Best test kit for beginner with Autopilot SWG and Autopilot chemistry controller

MCarr · Aug 30, 2015

I am new to maintaining my pool and I really appreciate the information on this site! I need to purchase a test kit and it appears that the Taylor K2006C and the TF-100 are recommended the most. Is there one of these that I should get over the other given that I have never done this before and considering the type of automated system I have?
Thanks for any advice you can give me.

jblizzle · Aug 30, 2015

I recommend the TF-100. Add the Taylor salt test well. And the SpeedStir is a great addition.

Donldson · Aug 30, 2015

The TF-100 has really been optimized around the TFPC methods, so while the k-2006 is an excellent kit I think the TF-100 is the better choice.

zimm · Aug 31, 2015

What they said. I've had a TF100 for 3 seasons. Speed stir last summer (how did I live without it?). Salt test is really only needed to first set up a salt pool. The auto-pilot has a built in salt test and I've confirmed it reads the same as the Taylor salt test kit does for me.

jblizzle · Aug 31, 2015

zimm said:
What they said. I've had a TF100 for 3 seasons. Speed stir last summer (how did I live without it?). Salt test is really only needed to first set up a salt pool. The auto-pilot has a built in salt test and I've confirmed it reads the same as the Taylor salt test kit does for me.

Except that when salt cells start to fail they generally read lower and lower salt levels than reality so you need an independent test to verify that.

YippeeSkippy · Aug 31, 2015

Get the salt test... your salt level can very well vary from the SWG readings (mine do) and the test needs to be run a couple of times a year if you get massive rain requiring pump out or water replacement. Its not an expensive test and it is far more accurate than test strips or the SWG.

MCarr · Aug 31, 2015

Excellent. Thanks to everyone who replied. I will order these items. I really appreciate the help!