Want to Take Control of My Pool-What's the First Step?

[hello_newman]

I have been a pool owner for five years, have always had a weekly service provider take care of it. Took a month off from the service while having the pool re-plastered (went with Pebble Fina Sapphire Galaxy). During the off month, my service decided to drop me (we live out in the country), so I am on my own as of earlier this week. The plastering company did the "hot start" for the Pebble Fina, got the water balanced once that was done, and everything looks perfect as of now. I have been brushing the new finish twice a day for almost two weeks now. I want to start taking care of this thing on my own, need some direction to move forward? Everything looks great right now, I hope to keep it that way. All I did this week was drop a couple of chlorine pucks into the floater. I understand, more or less, how the equipment works and how to adjust it, but I am clueless as to the chemistry part of it.

From reading a bit here, my understanding is that a comprehensive test is what's needed. What kit should I get, and where is the best place to get it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[duraleigh]

Welcome to the forum. Great username!!

I have to let others comment on the kit but we're glad you are here.

 

[bmoreswim]

I'd get the TF-100 with Speed Stir from tftestkits.net. Best value for what you need out there.

 

[pooldv]

Welcome to TFP!

Here is what Pebbletec says, start there.
Pool Care Instructions Pebble Tec

 

[BattleOfYakima]

http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/124-pool-test-kits-comparison

When I was new I wasn't sure about trusting the TF-100 so I ordered the k-2006 by Taylor. Now that I've been here a few years, I always suggest people order the TF-50 if they have a cartridge and they've already got a working PH test, or, if they are starting from scratch, or have a filter that back washes, the TF-100.

There is nothing wrong with the K-2006, it is just the truth of the matter that the TF-100 is a slightly more efficient investment if you're going to do the tests as often as you should given how much you just invested in the pool.

TFTestkits.net supposedly has the freshest chemicals, so if you store them properly, odds are they will never go bad before you use them, which is also a plus. Another user just bought a k-2006 from amazon and it was also fresh enough, but I'm not sure which seller it was.

Whatever you pick, don't delay. Order one within 24 hours so you can get it asap. If you just don't know, order the TF-100 since it is probably the best deal and the most popular kit. If you just can't do the TF-100, do the k2006. Either way, you will not regret it.

 

[hello_newman]

Thanks for the advice, went ahead and ordered the TF-100. What is the purpose of the Speed Stir?

 

[pooldv]

To make you a ninja tester! It stirs the sample for you while you add drops. Increases accuracy and consistency.

 

[WASP]

Speed stir is well worth the cost. I wished I had bought it when I got my first test kit. Makes testing so much easier and consistent.

 

[changeyez]

What tests do you use the speed stir for? All of them?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[pooldv]

The main two it helps most with are TA and CH.

 

[TF Tim]

As a brand new pool owner, and new forum member, I would highly recommend the speed stir.
It's 100% worth the money - made my testing faster and way more consistent.
I use it for FC, CC, TA, and CH.
pH and CYA don't necessarily require it.