How long does a TF100 or K2006 kit last?

[PoolNewb2020]

Hi,
I can't seem to find any information on this. I just got my pool installed and only have test strips for now, but would like to get a proper test kit as well.

How long should I expect the kit to last with daily or every other day checks? I'm in California, so the pool will be open all year round, but I understand that during the rainy season I would not have to test as often as in summer.

 

[duraleigh]

The kit will last you more than a year if you don't go wild on the testing. Once you get used to the kit, testing weekly is commonplace.

 

[Shirker]

My last TF100 lasted 2+ seasons. We sold our house and I left the new owners whatever was left.

 

[sacredcow]

So far, mine have seemed to last a year, but I'm in Houston and never close the pool so I'm testing year-round (albeit less during the winter months).

 

[PoolNewb2020]

So far, mine have seemed to last a year, but I'm in Houston and never close the pool so I'm testing year-round (albeit less during the winter months).

This looks similar to my situation. A year is a perfectly long enough time.

Thank you for your feedback.

 

[Richard320]

More than a year, except maybe the FAS-DPD stuff during the first year, because you'll be having too much fun with the Junior Scientist Playset. My pool never really closes, but in the winter it doesn't take much.

 

[ComputerGuyInNOLA]

Mine is 8 years old. I purchase a refill kit every spring when they go on sale. Get the speedstir and the aluminum measuring tool. It makes testing go much faster. I also keep my pool open year round. When I first got on this forum I tested every day. After a year my testing slowed way down. I was logging all my test results and after the first year I no longer needed to test as often because I knew instinctively what and when to check certain things. I still check chlorine and PH two to three times a week during swim season (once a week in winter) but Calcium Hardness, Alkalinity, and CYA I test monthly. I know how they move after so much testing in the beginning. I think it is a good thing to keep your pool open year round if possible. No surprises when you open and your pool always looks awesome. Good luck!

 

[Daddydoom17]

This is going to sound silly but... Where do I find said TF-100? When I search this I get a bunch of k2006 k1004.
Am I missing something or maybe somebody can point me in the direction of a good link to buy from?

 

[kellyfair]

In my sig! The website is TFTestKits.net.

 

[TishTash]

If the kit’s original reagents end up lasting more than a year, shouldn’t they be replaced? Or can one stretch ’em out a bit.

 

[CraigChing]

I have a Taylor 2006 and the reagents all have a valid expiry stamped on them. I honor that and regularly reorder new reagents as they expire from a good source. I have seen some reagents that don’t have an expiry (e.g. some I got free from a pool store that offered them to me for free), definitely don’t trust those.

 

[TishTash]

I have a Taylor 2006 and the reagents all have a valid expiry stamped on them. I honor that and regularly reorder new reagents as they expire from a good source.

Good point. It appears many (but not all) do have about a two-year lifespan.

 

[Dadofthree74]

I’m in my first month of having a pool and this forum. I am
Like a mad scientist with the Taylor 2006c. I test the chlorine and ph daily ( twice a Sometimes) so I get a feel/trend of what the pool is doing.

I have had to order some extra refill regents including the fas-dpd (r-0871) and the cya r-0013 and a speedstir. They ship quick from tfttestkits.net

 

[setsailsoon]

TF 100 performs more tests because it has more reagents and was cheapest cost/test so I bought mine 6 years ago. Both kits use Taylor reagents that are very high quality. I've found the tests to be reliable for at least two years when they are stored inside. Hot humid conditions made my FC test powder degrade and can cause the tube to get black so I keep the kit in a bathroom cabinet inside. But it still works - if you have this issue clean the tube with vinegar. It comes right off with no scrubbing so tube doesn't get scratched. Store in dry cool temps and you'll never have this issue.

I replace reagents every other year when they go on sale at TFTestkits. Since we swim year round I usually need a refill or two on the FAS-DPD reagents. If you time it right you can get these on sale too. In a pinch you can buy online but some have reported old reagents shipped when you do this.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

 

[Richard320]

If the kit’s original reagents end up lasting more than a year, shouldn’t they be replaced? Or can one stretch ’em out a bit.

I’m in my first month of having a pool and this forum. I am
Like a mad scientist with the Taylor 2006c. I test the chlorine and ph daily ( twice a Sometimes) so I get a feel/trend of what the pool is doing.

I have had to order some extra refill regents including the fas-dpd (r-0871) and the cya r-0013 and a speedstir. They ship quick from tfttestkits.net

We've seen you.

madscientist.jpg

• Richard320
• Apr 11, 2019

 

[Shirker]

If the kit’s original reagents end up lasting more than a year, shouldn’t they be replaced? Or can one stretch ’em out a bit.

I know it is a bit of a gamble. I keep my test kit in my desk drawer. Inside. Room temp. Low humidity. No light. I probably would not keep much longer than 2 years but I will cross that bridge if I get there.

 

[mguzzy]

I know it is a bit of a gamble. I keep my test kit in my desk drawer. Inside. Room temp. Low humidity. No light. I probably would not keep much longer than 2 years but I will cross that bridge if I get there.

Just keep the reagents in as consistent an environment as possible. Don't put them someplace where the temp goes up and down. Mine is in a drawer in a room off the kitchen next to the wine rack, that stays pretty stable temp wise. If I put it in the laundry room it would be subject to the heat and humidity of the washer/dryer every time someone ran a load of clothes.. just sayin'

 

[Homebrewale]

The two reagents that I find I need more of before the expiration date hits is R-0871 for testing FC and R-0718 to test salt level. Some like R-0630 would last my lifetime if there wasn't an expiration date.