Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: wmccall on February 27, 2007, 06:36:16 pm
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My new Aquacheck True tesst Digital test strip reader arrived today. First glance, it comes in a bubble pack that can hang on a store shelf, but it is an easy to open package, definitely a plus. The instructions were easy to understand and after installing the not supplied 2AA batteries I was out to give it a try.
Background - Dynasty 425 gallon hot tub. It was set at 103F, display showed 102 when I opened the cover. My last water change was Nov 1st. (I'll have to read if the age of water has any effect on readings. ) I knew from my last check I could expect the PH and alk to be a little high. I knew my Cl would be near zero so I threw in a minimal amount of dichlor and turned on the pumps for a minute.
I used my usual HTH test kit, similar to a Taylor type. I immediately realized it was close to dusk and that might affect my judegment of the readings. I pressed forward and got the following readings.
CL =1
PH 7.8-8
Alk 150-160
I then used the new meter, which meant, turning it on, pressing start, dipping the test stripp and then inserting it into the meter.
After 15 seconds it showed the following
cl=1.5
PH=8.3
Alk 257
I waited 3 minutes and tried it again and received
cl.7 (My small addition could be starting to dilluted)
ph=8.3
Alk 226.
I added some white vinegar and will retest tomorrow.
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Thanks for info wmccall.
Looks like one of them is giving some false readings.
Maybe a third type of testing will help decide which one is more accurate.
I'll definetly be looking forward to any further info you'd like to share. :)
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Not neccesarily false readings, but different readings. Both test methods indicate water with chlorine readings that I would expect. Both methods show PH that are high normal to high. The same for alk. As I also mentioned a reagent tester such as HTH or a Taylor really should be done under optimal lighting for correct interrpretation. It was probably too close to dusk for correct readings, but I was anxious to try it. I'll see how the readings compare in broad daylight.
I don't think it (and I'll check withmyself) will be problem to say that the tester was purchased from rhtubs. We are in competition with their forum,not their store :)
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Bill,
Did you wait 3 minutes and use the same test strip or a new one?
Have you ever had your water tested by another method other than the HTH kit? If yes, were the results close to the HTH kit? Of course different lot of chems can be measure differently.
Does it test for CC? Calcium? I assume no since you didn't post. Do you test for these?
Please post results when you do other tests.
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I ordered one because I was tired of trying to match test strip colors. I have found the readings to be vastly different from my test strips and I really don't trust either one. I ordered a Taylor K-2006 and I hope that will be my final solution. Maybe the Taylor kit will let me determine if the digital meter is at least accurate enough for weekly testing.
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Ok...I also received my Aquacheck True test Digital test strip reader today.
Here is what I did.
First I tested with my Taylor kit. Readings were:
FC = 0
TC = .5
PH = 7.0
Alk = 110
Then I did a test strip (AquaChek):
FC = 0
TC = .5
PH = couldn't read the color (always have trouble determining what it is with the strip)
ALK = 100
THEN I did the meter:
CL = 0 (meter said low......duh)
PH = 7.2 (meter said ok)
ALK = 165 (meter said high)
I redid my ALK with the Taylor and got 120 the 2nd time.
Sooooooo I really have no idea what my true readings are except the chlorine.
Do I need to adjust my ALK? Not even sure how to lower it anyway.
Anyway, I realize this is just my first attempt with this meter, but it sure didn't take any guess-work out of the process.....it's still a mystery to me what my true readings are!
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Mlg,
Both you and wmccall's comparisons are rather similar.
FC - both your tests were pretty close
pH - both your tests were off a small margin
alk- both your tests were off a large margin
I'm very interested to see what a third means of testing would show.
Btw, I'd leave your alk alone unless pH starts to drift.
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Mlg,
Both you and wmccall's comparisons are rather similar.
FC - both your tests were pretty close
pH - both your tests were off a small margin
alk- both your tests were off a large margin
I'm very interested to see what a third means of testing would show.
Btw, I'd leave your alk alone unless pH starts to drift.
Thanks Chad, I won't worry about the alk right now then.
I DID do 3 different tests....What other test do you mean?
I will try another round of tests tomorrow to see what happens.
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Thanks Chad, I won't worry about the alk right now then.
I DID do 3 different tests....What other test do you mean?
