of the bottle after every drop with a damp cloth. Continue ‘til color changes to red. Multiply the number of drops you added times 10. (11 drops = T/A 110) Record it. TA can vary widely. but a range of 70-120 normally works well.
NOTE: In the presence of high chlorine, initial color may be blue and shift to yellow. Test is still valid.
Calcium Hardness test - Too much CH in all pools is harmful........vinyl, fiberglass or masonry. It can cause cloudiness in your water or scaling onto pool surfaces. Too little CH only affects masonry pools as it can leach calcium from the walls or grout. CH readings in the 200-300 range are considered ideal.
1. Rinse and fill the clear plastic cylinder to the 25ml mark
2. Add 20 drops of R-0010 and mix. Then, add 5 drops of R-0011L and mix. Red indicates the presence of Calcium.
3. Add R-0012, one drop at a time, ‘til color changes to blue. Multiply number of drops times 10. NOTE: If the pool water contains copper, add two drops of R-0012 PRIOR to adding R-0011L and continue. Count the two drops in your R-0012 total. Record.
CYA test –CYA is an important additive to your pool. It stabilizes the Chlorine in your pool and prevents the Chlorine from being QUICKLY consumed by sunlight. Opinions vary, but a range of 30-80 seems to be right for most pools. This test is the most subjective and may take a time or two to “get” it. You will also use the most chemistry on this important test.
1. Fill the red-capped CYA mixing bottle to the bottom of the label with pool water. Now, fill the bottle to the top of the label with R-0013. Mix, then wait at least 30 seconds. Shake once more.
2. Next, get the clear tube marked “C.A. VIEW TUBE” and, holding it at waist level, (so you can look down into the tube) slowly fill the view tube with the solution you have mixed. Keep filling until the black dot in the bottom of the tube is completely obscured. Bring the tube back to eye level and note fill level of the view tube. The gradation closest to the fill level indicates your CYA reading. Record it.
