High sanitizer levels, specifically greater than 10 ppm, can cause total or partial bleaching, leading to false-low readings. To determine an approximate chlorine concentration, you should dilute the sample and retest. For a 1:1 dilution, remember to multiply the result by two. For additional information, check out the following blog post!

Cloudiness is typically caused by a high level of hardness (over 500 ppm), which results in the precipitation of calcium and/or magnesium salt. To prevent cloudiness, retest your sample by adding DPD reagents R-0001 and R-0002 to the test cell first, then carefully add the sample water to the reagents in the test cell.

DPD Reagent #3 (R-0003) is used for measuring total chlorine. If even a small amount of R-0003 remains in your test cell from a previous test, it will interfere with your free chlorine reading. To ensure accuracy, thoroughly clean the test cell after each use.

The OT test method measures total chlorine, while the DPD test method measures both free and total chlorine. You can identify which reagent your comparator is designed to work with by checking the following color standards: OT develops varying yellow shades, whereas DPD develops varying pink shades.

Monopersulfate reacts with DPD Reagent #3 (R-0003), leading to false total and combined chlorine readings. To eliminate this interference, it’s recommended to use a Monopersulfate Interference Remover kit, such as K-1520, or reagent packs K-2041 and K-2042, designed for existing kits.

This occurs because the DPD in the sample is oxidizing due to prolonged contact with the air. Readings should always be taken immediately after testing unless specific instructions indicate otherwise.

DPD and OT react with bromine in the same way they do with chlorine, but they produce different color intensities. To convert a bromine reading to chlorine, divide the result by 2.25. To convert a chlorine reading to bromine, multiply the result by 2.25. Taylor® offers comparators that measure both bromine and chlorine directly, eliminating the need for conversions. For more information on the differences between bromine and chlorine, visit this blog post.

No, you cannot interchange these reagents. Although both are phenol red indicators, they have different concentrations and are designed for use with specific comparator blocks. Residential™ comparators require R-0014, while 2000 Series™ comparators require R-0004. Also, note that comparator test cells have different volumes.

A high sanitizer level (greater than 10 ppm) is causing interference. Retest by adding one drop of Thiosulfate N/10 (R-0007) to the sample first if you are using a 2000 Series comparator. For Residential comparators, add one drop of R-0007 to a 50 mL sample, then add that treated sample to the comparator.

Acids will lower pH. For more detailed information, please refer to pages 10, 11, 57, and 58 in the Pool & Spa Water Chemistry 2004B booklet.

A high sanitizer level (greater than 10 ppm) is causing interference. Retest by adding one extra drop of R-0007 (Thiosulfate N/10) to the sample to remove this interference.

Please refer to Tables G and H in the Pool & Spa Water Chemistry 2004B booklet for instructions on adjusting total alkalinity.

Cyanuric acid (CYA) titrates as total alkalinity when its concentration is greater than 30 ppm. To correct this, subtract 1/3 of your CYA reading from your total alkalinity reading to get the accurate alkalinity value. A more detailed explanation can be found on page 14 of your 2004B booklet.

This indicates that metal ions, most likely copper or iron, are interfering with the test. These ions can come from algaecides, pipes, or even the water itself. To avoid this, add five or six drops of titrant to the sample before adding the buffer and indicator, then proceed with the test as normal. Remember to include these initial drops of titrant when counting the total number of drops required to reach the endpoint. To learn more, visit the following blog post.

The purple dots are magnesium hydroxide. This is a common reaction and does not interfere with the endpoint color.

Safety data sheets can be found at the bottom of individual product pages.

All available test strip options can be found online here.

You can view all test kits here or search for a specific test kit using the search feature on our site.

Drop equivalence is the measure of analyte per drop of reagent. You will find the drop equivalence for your specific test kit in its instructions.

To change the equivalence of a drop test, you must also change the sample size proportionally to the desired change in equivalence. However, it is crucial to contact our support team before changing the equivalence of any test.

