Is the TF-100 functionally equivalent to the K-2006C?

[plnewb]

I see that the Taylor Service Complete Pool Water Test Kit K-2006C is selling for $130

https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Service-Complete-Water-K-2006C

Is the TF-100 functionally equivalent to the K-2006C?

1. Has the same size bottles
2. Has the same reagents

 

[plnewb]

It's my understanding that the crucial differences between a $83 TF-100 and a $150 TF-Pro are:

1. Magnetic Stirrer included
2. Premium box and foam insert

If I bring my samples indoors into the house and hence, all my items are on a table when in use, and in a drawer when not, I don't think I need #2?

Which leaves #1

In that case, how do we like the WEST TUNE Magnetic Stirrer 3000rpm, Magnetic stir Plate with Stir Bar for $23

Amazon.com

This runs off USB like phone powerpacks as well making it very portable and I don't have to think about batteries as I always carry powerpacks for my phone

(I do realize that the Taylor Technologies 9265 SpeedStir is on sale right now for $49 at Amazon.com but this is still half that price and seems to be more powerful minus the built in lighting)

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Same Taylor reagents (TFT buys the reagents in bulk) but maybe not the same bottle sizes. TFT tries to make it so that you get more reagent for the tests you do most frequently and less reagents for those tests that are less often used. So it generally works out better for the pool owner as you get more of the tests you’ll actually need.

Using a SpeedStir (or Smart Stir) is a good buy too.

 

[newdude]

It has the same reagents but more of the CH and TA that you won't be testing often. The TF100 is the better value at $80(?). The TFpro has more FC tests than the K2006C, which is functionally important as you'll test that the most.


The TFpro at tftestkits.net ($150) is comparable to the K2006C and comes with a $48 stirring device that most of us wouldn't do without, and a fancy case that holds the bottles by category.

Either the TF100 or TFpro can be bought in salt versions which adds a $30 k1766 for only $20 more, making them even better values for anyone with a salt pool

Test Kits Compared

 

[HermanTX]

You can look at Test Kits Compared and see the comparison on tests.

The K2006 has reagents for Base Demand and Acid Demand which the TF100 does not - however if you use PoolMath app, those reagents are not needed.
I like the CYA test with the TF100 better then the K2006

All other reagents are the same but may not be the same size - on average you get more volume from TF100. The actual reagent is the same - it is all Taylor.

 

[newdude]

Would it be correct to say that at $83, the TF-100 is better value than the K-2006C at $130 for a pool owner?

Yes. It's a much better value.

For any TF kit, a SLAM option is a great idea for those learning as they'll be testing more often while learning and may exhaust any regular kits supply.

If you're going to add the speed stir, strongly consider the TFpro. Not fumbling for the bottles is real nice. The TF100 tackle box keeps the bottles hodgepodge because while they all fit, they don't fit together and one is here and the other you need is there. From a testing standpoint, the TF100 functions the same as the rest.

 

[plnewb]

however if you use PoolMath app, those reagents are not needed

1. Is the PoolMath exclusively subscription based (won't work without a subscription at all)?
2. How much is the subscription or is it a one time fee to unlock additional features?
3. Does the subscription/one time fee get the user additional features over the "free" version?

If you're going to add the speed stir, strongly consider the TFpro. Not fumbling for the bottles is real nice

I found a bigger, stronger (going by reviews) Stir, would like to get all your opinion: Making my own TF-Pro from a TF-100?

 

[newdude]

You may need a pill that fits the Taylor vials, but any stirrer should do the same in the end.

You certainly don't *need* #2. It's just real nice for $18(?) more.


The most important part is the Taylor drops. However you want to assemble the full kit, we'll be testing right beside you and know how to advise with that map.

 

[plnewb]

The TFpro has more FC tests than the K2006C, which is functionally important as you'll test that the most.

How does the FC tests of the TFpro compare to the TF-100?

 

[HermanTX]

How does the FC tests of the TFpro compare to the TF-100?

It is the same.

 

[plnewb]

I found this thread to have extremely valuable information as well:

Taylor K-2005C vs. K-2006C

Hello, I'm new here and looking to purchase a reliable accurate water testing kit. I recently ran across a K-2005C kit that is more reasonably priced than the K-2006C. I was wondering the difference between the one recommended here (K-2006C) and the one I came across online (K-2005C). Any and...

www.troublefreepool.com

Key points:

a. the powder fas/dpd chlorine test (k-1515) is imperative for chlorine tests
b. The K-2005C does not have the FAS/DPD chlorine test and is limited to testing FC levels up to 10ppm. That is not sufficient for TFPC Methods.