I will try another round of tests tomorrow to see what happens.
Your welcome.
Sorry, I forgot you tested with strips as well. Do you use the same strips for the Aquacheck as you normally do or are they a "special" type that came with it?
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Your welcome.
Sorry, I forgot you tested with strips as well. Do you use the same strips for the Aquacheck as you normally do or are they a "special" type that came with it?
The meter comes with it's own special strips.
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Recieved mine last week, just waiting a few days before I put up a review.
Quality seems fine- unit is sealed and comes with a wrist strap- probably for swimming pool owners who are also potential users of this system.
So far I like using the machine. The test strips are specific to the machine, and test for free cl (and br), Ph, and alk. The unit is convenient to use- and the strips cost about the same as the other test strips. In fact, they pretty much look just like them- a narrow plastic strip with 3 pads.
Turn on the machine, dip the strip in the spa, shake off excessive water, place the strip in the slot on the machine, press a button and in about 10 seconds you have the reading. In addition to the specific numbers, it also says for each reading if it's low, high, or OK. The device turns on instantly, doesn't need any "boot up" time.
Can dip the strips right into the spa water- you don't have to take out any water in a sample bottle like I did with one brand of test strips.
The last 9 readings are held in memory, and can be scrolled thru using one of the 3 buttons on the reader, something I really like. People who use bromine will have to take the Cl reading and multiply the number displayed by 2.2 to translate to bromine. I use dichlor so that doesn't matter to me. It may matter to bromine users.
I have not had time yet to compare the readings on this machine against my liquid test kit, but intend to do so in the coming days.
So far I am impressed with this system. I think it will appeal to those using the dip strips who have trouble translating the colors on the pad. That was why I switched to a liquid kit.
This system may not appeal to the chemists in the group- those with the Taylor kit may not be satisfied with the 3 basic readings this device provides.
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Bill,
Did you wait 3 minutes and use the same test strip or a new one?
Have you ever had your water tested by another method other than the HTH kit? If yes, were the results close to the HTH kit? Of course different lot of chems can be measure differently.
Does it test for CC? Calcium? I assume no since you didn't post. Do you test for these?
Please post results when you do other tests.
Other than crappy test strips, I've never used any other method than the HTH kit. I'm confident it gives me ballpark numbers, but it is still somewhat subjective in looking at colors. (Have yet to try a Taylor) Annually our local water company gives reports and what they have to say about our water matches what my HTH kit says. I still have to finish reading all of the instructions on this thing. Will do that tonight as I have no calls this afternoon or evening. I did try the tester on my tap and bottled water and got results that were what I suspected and consistent when repeated. I think I'm going to like this thing.
It reports CL/Bro PH and Alk, which is all I ever check for. I know what my hardness is and its consistent so I don't worry about it.
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Mlg,
Btw, I'd leave your alk alone unless pH starts to drift.
I agree.
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.................
So far I like using the machine. The test strips are specific to the machine, and test for free cl (and br), Ph, and alk. The unit is convenient to use- and the strips cost about the same as the other test strips. In fact, they pretty much look just like them- a narrow plastic strip with 3 pads. ....................
So far I am impressed with this system. I think it will appeal to those using the dip strips who have trouble translating the colors on the pad. That was why I switched to a liquid kit.
This system may not appeal to the chemists in the group- those with the Taylor kit may not be satisfied with the 3 basic readings this device provides.
I think my sentiments match yours. I'll check both my liquid kit and this tester when I get home this afternoon. I put in some "PH down" last night.
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I guess I'll add my experience with the new Aquacheck digital meter too...
Got it about a week ago off the internet. I needed something that my wife could use when I'm away on business and we both agreed that determining PH with the regular strips was too difficult to do accurately.
I played with the tester for about a week and found it very simple to use. Just turn it on, dip a strip, put the strip on the meter and press one button for the results.
Yesterday I went to my dealer for some shock and to have them test my water. I brought the digital meter with me to compare readings on the same sample. Here are the results:
PH - Dealer = 7.2 Aquacheck = 7.3
Free Cl - Dealer = 1.8 Aquacheck = 1.7
Alk - Dealer = 70 Aquacheck = 64
Looks to be pretty darn accurate. Even the dealer was impressed.
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That seems to mirror my experience so far. When compared aganst my liquid test kit, the results are close enough for me. Differing by only a bit.
