We have been using the Taylor K-2006 Test kit with FAS-DPD since opening the pool a month ago. I test the chlorine almost daily (either with the FAS-DPD or Aqua Chek Yellow Strips w/FC ) and sometimes I drop a water sample off at the local pool store. I've been comparing the results from the pool store and they match the K-2006 test results almost perfectly (for PH, TA, CYA, FE, CC, etc). While I never purchase the long list of products the pool store recommends (stick with BBB and the online pool calculator) I appreciate not using up the supply of testing chemicals in my Taylor K-2006 (plus I get a fancy color printout that makes me very proud).
For some tests like CYA there are only enough chemicals in the Taylor kit for a few tests and I'm quickly going through my FAS-DPD.
So is there anything wrong with relying on the Pool store tests? Are some pool store tests indeed accurate and trustworthy. Will the pool store staff expect me to start purchasing "pool additives" at some point or are they OK with people using their testing services (free loading). Is it customary to tip the pool store staff person? This is all new to me.
For some tests like CYA there are only enough chemicals in the Taylor kit for a few tests and I'm quickly going through my FAS-DPD.
So is there anything wrong with relying on the Pool store tests? Are some pool store tests indeed accurate and trustworthy. Will the pool store staff expect me to start purchasing "pool additives" at some point or are they OK with people using their testing services (free loading). Is it customary to tip the pool store staff person? This is all new to me.