 

[HermanTX]

1. Is the PoolMath exclusively subscription based (won't work without a subscription at all)?
2. How much is the subscription or is it a one time fee to unlock additional features?
3. Does the subscription/one time fee get the user additional features over the "free" version?

Pool Math is a $8 annual subscription. It allows you to store and save all your test data, expenses, chemical additions and any other notes required to help you manage your pool.
It also allows you to store additional pools such as family member or neighbor if you need that.

There are 2 important investments for proper pool management - have a good test kit and a way to use the test data to track your pool water balance via the PM app.

 

[HermanTX]

I found this thread to have extremely valuable information as well:

Taylor K-2005C vs. K-2006C

Hello, I'm new here and looking to purchase a reliable accurate water testing kit. I recently ran across a K-2005C kit that is more reasonably priced than the K-2006C. I was wondering the difference between the one recommended here (K-2006C) and the one I came across online (K-2005C). Any and...

www.troublefreepool.com

Key points:

a. the powder fas/dpd chlorine test (k-1515) is imperative for chlorine tests
b. The K-2005C does not have the FAS/DPD chlorine test and is limited to testing FC levels up to 10ppm. That is not sufficient for TFPC Methods.

This is correct but you were comparing TF100 to TF Pro to K2006C. These kits basically allow you to do the same tests.

 

[plnewb]

Pool Math is a $8 annual subscription. It allows you to store and save all your test data, expenses, chemical additions and any other notes required to help you manage your pool.

It's a no brainer - I couldn't run my own server to sync my data for that but what's the $18 option below?

It's just real nice for $18(?) more.

1. Is it a one time ~$18 fee to unlock additional features or a recurring monthly fee?
2. Any idea what additional features get unlocked for the ~$18 fee? If proceeds from the app help fund this site, I am very happy to purchase

You may need a pill that fits the Taylor vials, but any stirrer should do the same in the end.

The stirrer I linked to uses a pill that's 1.2" across - could (any of) you, please, tell me:

1. What's the width of the TF pill?
2. Whether a 1.2" will fit the vials that come in the TF kits?
3. Are the vials that come in the TF kits all the same, regardless of whether they came from a TF-Pro or TF-100?
4. Are those, in turn, the same as the Taylor vials (like say the ones in the K-2006C)?

 

[HermanTX]

1. Is it a one time ~$18 fee to unlock additional features or a recurring monthly fee?
2. Any idea what additional features get unlocked for the ~$18 fee? If proceeds from the app help fund this site, I am very happy to purchase

The forum is manned by volunteers that answers questions and provide guidance. Keeping the website highly functional with the latest technology is key to making the forum workable and enjoyable. Please consider and Become a TFP Supporter


I think you are confusing the replies. Newdude was addressing your request about the TF Pro storage bag

 

[HermanTX]

1. What's the width of the TF pill?
2. Whether a 1.2" will fit the vials that come in the TF kits?
3. Are the vials that come in the TF kits all the same, regardless of whether they came from a TF-Pro or TF-100?
4. Are those, in turn, the same as the Taylor vials (like say the ones in the K-2006C)?

The 1.2 inch is probably too big. This is what I purchased off of Amazon that works perfectly with either the vials from TF100 or the vials from Taylor. The vials are different but work the same.

4 Pcs 25mm(1 inch) PTFE Magnetic Stirrer Mixer Stir Bar,White Color,Laboratory Bar,Stir Plate Bar,Stir Plate Magnet,Stir Rod Magnetic

 

[newdude]

I found a bigger, stronger (going by reviews) Stir, would like to get all your opinion:

There's simply no need for bigger/stronger, but if the price is right, then by all means.


If it helps any, we ALL had the same analysis paralysis at one point.

 

[plnewb]

If it helps any, we ALL had the same analysis paralysis at one point.

I have a mutated, stronger (and bigger?) breed of the analysis paralysis in my veins - will be on full display here

You all are an awesome group

 

[proavia]

The cost of the correct tools (recommended test kit, SpeedStir/SmartStir and PoolMath) is minimal compared to the cost of a pool. Additionally, you will save more using the TFP methods over pool store magic potions - which will easily pay for the test kit and the other items I mentioned while still leaving you with extra cash (over pool store magic potions).

The yearly cost for tesing are the PoolMath subscription cost and a new reagent refill kit. It is possible to only need to replace all reagents every other year if you store the test kit indoors in a climate controlled environment.

You just need to determine if you multi-thousands of dollar pool investment is worth an average of less than $100 yearly to correctly test it.

 

[plnewb]

You just need to determine if you multi-thousands of dollar pool investment is work an average of less than $100 yearly to correctly test it.

I don't think this thread disagrees with your thesis - infact this thread exists to ask how the test kits compare beyond what the comparison post mentions so that readers have more information.