So far this device is a keeper.
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I ordered one last week before the reviews came out. Looks like its close enough for me. I'll report back after I get it. :)
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And with the test strips costing a reasonable $13.00 for 50, it sure seems cost competitive with replacing Taylor chems once a year or more. I'll be monitoring this thread to check any other reactions and maybe spring for one myself. Thanks to all the guinea pigs who jumped right in... 8-)
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I got 50 test strips for the Aqua Check for $8.99. Makes it even more attractive.
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You guys convinced me, I'm ordering one as we speak.
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Ok, I just got my Aqua-Check tester and it seems well built. It’s giving me a higher CL number than my test strips, 10-13 compared to 5-10. I repeated the tests several times with both. I think I'm going to get one of the Taylor kits to compare with. Does anyone know of a cheep online store? I'm looking at the K-2006 version.
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I got mine from Dr. Spa about a week ago and have been messing with it ever since. I am the one with the color blind problems and have to say this is the best thing since sliced bread. If you have been following my posts for the past year or so I have been having problems with the rash etc. Once I received the tester I tested it out. Showed my PH at 8.2 and Alk at 195. No wonder the rashes. Took me 2 days to get it back to the correct PH level (nightly after work) and I should be able to get back in soon. I want to thank Dr. Spa for the deal (almost used the first bottle of strips already messing around) and hope this fixes the problems. Got my PH back down to 7.5 but my Alk still high. Still gotta figure that one out.
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It looks like the only crucial (IMO) reading it is missing is total Cl (or combined Cl, which would be better!). I guess one would either just stick to a regular shocking routine or maybe let your nose and eyes be your guide? Whaddayathink?
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I've never tested for total/combined chlorine anyway, so to me it's a non issue.
I just use Vermonter's method, and once I found out how much dichlor to add after using the spa- I just shock periodically. Must be working, since water quality is fine.
Brings up an interesting question- wonder how many spa owners test for total or combined chlorine. None of the water care routines I've used called for that test.
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Brew,
I certainly test for total Cl but, like my other tests, only once a week. With the ozonator and mineral filters, I find that shocking on a regular basis isn't as necessary as without them so I compute combined Cl before making a decision to shock. For me, it keeps me from adding more MPS or dichlor than I need. But, compared to the other measures, total Cl is the one I could live without if I had to.
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Interesting how we all have somewhat different methods in water management.
Do you use a Taylor kit? I'm assuming that the dip strips don't test for total CL?
Or do they? The ones I've seen just had the 3 test pads (FC, ALK, Ph), but I haven't looked at that many different brands.
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Yes, I'm absolutely hooked on the Taylor kit. I think if I were to purchase the Aqua-Check I would do it with the idea that I would abandon the Taylor but I really do watch TC, though only once a week as I stated so I'm still teetering on this one. I guess that's why I put out the feelers about TC measurement.
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Brew,
I certainly test for total Cl but, like my other tests, only once a week. With the ozonator and mineral filters, I find that shocking on a regular basis isn't as necessary as without them so I compute combined Cl before making a decision to shock. For me, it keeps me from adding more MPS or dichlor than I need. But, compared to the other measures, total Cl is the one I could live without if I had to.
I do the same...test for total Cl once per week and shock if necessary. I rarely need to shock weekly. FWIW, I rarely check free chlorine....except when I do my weekly check of total chlorine, but I only do that when my free chlorine would be zero...so I don't think that counts.
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I do the same...test for total Cl once per week and shock if necessary. I rarely need to shock weekly. FWIW, I rarely check free chlorine....except when I do my weekly check of total chlorine, but I only do that when my free chlorine would be zero...so I don't think that counts.
Same here, although I will test for free chlorine on occasion to verify that my regular doses are adequate, and nothing is growing in the tub. I also rarely test Alkalinity -- only when balancing initially, or when pH is low and I am deciding between baking soda or soda ash.
As far as WSD wondering about the impact of a lack of TC measurement, I guess you'd have to work around it by shocking with MPS on a regular schedule, or waiting until you notice CC smell/irritation. The only time a lack of CC measurement would be an issue is if you planned a dichlor shock and needed to calculate breakpoint.
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Bump.
