Please recommend a good test kit

[TomAtlanta]

I am going to order a test kit from Amazon. Here is a list of the most popular

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_ ... Caps%2C196

Which would you recommend, or is there something better I could get at Home Depot or the local pool store?

 

[thePoolMonitor]

The K-2006 is very good, but be sure to look at the TF-100 kit (you can find references around TFP).

 

[Richard320]

22 posts and you haven't read Pool School yet? Tsk, tsk!

Here's an article you need to read before spending any money: pool-school/pool_test_kit_comparison

 

[Buford]

This one:
Taylor Complete FAS-DPD Water K 2006 if you are locked into Amazon. I also use and recommend a speedstir and samplesizer

IMO, a pool like mine (and your's) needs a minimum of the TF-100 or K-2006, the other test kits are not going to cut it and just forget the strips for general tests (come by, I'll give you some). I thought enough of the TF, that I bought one for my brother, with a speedstir, to stop the problems he was having caused by inaccurate test strips and pool store advice.

Basically, a TF100 is all taylor reagents, with different packaging. I get great service, quick answers and the owner is usually on the forum to catch any questions or problems. The test results are same as a Taylor. http://tftestkits.net

You might read this benefits-to-the-speedstir-for-the-tf-100-t33267.html

+1 what Richard said,

 

[Buford]

I am going to order a test kit from Amazon. Here is a list of the most popular

Which would you recommend, or is there something better I could get at Home Depot or the local pool store?

Sorry, I didn't answer all the question!

Home Depot, Target, Kmart and Walmart stuff is pretty elementary. I have never seen Taylor products anywhere locally, except in a pool store. So, these places, no.

So far as pool stores go, it's been a while, but when I tried the 2 Leslie's close by, they had nothing with the FAS/DPD Chlorine Test; either in a kit or in individual reagents. And the locally owned store, around the corner, would be glad to order what I wanted. YMMV depending on what part of town you are in.

 

[Prav]

+1 on TF-100

 

[linen]

Not to be redundant...but I fourth the tf-100 recommendation. I think the amounts of reagents and the packaging is better than the K-2006. In fact...buy two to share (I did) ...

 

[Puffin]

+1 TF-100
I have one and am happy with it.
Look at Richard's for alternatives.

the speedstir burford pointed out is worth a look as well. It's not a test kit but pretty handy for testing.

 

[zea3]

If the cost of the TF100 or the Taylor K2006 troubles you, look at it this way. A high quality test kit is an investment in the health of your family and your pool. The chemicals will last for a year or more of normal use when stored in a cool (normal house temp) dry environment. The range of tests performed by these kits will enable you to keep the water sanitary, so it is healthy to swim in, and balanced, which protects the plaster or liner from premature failure.
It will also save money in the long run, so you will not feel obligated to buy pool store chemicals when they perform those tests for "free". As an added bonus, your results with either kit will often be more accurate than the pool store tests.
Personally, I prefer the TF100 as it will give you larger amounts of the test reagents than the Taylor K2006, and the customer service is exceptional.

 

[Buford]

+1 TF-100
I have one and am happy with it.
Look at Richard's for alternatives.

the speedstir burford pointed out is worth a look as well. It's not a test kit but pretty handy for testing.

Another brain ... uh, senior moment. ugggg

 

[TomAtlanta]

Thanks for the info everybody. I'll get the TF-100 with the speed stir. I prefer amazon because I know their reliability and policies, but I assume from all the positive comments here that service from the TF-100 site is also good.

 

[phipsi1237]

I would go ahead and say that the TF-100 site is much better than amazon.

 

[TomAtlanta]

The TF-100 and speed stir have arrived. The speed stir has a tiny little Phillips head screw that I need to remove to get the batteries. I have a tiny phillips head screw driver, but even it doesn't work. I guess I will need to go the hardware store and get a special screw driver to open it and add the batteries. I think this is a poor design.

 

[carlscan26]

I think I used a standard #2 phillips...I definitely didn't bust out the precision set or the eyeglass repair kit. Maybe your screwdriver is worn out?

 

[XsAllOverIt]

Well, I look at it this way - if that's the only problem you have with your test kit and speed stir, you'll only encounter that problem once a year. It works great otherwise.

 

[linen]

I think this is a poor design.

Maybe poor, but is a common design (at that price point) similar to all of my kids cheap remote control battery doors etc. You should be able to open it with a sharp knife tip, etc. Many ways to skin that cat.

 

[Bama Rambler]

I think they're size "0" (ought) phillips. While it's not too common, it's certainly not anything special. As said before, it's something you'll only have to deal once a year or less.