Recommended test kit and accessories

[kkgator]

Hi! We are days away from plaster and need to order a test kit. The builder will be maintaining the pool for the first 30 days, but we'd still like to get a head start on testing and understanding the chemistry. Based on what I've read, the TF-100 seems like the best option for a new pool owner - my question is, what is the best value for my order?

Specifically:
Do we need the XL version? vs the regular test kit?
Which of the Salt test trips would be best to add (if any, we do have a salt pool though) - the options are Salt Test Strips - Aqua Chek or Taylor K-1766 Salt Test
Speedstir seems to get good reviews, necessary?

Alternatively, do one of the bundles make more sense?
http://tftestkits.net/TF-100-Bundles-c21/
Contemplating the TF-100 Start Up vs the Start Up XL. We haven't purchased anything yet for pool care, so I'm not sure if the brushes, etc are necessary or just nice to have.

Thanks for your help!

 

[triptyx]

Unless you're fighting algae and SLAMing, the XL option is overkill. The regular sized reagents in the TF-100 will last you a full season.
Love my SpeedStir. It's not 100% necessary, but being able to just set the cylinder in the SpeedStir and add drops without having to hold the cylinder and swirl it manually makes testing a lot faster and easier (and potentially more accurate depending on your swirl technique).

The wall whale and skimmer angel are nice, but if you already have a pool brush, and don't mind just reaching in and grabbing the skimmer basket, you may not need those items. Price it out separately and make your own judgment call.

With regards to the salt test - I'd tend to go more towards the K-1766 since I like precision, but you would probably be ok with the strips as accuracy isn't quite as critical with salt.

Congrats on your new pool!!!!

 

[cfherrman]

Get the speed stir

 

[kkgator]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[csrpenfab]

Taylor Speed stir and sample sizer make testing very quick and easy. Both are worth the $$ in my book.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Love the Speed Stir, I can live without the sample sizer.

I'd order a few extra magnetic beans for the Speed Stir so you can move from one test tube to another in testing without having to dig it out of the previous sample to use it again.
....or in my case you keep tossing your finished test tube samples into the grass and tend to lose the bean now and then.

Maddie

 

[DebbieO]

Gotta have my Speedstir!