Best Test Kit

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JoniTull

JoniTull

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2021
63
Louisiana
Pool Size
13500
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hello, I currently have the Taylor (6 test strip) bottle. This is what the pool store recommended last summer. I read here that there is a Taylor test kit that you all recommend, but I dont know which one, I do know that someone said stay away from the strips. I searched under best test kit but last post was from 2017. Thanks for your help.

The strips I have test for: FC, TC, PH, TA, TH, and CYA
 
mknauss said:
I suggest the TF-100 or Taylor K2006C. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols.

Pool Test Kits - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
Click to expand...
Hello, I apologize if my questions are on different replies. I searched for best test kits and a post from 2017 was all that came up. However, after reading more I seen in the similar thread area, more forums were listed, which caused me to reply to different ones.
Ok getting to my question. I see you have recommended either the TF-100 or the Taylor K 2006 C test. I looked at the comparisons on here and all is good except it says the Taylor K 2006 C doesn't test for Chorine OTO? Does this have something to do with only giving you the CC not the TC. Don't I definitely need that? I am ready to order a new test. I currently have the Taylor Test strips, which was recommended by the pool store. It supposedly tests for FC, TC, PH, TA, TH and CYA. I see that most don't recommend these or any strips. Is there anything else I need to get while ordering? I see that additional options are offered at check out. Should I order a phosphate test? Thank you so much
 
@JoniTull The TF100 is a great kit but the K 2006C is also a great kit.. You cant go bad with both.. I like and recommend the TF100 or the pro as you get more with the kit and it works better for how we use them...

The TF100 base kit is great but I always recommend the smartstir as it is PERFECT and works GREAT.. I also recommend the XL option for people starting out as you will use more reagent at first..

The Pro comes in a nicer looking kit and is basically the same price as the 100, xl option and smartstir..

But the best way is to get a cheap fishing tackle box and put your brand new kit in it, it has all these great places to put stuff, there cheap and gives you plenty of room to grow as you will get more and more pool stuff as you go... And for 13 dollars it cant be beat :)

If I may I love the sample sizer also, just makes testing SO easy and fast..

Amazon.com : Taylor 6190 - Samplesizer, 10 & 25 Ml, Anodized Aluminum : Swimming Pool Liquid Test Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Taylor 6190 - Samplesizer, 10 & 25 Ml, Anodized Aluminum : Swimming Pool Liquid Test Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden
smile.amazon.com

1646912553120.png
 
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JoniTull said:
Hello, I apologize if my questions are on different replies. I searched for best test kits and a post from 2017 was all that came up. However, after reading more I seen in the similar thread area, more forums were listed, which caused me to reply to different ones.
Ok getting to my question. I see you have recommended either the TF-100 or the Taylor K 2006 C test. I looked at the comparisons on here and all is good except it says the Taylor K 2006 C doesn't test for Chorine OTO? Does this have something to do with only giving you the CC not the TC. Don't I definitely need that? I am ready to order a new test. I currently have the Taylor Test strips, which was recommended by the pool store. It supposedly tests for FC, TC, PH, TA, TH and CYA. I see that most don't recommend these or any strips. Is there anything else I need to get while ordering? I see that additional options are offered at check out. Should I order a phosphate test? Thank you so much
Click to expand...
To answer your question about OTO, there are two methods to test for chlorine, OTO and FAS-DPD. OTO works by comparing a result color to various shades of yellow bars which can be hard to distinguish. It also only works up to 5ppm. The FAS-DPD works by adding drops to the solution until the color changes from pink to clear, which is much easier to see and therefore more reliable. It also works well over 10ppm so it can handle anything in the TFP methods.

My advice...You don’t need OTO if you have FAS-DPD. Throw the test strips away and don’t ever trust them. It’s hard to believe since those strips are sold everywhere but they really are a waste.
 
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cowboycasey said:
@JoniTull The TF100 is a great kit but the K 2006C is also a great kit.. You cant go bad with both.. I like and recommend the TF100 or the pro as you get more with the kit and it works better for how we use them...

The TF100 base kit is great but I always recommend the smartstir as it is PERFECT and works GREAT.. I also recommend the XL option for people starting out as you will use more reagent at first..

The Pro comes in a nicer looking kit and is basically the same price as the 100, xl option and smartstir..

But the best way is to get a cheap fishing tackle box and put your brand new kit in it, it has all these great places to put stuff, there cheap and gives you plenty of room to grow as you will get more and more pool stuff as you go... And for 13 dollars it cant be beat :)

If I may I love the sample sizer also, just makes testing SO easy and fast..

Amazon.com : Taylor 6190 - Samplesizer, 10 & 25 Ml, Anodized Aluminum : Swimming Pool Liquid Test Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Taylor 6190 - Samplesizer, 10 & 25 Ml, Anodized Aluminum : Swimming Pool Liquid Test Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden
smile.amazon.com

View attachment 394122
Click to expand...
I don't see the pro. Is it one that is sold through here?
 

