Collect a fresh elbow-deep sample and run FC/CC before pH, then TA, CH, and CYA in the correct reagent sequence.
- ✕Do not trust a strip color or store result when a liquid kit is available
- ✕Do not adjust chemistry when the endpoint looks wrong without retesting first
- ✕Do not use reagents that are expired, heat-damaged, or repeatedly suspicious
FC / CC / pH / TA / CH / CYA
Using Your Taylor Test Kit
Start with a fresh sample, run the right reagent sequence, and stop when the endpoint or the sample quality makes the result suspicious.
Collect the sample correctly
Accurate testing starts with a fresh, representative sample and a clean cell.
FAS-DPD free chlorine (FC) and combined chlorine (CC)
Run this test first because it drives routine chlorination, OCLT, and SLAM decisions.
- If the sample does not turn pink, FC is effectively zero for that test size.
- Retest if the endpoint flashes and returns slightly pink immediately.
pH test
Check pH after FC/CC and before you make acid or aeration changes.
- Very high chlorine can distort phenol-red pH readings. Cross-check after chlorine normalizes or use manual guidance when the number seems impossible.
Total alkalinity (TA)
Use the standard reagent order and stop if the color change looks inconsistent.
Calcium hardness (CH)
Run CH with the correct sequence so TA chemistry does not cloud the result.
Cyanuric acid (CYA)
Treat this as a turbidity test, so consistency matters more than speed.
- Do not backwash or clean the filter right after adding stabilizer until it has dissolved and mixed per the product instructions.
Retest and storage rules
Stop and retest when the result is surprising, then store the reagents so the next test is still trustworthy.
Resources (5)
Taylor K-1005 instruction manual
Use the source-hosted K-1005 manual for step-by-step residential kit instructions when you want the pinned kit guide, not a search result.
Taylor Watergram water-balance guide
Pinned Taylor chemistry-reference guide for cross-checking balance context after you run the kit.
Manual library
Open the manual library first when you want Taylor testing manuals and water-balance references that stay source-hosted.
Pool Water Testing and Accuracy
Use the accuracy guide when sample handling, reagent age, or a suspicious endpoint needs a second pass.
Pool glossary and core terms
Use the glossary when the kit instructions assume you already know the shorthand terms.
Educational guidance only. Verify labels, manuals, local code, and site conditions before acting. Stop for electrical, gas, structural, drain, drowning, injury, emergency, or chemical-mixing risk.