(Interesting thread)
8-)
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Jetsetter 225 gallons
Threw in 2 TBS MSP Friday night.
Today (Sunday morning) my readings are as follows:
AquaChek Meter:
CL=1.9
Ph=6.7
Alk=122
Taylor Test:
CL=2
Ph=6.5
Alk=75
Strip:
CL=2
Ph=6.2
Alk=60
I don't get it...........
I just redid the aquachek meter...and now my CL says 0.9...this is ten minutes after the first test
So anyway, I don't know whether to raise my ALK or lower it.....I don't even know if it's safe to soak.....sigh
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Taylor Test:
CL=2
Ph=6.5
Alk=7.5
mlg,
Did Taylor actually show Alk=7.5 or 75?
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Sorry...guess I meant 75
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Go ahead and take a nice soak. After soaking, add a tsp. of dichlor and enough soda ash to raise the pH to 7.4 or so. Or, if you prefer, substitute a bit of the soda ash for baking soda to bump the TA a bit. Either way, get in there and soak now! 8-)
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OK! Thanks Windsurfdog! I don't have any soda ash, so baking soda it is.
Is Soda ash the same as the Borax you buy for laundry?
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So what do ya'll think is up with the ALK on the meter reading?
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OK! Thanks Windsurfdog! I don't have any soda ash, so baking soda it is.
Is Soda ash the same as the Borax you buy for laundry?
Borax is similar but not the same.
I use borax in my pool but only need baking soda in the tub. If you alk is only 75 (or 7.5) then the baking soda may do the trick. My water starts out low PH and alk and the baking soda raises both. As a matter of fact, I changed the water in my tub last weekend, added 4 oz of baking sda and it is reading a PH of 8. I wated a few days and I just added some PH down.
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Thanks Doc for allowing me to test this AquaChek Digital reader without a big dent in the wallet!
My Setup
Sundance Optima 485 gallons with ozonator and mineral cartridge.
Summary of my initial review
I'm noticing that Free CL and pH measurements are very accurate, however, Tot Alk readings are inflated by the Digital Reader when compared with the dealer's numbers. (ie. 115 vs 80, and 130 vs 84 - where the digital reader is the first number and the 2nd number is the dealer).
2/25
AquaChekDigital AquaChekStrip Dealer
Fre CL 0 ~0.5 0
pH 8.1 7.9 7.8
Tot Alk 115 80 80
3/8
AquaChekDigital Dealer
Fre CL 3.0 2.8
pH 7.7 7.8
Tot Alk 130 84
So overall, i like the convenience of using this digital reader, but i'm also dissapointed and confused that the Tot Alk readings are not coming close to the dealer or old school test strips show. Since the old school test strips seem to give an accurate number for Tot Alk, i may just end up using those for ALK readings and the Digital reader for pH and CL. I'll post back once I have a few more weeks of data.
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I seems like every one's TA is way off with the meter. I"m going to try to call the manufacturer tomorrow and talk with them about this.... HEY! I REALLY appreciate the feedback.
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Please let us know what their response to this is, will be interesting to hear it from the source.
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OK! Thanks Windsurfdog! I don't have any soda ash, so baking soda it is.
Is Soda ash the same as the Borax you buy for laundry?
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 (http://www.rhtubs.com/store/phbalanc.htm)... ;) I suggest you get some in order to affect you water properly. Good luck!
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how does timing affect readings? The strips take time to "develop". Read them too soon, it's off. Read them too late, it's off. I am I missing something?
txwilllie
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I seems like every one's TA is way off with the meter. I"m going to try to call the manufacturer tomorrow and talk with them about this.... HEY! I REALLY appreciate the feedback.
I'd say the same for me. I just did a water change this weekend and my ALK and Ph went down as it usually does according to my reagent kit. But the electronic tester still shows an alk above 200. My test kit showed 70.
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Ok, here's the story (as I'm getting it). The meter recalibrates itself each time it's used. Because everyone's meter seems to be off almost exactly the same percentage, it's a reasonable possibility the test strips are "out of wack". Question for ya alls. The meter came with a few test strips, and I also included an extra bottle of strips. Has anyone compared the reading using one of each batch?
Also, on the bottom of the bottle of test strips are some numbers. One set is the expiration date, the other, 4 digit number is the batch number. Can people please post the batch number of the strips their using?
