New to forum, pool advice.

[Mucho]

Hey all, I'm in South Florida. We had a pool installed March 2016 and it has been going great.

Here's what I have:
Salt pool, 36x15 sport style
Pebble Sheen Surface
All Pentair products

PB gave me basic instructions on maintenance using test strips weekly, and all has been going fine, but I have been finding myself going to the pool store for more accurate readings and I'm tired of them trying to sell me everything they carry. It's time to get more detailed on my own starting with my own test kit, which is probably the best place to start.

Do you guys recommend any particular test kit to buy. It seems there are a few options.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jimrahbe]

M,

Welcome to TFP... A Great resource for all your pool questions...

Most people here use the TF-100 and speedstir from... http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwim4LG16oPSAhULULwKHSHaDX4QFggaMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftftestkits.net%2FTF-100-Test-Kit-p4.html&usg=AFQjCNFHHDB37tMMf14cxxZBJCqAksUBeQ&bvm=bv.146496531,d.cGw

The accuracy of the Pool $tore tests are just slightly better than that of guess strips... You are so much better off testing your own pool water.

If you have not yet read our "Pool School" than I suggest you do using the link at the top of this page.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! I love my TF-100 ..............with Magnetic Speed Stir.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Well Mucho, I'm glad you found us and I'm glad you asked! Yes, we do recommend two test kits:

The TF-100 (a best buy) or the Taylor K-2006. Both can be found at TFTestkits.net on the eastcoast, or Pool Supplies, Spa Supplies and Parts on the west coast, or on Amazon. Being that you're in FL, you'll probably get the fastest delivery from TFTestkits.net directly.

The kits will give you *accurate* results for : FC, CC, pH, TA, CH, CYA. And the FC can be tested up to 50ppm which is a LOT better than those cheap-o kits that only go to 5ppm.

With a salt pool, I ike to have my own salt test- Taylor's K-1766.

We don't put much faith in pool store test results because the testing is more often than not incorrect, and of course they want to sell you a bazillion dollars worth of magic cure for what ever inaccurate result they found. Who needs it? Your own testing is *always* more accurate as you have a vested interest in getting it right.

Holler back if you have any other questions

Yippee

 

[kimkats]

FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE! Hey TX! You better watch out! We are catching up to you!~

Hi Mucho!! SO glad you found us. You poor thing for two reasons-PB gave you "guess" strips for testing and your pool store has been making your wallet poor

BUT you have found TFP and all is going to be good now!

Here is THE link to THE best test kit around: TFTestkits.net

The reason I think it is the best is has more of the tests we use on a daily bases. Here is a sample schedule we use on our pools:

Pool School - Basic Pool Care Schedule

Here is the whys and hows of what we do here at TFP:

Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

We LOVE to help others learn how to care for their own pools. We know it can be overwhelming at first but are willing to walk you through it as you need it.



Kim (Jim, Pat, Yippee-look at our time stamps LOL)

 

[clambert1273]

Welcome!!! Take your shoes off and hang out a while You have the best of the best here to help you... and trust me, they can and will! I second the TF-100 and speed stir... my husband calls it my magical pool juju kit

 

[Mucho]

All, thanks for all the replies. I'll give the TF-100 a try... and I definitely plan on sticking around. I have browsed around the pool school...will do more tonight after work and when the 3yr old is down for the count....and for thenrecord, I have not bought anything from the pool store lol Its been either Walmost or Lowes...although I must admit I haven't bothered looking for better deals in a long time. Thanks again.