Which testing kit to use?
- Thread starter Sjde
- Start date
I prefer tests where you count the number of drops rather than color matching , but is the test for pH always a color- matching one?
- May 3, 2014
- 58,717
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
yes. Or get a pH meter and properly calibrate it regularly.
Near as I can tell , the Taylor K-2006 uses the color change method for bromine/chlorine (counting the drops) and not the color match method like the TF-100?
santacruzpool
Gold Supporter
The TF-100 has 2 chlorine tests included - one is with the color matching OTO test block and it isn't very accurate, it really just shows if you have chlorine or not! The second is the FAS-DPD powder test which is much better and very accurate.
For just a hot tub you should be able to get away with one of the smaller test kits Taylor offers -- Here is an older post from one of the top experts on this board discussing use of the smaller Taylor test kits for a Hot Tub (Taylor K-2015 Test Kit):
Best test kit for small (215 gal.) spa?
I also like the high value Taylor 9056 test block that kit comes with because I can easily test up to 10ppm Chlorine with the DPD drops, which works out great for a hot tub. If you don't like color matching in a test block then then FAS-DPD Powder test will be better for you.
The TF-100 has the FAS-DPD powder tests and is a great value, even if it gives you a few tests you might not need, it is still nice to have, and if you have a pool it is really needed.
For just a hot tub you should be able to get away with one of the smaller test kits Taylor offers -- Here is an older post from one of the top experts on this board discussing use of the smaller Taylor test kits for a Hot Tub (Taylor K-2015 Test Kit):
Best test kit for small (215 gal.) spa?
I also like the high value Taylor 9056 test block that kit comes with because I can easily test up to 10ppm Chlorine with the DPD drops, which works out great for a hot tub. If you don't like color matching in a test block then then FAS-DPD Powder test will be better for you.
The TF-100 has the FAS-DPD powder tests and is a great value, even if it gives you a few tests you might not need, it is still nice to have, and if you have a pool it is really needed.
Last edited:
Thanks, santacruzpool
I have the TF 100 but have only been using the Taylor blue box kit with color match because it has a bromine reading. I wonder if I can use the other powder test?
I have the TF 100 but have only been using the Taylor blue box kit with color match because it has a bromine reading. I wonder if I can use the other powder test?
santacruzpool
Gold Supporter
For bromine, if you are going to test with the FAS-DPD powder, you will need the R-0872 reagent instead of the R-0871 that comes with the TF-100 kit...
santacruzpool
Gold Supporter
"Most Taylor Technologies reagents have a shelf life of 2 years at the date of manufacture. Taylor recommends, as a general precaution, replacing all reagents more than one year old, or at the beginning of a new testing season."
I tend to use up the DPD powder, R-0871, the PH and the OTO drops each season and so I have to replace those each year. After 2 seasons I will buy a full TF-100 refill set from TF-100 Refills (hint: they usually go on sale at some point in the fall and spring!).
For my pool at least, I don't ever use up the CH tests or the TA tests in 2 years of use. It seems like the CYA test amount is just about perfect for 2 seasons for me - I test CYA once a month or so during the swim season so I squeak out a little more than 1 year from those less frequent tests.
If you ever need to SLAM the pool, or have other problems, then the tests can get used up a lot quicker.
I tend to use up the DPD powder, R-0871, the PH and the OTO drops each season and so I have to replace those each year. After 2 seasons I will buy a full TF-100 refill set from TF-100 Refills (hint: they usually go on sale at some point in the fall and spring!).
For my pool at least, I don't ever use up the CH tests or the TA tests in 2 years of use. It seems like the CYA test amount is just about perfect for 2 seasons for me - I test CYA once a month or so during the swim season so I squeak out a little more than 1 year from those less frequent tests.
If you ever need to SLAM the pool, or have other problems, then the tests can get used up a lot quicker.
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