The guy at Aquacheck is sending me a case of test strips, so, everyone that got the meter PLEASE IM me again with your address and I'll get them mailed out to you when they get here.
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Interesting note about the strips being a possible cause of the high TA readings.
For what it's worth, mine tested very closely to the dealer's test on all readings.
PH - Dealer = 7.2 Aquacheck = 7.3
Free Cl - Dealer = 1.8 Aquacheck = 1.7
Alk - Dealer = 70 Aquacheck = 64
Test strip info = 2009/10 Lot 7032
Sudzz
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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.
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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
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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
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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 (http://www.rhtubs.com/store/phbalanc.htm)... ;) 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?
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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-)
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if you want MLG, i have a list of all the chems for your tub that you can purchase from the grocery store...
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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No words, ujust checking the mail here waiting on their arrival.
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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?
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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.
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I keep comparing the strips to my liquid test, and Ph and Cl are close enough for me, and alk is close at times, not so close at others. I'll keep testing side by side for a while at least.
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I gave up using it because I have a bad batch of strips. ALK was way off. Waiting for new ones then I will start using it again.
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After my water change it seems to be doing much better. Both sets of strips are from the same batch.
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Here's an angle that I considered today as I was testing my water:
Does the Aqua Check system have guidelines to help you determine how much of a certain chem needs to be added to properly adjust the tub? Take pH adjustment, for instance. For those of us who live by the Taylor kit, the booklet coupled with the acid and base demand agents really give you an accurate idea of quantity of chem to add. Is there anything in the Aqua Check system that gives guidelines like this?
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Not really. There is a spa chart for chlorination and superchlorination, which tells how much dichlor to add to get a certain ppm.
There are Ph and Alk charts for pools, but not spas, for some reason.
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Did we ever confirm that batch #6355 was bad? I just got the tester from Doc and ordered an extra bottle of strips. Sure enough the extra bottle is #6355.
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It wasn't the additional bottle, but the smaller bottle that comes with the tester........ but, I've been using one for a while now (yeah, I'm surprised too. Even I thought I was too cheap to use one, and I get them at cost) and it seems to be pretty consistent.
One thing I noticed. BE SURE to get the strip pushed all to way to the top of the slot in the reader.
Also can't hurt to wipe of the screen through which the strips are read with a Q-tip
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The bottle that came with the tester is #7061, the extra in the separate package is #6355. So both are OK?
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OK I'm not impressed so far. I've tested this meter against my strips and my Taylor kit. The strips and Taylor agree. The meter, not so much.
With the meter my water tested 8.8. Three separate times. I followed the "turn meter on, dip strip, shake, place on meter top end first" procedure.
Taylor and other strips say 7.8. I add some pH down. The meter then says 7.8, Taylor and other strips 7.2.
Alk according to Taylor and other strips is around 90. Meter says 130 - 140.
I know there is no FC in the tub. Taylor and other strips confirm. Meters is all over the board.
I wiped down the meter glass between tests. I also used some strips from the extra Aqua bottle I got (different lot #). Same results.
I really wanted this to work to take the guesswork out of testing for my wife. She won't use the Taylor when I am away.
Defective meter, design issue? :'(
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Youre is more off thana any I've heard of so far. I've got batch # 7061 and the CL and pH is always consistant. The ALK leave a bit to be desired.
two questions, just to double check. Are you sure the strip is all the way at the top of the reader and right up against it? AND, this may be most important, are you dipping the strip into perfectly still water, or are the jets on the the water swirling about? From reading the directions (a switch for me as I'm a Tim Allen kinda guy) I noticed they say to not dip the srtips into moving water.
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I made sure I was putting the strip at the top of the reader and that it was flat. The water was still except for the ozone bubbles.
I tried again yesterday. One thing I changed was the batteries. My wife had thrown in an old set of AAs, I put in fresh Duracells. The CL and pH agreed with the test strip this time. Did not try the Taylor. The Alk read about 140 while strip read 80.
I'll keep experimenting.
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Keep the info coming ;)
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I've had my AquaCheck for a couple months now and I love it. I did a test last night and compared it to my standard strips and all three readings - CL, PH, Alk - were similar between the two. I never compared it to a Taylor-type test but the one time I compared it to my dealers test, it was very close.