Recommendations for smaller test kit

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spf30

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Apr 28, 2009
188
Hanna City, IL
Since it's already been an expensive start to the season (lost additional 5" of water when we turned the filter on, not knowing the spider gauge was broken so water poured out the waste line before we discovered it!), Im looking for a bit less expensive test kit.

I want a quality kit, but with the Taylor 100, etc, it seems I spending more for items I don't need with an above ground pool (unless I'm not understanding something!). Is there a smaller, less expensive but quality kit that will cover all the necessary tests needed for AGP, or do I just need to spend the $$ and get the Taylor 100 and just not use what's not needed? Thanks!
 
I don't think the AG versus IG matters, my friend. My pool is only 6,800 gallons, much smaller than yours, and I still need the FC, CC, CYA, PH, TA, and even CH tests. Trust me. Get the full kit, test the water like TFP teaches, and you'll be much happier you did.
 
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The only test you do not need, if your fill water is low in calcium, is the CH test. The rest are needed regardless.

The TF100 is the best value. The Speedstir/Smartstir makes testing easier, but is not necessary.
Or get the K2006. You likely might need refills of FAS-DPD and CYA before years end, but upfront the cost will be a few dollars less than the TF100.
 
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spf30 said:
Im looking for a bit less expensive test kit.
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Don't cut corners getting a quality test kit. It's by far the best money you'll spend on your pool. I'm surprised you don't have one already since you've been a TFP member since 2009.
 
pjt said:
Don't cut corners getting a quality test kit. It's by far the best money you'll spend on your pool. I'm surprised you don't have one already since you've been a TFP member since 2009.
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I have used them, which is why I thought there were a few tests i didn't really need with above ground (maybe it was just the Ca, but I thought there were a couple others that were just for in ground), or seemed like a lot was wasted, but used more of other reagents. And no, I didn't want to cut corners, which is why I asked for quality recommendations. Just wondered if there was a scaled down version (but if I need them all, I need them all!. Must have been doing something wrong all this time!
 
mknauss said:
The only test you do not need, if your fill water is low in calcium, is the CH test. The rest are needed regardless.

The TF100 is the best value. The Speedstir/Smartstir makes testing easier, but is not necessary.
Or get the K2006. You likely might need refills of FAS-DPD and CYA before years end, but upfront the cost will be a few dollars less than the TF100.
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I must have been doing something wrong all this time, as it seemed there were a few tests that were related to inground (plaster, etc). But it could be the other chemicals were always fine so didn't think they applied. I'll just spring for the 100 then. Not trying to be cheap, it's just been an expensive start, so checking if there is another option besides the $85 for kit plus $15 shipping (or at least find something local to avoid the shipping! Ok, maybe I am being cheap in a way!).
 
mknauss said:
Add the SmartStir and the shipping is free I believe.
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I didn't use Taylor last year, so can't recall what I had, etc. But can you tell me what reagents, if I purchase the 100 set will I most likely need to purchase more of before the season is over? I recall always running low on something (probably Cl), but thought I'd grab a refill while Im ordering if it will most likely be needed.
 

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