Hi Everyone! Our pool is almost done which means I’m starting to research how to take care of it…this site has been great! The consensus I’m seeing is: stay away from strips and get the TF-100. Am I correct in my assumption? If I go the TF-100 route, how much are you spending in a year for refills? I know some tests should be daily, some weekly, etc. so I’m unsure how long everything will last from the initial TF-100 bundle I buy. I’m also slightly thinking about the Waterguru. I’ve read decently good things, but does anyone have any comments? Thanks!
Beginner in test kits
- Thread starter chad.smith6682
- Start date
MITBeta
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- May 28, 2020
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- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
The base kit should last you a whole season or more, depending on what issues you may or may not have (if you have an algae problem, you'll need more reagents to test for FC/CC - but you won't have that problem since you're starting off on the right foot already). Annually, you might spend another $50 on refills, but what you will save by doing your own testing you will save many, many times over in avoiding pool store potions.
jark87
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- Jun 5, 2011
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A good test kit is by far the most important piece of “equipment” you can own when it comes to maintaining your pool. The chlorine test elements are usually the only ones I run out of prior to expiration dates. Cost of refills is so minimal that I couldn’t tell you what I spend on them. Get in the habit of testing Free Chlorine, Total Alkalinity, and pH several times a week. It will get you comfortable with the tests and you’ll start to understand the nuances of your individual pool, as they’re all different. Other tests, like CYA, calcium hardness, salt, etc. don’t need to done frequently because they don’t change quickly.
If you have a SWCG, you’ll get the cell’s chlorine production dialed in after awhile and you will then figure out just how often you need to test. I’m comfortable with weekly testing and even less during winter months. I usually know what the results are going to be before testing. I spend around 10 minutes a week “maintaining” my pool.
Good luck with your new pool - you’re opening up at the right time of year!
If you have a SWCG, you’ll get the cell’s chlorine production dialed in after awhile and you will then figure out just how often you need to test. I’m comfortable with weekly testing and even less during winter months. I usually know what the results are going to be before testing. I spend around 10 minutes a week “maintaining” my pool.
Good luck with your new pool - you’re opening up at the right time of year!
jark87
Silver Supporter
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,308
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BTW, I’m pretty sure the Waterguru uses test strips. If so, I wouldn’t trust it.
What is the WaterGuru Cassette and where can I get a replacement Cassette?
WaterGuru Cassettes hold strips of sensing pads that measure chemistry. You can purchase a cassette right here on our website.
arvil
Well-known member
Some of my test reagents last up to 2 years. I use the TA and CH tests on both my aquarium and pool, so I buy the larger bottle of the R12 and it lasts me most of a season.
Get the TF100 pro or the TF100 pro salt. It's the TF100 in a MUCH nicer case and the smart stir. Two things that you will absolutely LOVE. The base case leaves alot to be desired and you will be getting your own tackle box or groaning forever about it.
The smart stir is ***hands down the best thing you can buy for your pool***
You are welcome to use a wide arrangement of automated testers as a backup. Whether it's for convienece or getting your geek on. But you must make them constantly prove they are close enough to the drop based kit. Most are off more often than not. But maybe you notice the XYZ always is 15% higher on FC. Then you can account for that until you run the real tests on Sunday.
Either way, take a month or two and get good at the tests first. Once you are a pro and know it backwards/forwards, experiment at will.
The smart stir is ***hands down the best thing you can buy for your pool***
You are welcome to use a wide arrangement of automated testers as a backup. Whether it's for convienece or getting your geek on. But you must make them constantly prove they are close enough to the drop based kit. Most are off more often than not. But maybe you notice the XYZ always is 15% higher on FC. Then you can account for that until you run the real tests on Sunday.
Either way, take a month or two and get good at the tests first. Once you are a pro and know it backwards/forwards, experiment at will.
jark87
Silver Supporter
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,308
- Pool Size
- 25500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
I use a Taylor test kit and can attest that the above statement is true. In addition to the Taylor kit box, I also have a plastic bag to hold testing supplies.
I thought the speed stir was overrated based on price, until my son gave me one as a gift. It makes testing so much quicker and easier! While on the subject of conveniences, I’d add the Taylor sample sizer.Now if someone could come up with an alternative to the dot test……
I took a peek at their site and found this, which made me LOL:
What water do they think enters the skimmer that isn't surface water?
Once you get your pool dialed in you'll be doing the FC/CC pH once or twice a week.
Then you'll do the TA and CH monthly
CYA maybe every two months?? I do mine about q 3months unless somethings changed in my pool. Alas...Nothing ever changes in my pool. LOL So my kit refills last up to 2 yrs. A small price to pay for never having algae in 10 years, eh?
Maddie
Its Golf Week in Augusta!! 
Then you'll do the TA and CH monthly
CYA maybe every two months?? I do mine about q 3months unless somethings changed in my pool. Alas...Nothing ever changes in my pool. LOL So my kit refills last up to 2 yrs. A small price to pay for never having algae in 10 years, eh?
Maddie
Its Golf Week in Augusta!! Thanks for the info. We are getting a salt pool so I would get the TF Pro Salt. I am slightly confused though. The description says it comes with reagents to perform a salt test, but then also gives you an option to buy salt strips. Do I need salt strips if I’m buying the TF Pro salt?
Not needed at all. The kit is consoderably more accurate and you never need a daily spot check. The salt (CYA and CH too) does not come out unless you exchange water. (Rain or hose) it creeps down slooooooooowly and you have lots of time to see it coming.
A root canal is not a true alternative, but it makes the "dot" test seem much less bothersome.