Testing kit question

[lastevns]

I am about to invest in my test kit. I know you suggest one of two types: the TF Test Kit for about $100 (including shipping). Then there's the Taylor K-2006C. The Taylor is more expensive (like $140 best price on Amazon). Oddly, it seems that in your comparison of the two, the Taylor (though more expensive) doesn't seem to have your basic Chlorine OTO test. So, how would you test chlorine levels? Am I reading this wrong? I'm considering the Taylor because there is a deal on an unopened kit but, in addition to wondering if the deal is on a legitimate test, I'm wondering if there is really no OTO test.

 

[Noreaster]

OTO is junk - the health dept doesn't even recognize it for public pools, TFTK uses it for just a check if chlorine is present. Actually, IIRC the TFTK uses a taylor PH in a kit that includes the OTO, so its only there because it would be labor to remove it. The 2006 (and the TFTK) uses FAS-DPD for accurate chlorine tests.
The largest difference in testing between the 2 is the taylor kit has ACID/BASE demand tests. The TFTK has better proportions of reagents.

 

[ajw22]

The OTO chlorine test comes with the TFT test kit because it is stapled to the pH test that you need.

The FAS/DPD chlorine test should be used from either test kit.

Pool Test Kits - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Newdude]

I had my OTO block on my chop saw about to whack it in half when I realized the unnecessary chlorone side was a great spot to hold it for full view of the PH side.

Get the TF-Pro. It has a really nice case and includes a smartstir which will be your favorite part of thr whole thing. It's only $10 more than the 2006c and with free shipping it may even be a wash. You will likely spend the $44 on a smartstir eventually with either the TF-100 or 2006c.

 

[lastevns]

OTO is junk - the health dept doesn't even recognize it for public pools, TFTK uses it for just a check if chlorine is present. Actually, IIRC the TFTK uses a taylor PH in a kit that includes the OTO, so its only there because it would be labor to remove it. The 2006 (and the TFTK) uses FAS-DPD for accurate chlorine tests.

Okay, so it seems the FAS-DDP test gives a more accurate reading of chlorine. Cool.

The largest difference in testing between the 2 is the taylor kit has ACID/BASE demand tests. The TFTK has better proportions of reagents.

Not certain what an ACID/BASE demand test is. I will have to look this up.

Thank you for the info. Everyone here is so great to help. I plan to become a supporter once this pool stops putting me in the poor house .

 

[lastevns]

The OTO chlorine test comes with the TFT test kit because it is stapled to the pH test that you need.

The FAS/DPD chlorine test should be used from either test kit.

Pool Test Kits - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Was just reading that. Trying to figure out the best kit. It would seem Taylor should be better as it's more expensive. But, that is how you think when you don't know better, I guess. When I was learning about wine I asked an expert how to know a good wine from a bad one. He said, "Your taste buds... but, if they're not attuned to wine, then go by the price tag." In this case, does the price difference between the two suggested kits (TFT 100 and Taylor K2006C) reflect a quality difference? I can get the Taylor sooner. But if the TFT is better, I'm willing to wait.

 

[Newdude]

I plan to become a supporter once this pool stops putting me in the poor house

Just a FYI, being a Supporter gets you a discount at TF testkits. It's all spelled out on the Supporter page. If you're going to do both, do them now and save future you some bucks. Thanks either way for considering us.
Support TFP

 

[Noreaster]

Not certain what an ACID/BASE demand test is. I will have to look this up.

Not going to be super useful for a vinyl pool. When testing PH, you then use the demand drops to calculate how much acid or base you need to get to your target.
Its most useful for a plaster pool when its opened for the first time and drinking alot of acid.

 

[Noreaster]

Was just reading that. Trying to figure out the best kit. It would seem Taylor should be better as it's more expensive. But, that is how you think when you don't know better, I guess. When I was learning about wine I asked an expert how to know a good wine from a bad one. He said, "Your taste buds... but, if they're not attuned to wine, then go by the price tag." In this case, does the price difference between the two suggested kits (TFT 100 and Taylor K2006C) reflect a quality difference? I can get the Taylor sooner. But if the TFT is better, I'm willing to wait.

The reagents in both kits are taylor. Its all about the portion sizes and the packaging.

 

[ajw22]

TFT is a better value.

Did you read the link I gave you? It is explained there…

Pool Test Kits - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Newdude]

Test Kits Compared was just updated with the TF-pro and current pricing.

IMO, the TF-Pro is a SLAM dunk. The 2006C has more of the reagents that you won't need often. If you prefer having extra just in case, that's OK too. But FC and PH are daily tests. The others are weekly or monthly once you have a grip on it in a couple weeks.

 

[lastevns]

TFT is a better value.

Did you read the link I gave you? It is explained there…

Pool Test Kits - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Reading them now. Thank you. I initially assumed that was the comparison of kits. Just looked and there's lots more in your link. Thank you. Was also looking at support levels. The money off the TFT is kind of a cool bonus. I wonder, though, how long these take to send. When I go to the site I am seeing delay messages. Hopefully those are taken care of by now.

 

[Newdude]

I wonder, though, how long these take to send. When I go to the site I am seeing delay messages.

So far it was only things that were easily work around-able. I forget who just got a kit but it was missing the scooper and they got it a week or two later. They got by fine with a popsicle stick or whatever they used instead. The last delayed item was acid demand which isn't needed at all. Sure it's fun to feel more science-y, but put the regular PH test in pool math and it does all the calculations for you.

PoolMath is like the BFF that always let's you cheat off her. She is the BEST.

