Complete Test Kits
TF-100
The TF-100 is a complete test kit packaged by TfTestKits using Taylor reagents and has the same tests as the K-2006C. The quantity of each reagent is a bit different then the K-2006C and is sized for the frequency of tests you do following the TFPC Methods. The Tf-100 is able to test for Calcium, CYA, pH, Total Alkalinity, and Free Chlorine. It allows the user to test for Free Chlorine using both a FAS-DPD kit as well as the OTO Kit. The FAS/DPD test allows a user to test chlorine well above 5 ppm, up to 50 ppm, and is performed by counting drops to change the sample color from pink to clear, instead of trying to color-match to a compactor, making it very accurate to get your true FC and CC levels. The OTO test is a quick way to check for the presence of chlorine making it great for in between FAS/DPD tests.
If you are planning to do a lot of chlorine testing due to algae, planning the SLAM Process, or doing a Baquacil conversion, then you may want to order the XL Option and have additional reagents for the test.
Taylor K-2005 / Leslie's 81330
The Taylor K-2005 is a test kit that gets pushed by many larger “pool stores” who feel it will kill a user if their chlorine level EVER goes above 5 parts per million (ppm). It tests pH, TA, CH, CYA VERY well, but it’s shortfall is how it tests chlorine levels. The K-2005 uses a “DPD” chlorine test which has three very large pitfalls:
1. The DPD chlorine test will NOT show accurate results above 5 ppm. This is an issue if you wish to follow TFP methods, as we teach that it’s best to maintain a ratio of chlorine to CYA, see the Chlorine/CYA Chart, not just a firm 1-4 ppm.
2. The DPD chlorine test uses “color-matching.” You add a few drops of reagent to the water and then match the pink sample color to the comparator. It’s easy to mismatch the true levels.
3. Perhaps worst of all, the DPD chlorine test's pink sample color can "bleach out." If the chlorine is well above the 5 ppm limit, the pink sample color after the reagent is added can fade out or even remain clear. This can lead one to believe the chlorine level is MUCH lower than reality, potentially leading to adding even more chlorine to the pool.
In short, the K-2005 is a good kit.........it’s just not very accurate in chlorine testing.
TFP Methods requiring FC of more than 5 ppm, such as the SLAM Process and higher CYA levels, cannot be tested with the DPD chlorine test in the K-2005. You need the FAS/DPD chlorine test found in the TF-100, Taylor K-2006 or K-2006C.
If you have the K-2005 you can separately buy the FAS/DPD Chlorine Test to make your kit equivalent to the K-2006.
Taylor K-2006 / Leslie's 81329
The K-2006 is a step up from the K-2005 test kit. It contains the same pH, TA, CH, and CYA tests just like in the K-2005, with the upgrade to the “FAS/DPD” chlorine test. This allows a user to test chlorine well above 5 ppm, up to 50 ppm, and is performed by counting drops to change the sample color from pink to clear, instead of trying to color-match to a comparator, making it very accurate to get your true FC and CC levels.
This is a complete kit and is the “minimum” a user should consider. The pitfall of the K-2006 is the small amount of reagent supplied for the FAS/DPD and CYA tests. Users who buy this kit often need to order refills rather quickly, especially if dealing with a problem in their pool.
Taylor K-2006C
The K-2006C kit is the next step up. This kit is complete and contains all the same tests as in the K-2006, but has “supersized” reagent quantities. It does a good job giving you accurate results PLUS contains more reagents.
You’re not going to run out of test supplies for a while with this kit. However, the K-2006C is the most expensive recommended test kit and many of the reagents may expire prior to using them up, especially for some of the less frequently required tests, like CH and CYA.
Test Kits Compared
You can see a breakdown of how many “tests” you can expect from each kit at Test Kits Compared.
Test Kit Accessories
Speedstir Magnetic Stirrer
The Speedstir Magnetic Stirrer makes testing easier, more consistent, and more accurate by automatically mixing the pool test water and reagents instead of hand swirling tests after each drop. It also contains a light which makes the color changes more visible, especially in low light.
Speedstir Magnetic Bars
These are used with the Speedstir to "mix" the water. Some people like to purchase extra bars to thus allowing them to preform multiple tests without having to wash off everything between each test.
