Pool Test Kits

[dar0rn]

Where can I get the best pool tester for my water?

[aylad]

Hi, and welcome to the forum...you can use the link in my sig to order the test kit we recommend, which is the Taylor K-2006.

Janet

[Watermom]

Hi Darlene, and welcome to the forum! You'll love that Taylor test kit. It will do everything you need a test kit today and allow you to better manage your pool. If you use the link in Jan's post that she referred you to, it will not only get you a great kit from Amazon but also the Pool Forum makes a little money in the process. I also want to thank you for becoming a subscriber. It is much appreciated!

[PoolDoc]

Hi dar0rn;

Keep in mind that when we say "best" we mean "for most people". When you say "best" you mean, "best for me". Probably, they are the same thing, but without more information from you, we can't be sure.

For example, if you have well water, you may need the K2006 + some metal test kits. Or, if you are color-blind (like around 1% of the population) you may need a test strip kit + a reader. (Even though they aren't very accurate, they will be more accurate FOR YOU than a color match based kit.) And so on.

You can run a pool well, if you are familiar enough with the pool and your local water, using just an $10 OTO + phenol red kit. The Taylor has enough information for most situations and -- very important -- includes the DPD-FAS test for chlorine which allows accurate testing of higher chlorine levels.

Ben

[CarlD]

What's good about the K-2006, is that it is the most versatile kit available. Plus, for special conditions there are add-ons available, such as tests for salt, copper, iron and borates. Refills for all the tests in the K2006 are readily available on line. It's best to store the kit in a cool, dry dark place. The chems, called "reagents" last longer.

Carl

[chem geek]

In this post I compare the Taylor K-2006 against some test strips. There is really no comparison in resolution nor accuracy. Also, as Ben mentioned, the K-2006 uses a FAS-DPD chlorine test that does not bleach out at high chlorine levels the way the DPD test does and it is more accurate to within 0.2 ppm for a 25 ml sample size and can even read up to 50 ppm (using more DPD powder). The less expensive DPD chlorine test that is read visually only goes from 0-5 ppm with roughly 1 ppm accuracy though even that's a stretch.