New Pool Owner- test kit recommendations

[tsan731]

Hello, I’m a first time pool owner and I’m looking for direction in which pool test kit I should purchase. It looks like maybe the TF Pro Salt or the Taylor K 2006 with K 1766 are the testing kits to purchase. Which kit should be sufficient? Do I need any add ons?
I currently have a weekly pool maintenance service but I am interested in knowing/learning about the chemistry of my pool. The pool was filled on 3/25/25. I’ve read through the pool basics/care and school and hopefully all of it makes sense as I learn about the pool chemistry. I have read through many different postings on this site since we began our project and it is very interesting and informative. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
I suggest the TF-100/Pro or Taylor K2006C. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols.
Only add on would be a SpeedStir. That device makes testing much easier and repeatable. The TFProSalt comes with one.

I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[Sws]

TFPro Salt here. I don't regret buying the c600 dipper and slam option.

I also got the standard sampler to verify my interpretation. If you're going to get that, do it after testing the pool and few times to get the hang of it.

 

[cwswifty]

I bought the Taylor 2006C Salt first and later bought the TF Pro Salt which includes a Speed stir. TF Pro Salt is the way to go. Speed stir is a must with either but not included with 2006C. The only thing I prefer in the 2006C kit is the pH comparator.

 

[Newdude]

There are 2 price tiers :

K2006 (no C) 2.7x less supplies
TF100 - 2.7x more supplies.

K2006C. Too many CH/TA, not enough FC
TFPro. Sized for how we need to test
*includes $44 stirrer (that you want no matter what)
*really nice case


* TFtestkits.net guarantees them fresh, using Taylor supplies. Actual Taylor kits may have sat on a shelf for an extended time and expire soon / be expired already.

*TF kit owner available here and always steps in to make things right when needed.

*either TF kit can be upgraded to salt which includes the $30 salt kit for $20 more. An even better deal for either bracket.

*either TF kit can be upgraded to the SLAM option which doubles the FC tests. This is great for newbs and those with swamps who will be testing much more at first and blow through the regular supplies.

The kit is an initial investment for all the parts. After that, the reagents go on sale every spring for mid $40s, which is much better.

 

[tsan731]

Thank you all for replying. I will start with the TF Pro Salt kit. I look forward to learning about the testing process and I’m sure there will be plenty of help on this forum along the way. Again, I appreciate the advice given above.