Stabilizer - Testing

The Stabilizer test is a turbidity type of test.  It contains two elements.

First, you add the melamine solution to the sample.  In the Taylor test kit, this is done by filling the test bottle halfway with pool water, then filling the bottle with an equal amount of reagent R-0012

Second, you shake up the sample for 30 seconds, allowing the melamine to precipitate out in reaction to the stabilizer in the water.  The more stabilizer that is in the water, the cloudier the test sample will become.

Third, you dribble the test sample into the test vial until the dot at the bottom of the tube is no longer visible.  When the dot is no longer visible, take the reading from the markings at the side of the tube.   If the water comes up to the 60 marking, the level is 60 ppm.

Testing Problems

The stabilizer test can be very inaccurate if not done properly.  Please note the following:

1. The test must be conducted with the water at room temperature.  If the test is done on very cold water, then the melamine will not precipitate out and the reading will come out too low.  (The worst scenario would be if your stabilizer level was already over 100 ppm and you read it as 30 ppm and then added more stabilizer.)  If the pool water temperature is below room temperature, bring a sample indoors and allow it to reach room temperature before conducting the test.

2.  Make sure the test is done with the pH at normal ranges of 7.4 - 7.6.  This is less of a factor than temperature, but can impact your reading.

3.  Make sure the tube is cleaned between each test by rinsing thoroughly with pool water after each test is done. 

4.  If the reading approaches 100 ppm, mix the sample 50/50 with tap water and do the third step in the test over, this time multiplying the reading by two to compensate for the dilution.

5.  If your reading makes no sense to you, have it re-tested by a professional.  Once you add stabilizer to the water, you can't get it back out without draining the pool.