Building a new pool...Owner Builder. Recommendations for new equipment

[Machster]

Thanks for the advice. I actually spent the $99 on Ben's site. It has been great! I have designed the pool..Pool w/ spa spilling into the pool. I have been researching, and have come to the conclusion that Jandy, Hayward and Pentair are all similar in price. I want to go with one that will let me add in automation as I can afford it. i will be buying the test kits, and as I read it, the C version has more reagents? Any suggestions on a online site to buy my equipment?
Thanks!

[PoolDoc]

I have little experience with Jandy, but I don't like Zodiac, who owns them.

I've worked with both Pentair and Hayward products many times over the years. But, that doesn't mean I'd go with one mfg or the other. Both companies have some products in their line up that are very sub-standard in design. For example, the Pentair (StaRite) System3 cartridge system is considered by many to be awful. On the other hand, some of the pumps Hayward introduced in the past decade have been worse.

[Watermom]

The Taylor K-2006C doesn't have more reagents, just larger bottles (2-oz. vs. 0.75-oz.) of some of the most used ones. It is actually a better buy.