The kits usually come in 3-4 days. Pretty quick.

 

[lastevns]

So far it was only things that were easily work around-able. I forget who just got a kit but it was missing the scooper and they got it a week or two later. They got by fine with a popsicle stick or whatever they used instead. The last delayed item was acid demand which isn't needed at all. Sure it's fun to feel more science-y, but put the regular PH test in pool math and it does all the calculations for you.

PoolMath is like the BFF that always let's you cheat off her. She is the BEST.

The kits usually come in 3-4 days. Pretty quick.

Oh cool! I thought it would be more like weeks. Thank you!

 

[IceShadow]

The Taylor K-2006c is targeted at commercial (thus the c) or professional pool companies that manage multiple pools. We recommend it over the K-2006, because it has more FAS-DPD tests in it. The K-2006 is aimed at residential pools, but for lower FC levels like 1-3 where you don't use many drops. (TFP recommends higher FC levels as the relationship between CYA and FC are recognized here and not in the "standard" way of pool care.)

The TF-100 has less of the other reagents but the same amount of the FAS-DPD tests, which makes it a better value for people who follow TFP methods.

Also, the K-2006c comes with a case. The standard TF-100 is just the bottles for the tests, no case included, unless you get the TF-100 pro.

For what it's worth: When I first started, I was very concerned that the website and forum were here to make money selling test kits, so I bought a Taylor kit off Amazon instead. (Completely unfounded fear, but everyone seemed to be selling me stuff when I was looking into pool care so I was a bit wary.) The next time I replace reagents I'm getting a TF-100 pro instead. I end up with so much wasted reagent that the smaller TF-100 reagents (aside from FAS-DPD test) makes much more sense.

 

[lastevns]

The Taylor K-2006c is targeted at commercial (thus the c) or professional pool companies that manage multiple pools. We recommend it over the K-2006, because it has more FAS-DPD tests in it. The K-2006 is aimed at residential pools, but for lower FC levels like 1-3 where you don't use many drops. (TFP recommends higher FC levels as the relationship between CYA and FC are recognized here and not in the "standard" way of pool care.)

The TF-100 has less of the other reagents but the same amount of the FAS-DPD tests, which makes it a better value for people who follow TFP methods.

Also, the K-2006c comes with a case. The standard TF-100 is just the bottles for the tests, no case included, unless you get the TF-100 pro.

For what it's worth: When I first started, I was very concerned that the website and forum were here to make money selling test kits, so I bought a Taylor kit off Amazon instead. (Completely unfounded fear, but everyone seemed to be selling me stuff when I was looking into pool care so I was a bit wary.) The next time I replace reagents I'm getting a TF-100 pro instead. I end up with so much wasted reagent that the smaller TF-100 reagents (aside from FAS-DPD test) makes much more sense.

Yeah, I assumed TF-100 was from TroubleFreePool and someone here told me the kit was assembled by TFP with Taylor reagents. But, provided there is a disclosure, I don't have an issue. I've received so much from this site. I want to support it. But, for a moment, I was wondering until someone just stated it, outright.

 

[ajw22]

Yeah, I assumed TF-100 was from TroubleFreePool and someone here told me the kit was assembled by TFP with Taylor reagents.

TFT is a separate business from TFP which is a 501(C) non-profit website supported only from donors and no advertising.

 

[duraleigh]

Let me clear up a couple of things.....

The TF-100 is a complete kit that comes with it own plastic box. It's a little home-made looking but the container will last many years if you take reasonable care.

The TF-Pro is much slicker and more professional looking. It holds the reagents upright which likely reduces spillage. The BIG BIG difference from the others is the TF Pro contains the SmartStir........hands down the accessory that everyone really loves and uses the most. You will have the "mad scientist" grin on your face once you discover it's use!

I strongly disagree that the OTO test is junk. There is NO TEST MORE DEPENDABLE for detecting the PRESENCE of chlorine. It is not precise but it is a quick and worthwhile sanity check that some folks use almost daily. Used correctly and with some experience, you can actually read your level of FC close enough for everyday use and will detect trends in your FC level quite readily

Each person can test his own way but the OTO test (R-0600) is an important component of TFP methods, Oh yeah, did I mention it is about 10% of the cost of the FAS/DPD test!

 

[lastevns]

Just ordered my TF-100. When my nightmare with the pavers is handled, I will be ready to go (I hope). Thanks to all who have helped!

 

[lastevns]

Let me clear up a couple of things.....

The TF-100 is a complete kit that comes with it own plastic box. It's a little home-made looking but the container will last many years if you take reasonable care.

The TF-Pro is much slicker and more professional looking. It holds the reagents upright which likely reduces spillage. The BIG BIG difference from the others is the TF Pro contains the SmartStir........hands down the accessory that everyone really loves and uses the most. You will have the "mad scientist" grin on your face once you discover it's use!

I strongly disagree that the OTO test is junk. There is NO TEST MORE DEPENDABLE for detecting the PRESENCE of chlorine. It is not precise but it is a quick and worthwhile sanity check that some folks use almost daily. Used correctly and with some experience, you can actually read your level of FC close enough for everyday use and will detect trends in your FC level quite readily

Each person can test his own way but the OTO test (R-0600) is an important component of TFP methods, Oh yeah, did I mention it is about 10% of the cost of the FAS/DPD test!

Well, I just have the testing kit that came with my pool cleaning tools so I have been using the OTO test daily. About to drain, replace pavers and get my TF-100. Hoping I will do it all right the second time around.