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Bperry said:
To answer your question about OTO, there are two methods to test for chlorine, OTO and FAS-DPD. OTO works by comparing a result color to various shades of yellow bars which can be hard to distinguish. It also only works up to 5ppm. The FAS-DPD works by adding drops to the solution until the color changes from pink to clear, which is much easier to see and therefore more reliable. It also works well over 10ppm so it can handle anything in the TFP methods.

My advice...You don’t need OTO if you have FAS-DPD. Throw the test strips away and don’t ever trust them. It’s hard to believe since those strips are sold everywhere but they really are a waste.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your explanation. I will go order the recommended kit!
 
cowboycasey said:
@JoniTull The TF100 is a great kit but the K 2006C is also a great kit.. You cant go bad with both.. I like and recommend the TF100 or the pro as you get more with the kit and it works better for how we use them...

The TF100 base kit is great but I always recommend the smartstir as it is PERFECT and works GREAT.. I also recommend the XL option for people starting out as you will use more reagent at first..

The Pro comes in a nicer looking kit and is basically the same price as the 100, xl option and smartstir..

But the best way is to get a cheap fishing tackle box and put your brand new kit in it, it has all these great places to put stuff, there cheap and gives you plenty of room to grow as you will get more and more pool stuff as you go... And for 13 dollars it cant be beat :)

If I may I love the sample sizer also, just makes testing SO easy and fast..

Amazon.com : Taylor 6190 - Samplesizer, 10 & 25 Ml, Anodized Aluminum : Swimming Pool Liquid Test Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Taylor 6190 - Samplesizer, 10 & 25 Ml, Anodized Aluminum : Swimming Pool Liquid Test Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden
smile.amazon.com

View attachment 394122
Click to expand...
Thank you for the information. I will get the basic and the xl to learn it then upgrade.
 
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cowboycasey said:
@JoniTull The TF100 is a great kit but the K 2006C is also a great kit.. You cant go bad with both.. I like and recommend the TF100 or the pro as you get more with the kit and it works better for how we use them...

The TF100 base kit is great but I always recommend the smartstir as it is PERFECT and works GREAT.. I also recommend the XL option for people starting out as you will use more reagent at first..

The Pro comes in a nicer looking kit and is basically the same price as the 100, xl option and smartstir..

But the best way is to get a cheap fishing tackle box and put your brand new kit in it, it has all these great places to put stuff, there cheap and gives you plenty of room to grow as you will get more and more pool stuff as you go... And for 13 dollars it cant be beat :)

If I may I love the sample sizer also, just makes testing SO easy and fast..

Amazon.com : Taylor 6190 - Samplesizer, 10 & 25 Ml, Anodized Aluminum : Swimming Pool Liquid Test Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Taylor 6190 - Samplesizer, 10 & 25 Ml, Anodized Aluminum : Swimming Pool Liquid Test Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden
smile.amazon.com

View attachment 394122
Click to expand...
I wanted to tell you, your fishing tackle box is not available, but one similar is double the price, you know like so many other things. But I do see one closer to your price. Thanks for the idea.
 
I know it seems like alot of money compared to the 'Free water tests' or test strips, but trust us. Each time you walk into a pool store looking confused, they will try and get you for at least the price of the test kit. Over and over and over again. The kit will pay for itself the first time you don't get fleeced and it's all gravy for the next 2 years. Then we will send you over to Walmart or the supermarket to buy the same stuff, in no name bags for far less.
 
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JoniTull said:
I wanted to tell you, your fishing tackle box is not available, but one similar is double the price, you know like so many other things. But I do see one closer to your price. Thanks for the idea.
Click to expand...
Well that sucks, it sold out fast at that price :) Any one of them will work just fine and they fill up fast after a few years.. :)

You do not "need" the speed stir but it sure is REALLY nice.. You can also get it off Amazon..
 
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Ordered the TF Pro just last week. I probably could have ended up getting it overall cheaper by piecing it together myself, but what a fantastic setup. LOVE the Smart Stir and the FAS-DPD chlorine test is a piece of cake. For a new pool owner, it's nice not having to shop around and just being able to get it all in one place. I did not select the pH meter as I've had experience with the cheapy ones (you can find the same ones on Amazon) and they're kinda garbage. The old school color-match pH test is close enough for me. The rest of the kit is A+ and the Smart Stir makes things super quick and easy.
 
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JoniTull said:
I wanted to tell you, your fishing tackle box is not available, but one similar is double the price, you know like so many other things. But I do see one closer to your price. Thanks for the idea.
Click to expand...
Do I need the Ph meter that is optional, its checked for 17.00 more?
 
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