As titrant is added, a treated sample will display a mixture of its original color and the endpoint color until the endpoint is reached (e.g., pink and blue colored water during a hardness test). To confirm the color change is permanent, add one more drop of titrant after the endpoint. If the color remains unchanged, do not count this last drop.

No. Each manufacturer produces reagents in different concentrations, and comparator color standards are developed for specific reagent concentrations. To ensure accuracy, you should always use Taylor reagents with Taylor comparators.

Here are a few tips:

        ▪ Hold the bottle vertically to maintain a uniform drop size.

        ▪ The standard drop size is 25 drops/mL, plus or minus one drop.

        ▪ A progressive decrease in drop size can be caused by static electricity buildup at the dropper bottle's tip. You can eliminate this by periodically wiping around (not over) the dropper tip with a clean damp cloth or paper towel.

For color-matching tests and test strips, the accuracy is ½ the distance between two color standards. For drop tests, the accuracy is ± one drop (10%). For meters, please refer to the manufacturer’s specification sheet.

You will find the expiration or best by date printed on the label. Like other perishables, reagents and test strips must be stored under controlled environmental conditions to ensure accurate test results. Here are some simple rules:

        ▪ Store all reagents and test strips at a consistent temperature between 36°F–85°F (2°C–29°C).

        ▪ Keep all reagents and test strips out of direct sunlight.

        ▪ Store all reagents and test strips away from treatment chemicals.

        ▪ Always replace caps tightly on reagent bottles and test strip containers.

        ▪ It is recommended to replace your reagents and test strips seasonally.

Learn more here.

Incandescent lighting, fluorescent lighting, and sunglasses can make it very difficult to match colors accurately. Always try to perform tests in natural daylight. Hold the comparator at eye level and keep your back to the sun. If natural light testing is not an option, consider using our Day Light Comparator Lamp (part #9199).

All reagents and test strips have a best by date and lot number printed on the label. We recommend replacing the item once it has passed its best by date. The lot number is used internally by Taylor to determine when products were manufactured.

Over time, residue may build up inside the test cell. To clean it, fill the test cell with water and add a couple of drops of Sulfuric Acid .12N (R-0009). Use a bristle brush to scrub the inside of the cell. After cleaning, rinse your comparator and discard the brush. We recommend replacing your comparator every 2-3 years, depending on frequency of use.

The only difference between these two kits is the method used for testing chlorine. The K-2005 uses color-matching (DPD), while the K-2006 uses a drop test (FAS-DPD) to determine free, combined, and total chlorine.

Test Kit Comparison: K-2005 (A size) vs. K-2005C (C size)

Free Chlorine

• K-2005 (A size): 110 tests
• K-2005C (C size): 300 tests

Combined Chlorine

• K-2005 (A size): 110 tests
• K-2005C (C size): 300 tests

pH

• K-2005 (A size): 110 tests
• K-2005C (C size): 300 tests

Total Alkalinity

• K-2005 (A size): 52 tests @ 100 ppm
• K-2005C (C size): 150 tests @ 100 ppm

Calcium Hardness

• K-2005 (A size): 26 tests @ 200 ppm
• K-2005C (C size): 75 tests @ 200 ppm

CYA (Cyanuric Acid)

• K-2005 (A size): 8 tests
• K-2005C (C size): 20 tests

The table below presents target ranges for important water chemistry parameters:

You can call 877-TEST KIT (837-8548), available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). To help us assist you effectively, please have the following information available:

        ▪ The type of water you are testing.

        ▪ The part number of the Taylor® test kit you are using (typically found in the bottom right-hand corner of the case label and begins “K-”).

        ▪ If using a kit with multiple tests, the specific test you need assistance with.

        ▪ The name(s) and lot code(s) of the reagents you are using (found on the reagent label).

        ▪ Your question, or the nature of the problem you are experiencing.