Reliable Test Kit?

[viking]

I need to purchase a reliable (and comprehensive if possible) pool test kit. I have need to test spa water (not a spill over). I've heard pros and cons about so many that are available. I need to test my water daily. Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

[Watermom]

The test kit that we recommend for pools is the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C and is available through the test kit link in my signature below. But, I'm not sure if it will be useful for a spa or not. Do you use chlorine in your spa or bromine?

[viking]

Chlorine. I have a swcg fiberglass pool. Never heard of using bromine. We have drained the spa into the pool then refill spa from the pool to share chemicals, this would be easiest to maintain spa water...(But not so sure if that is best)....pool guy recommended this. Any advice?

I just noticed a thread about the k2006. I have a swcg.... Get salt strips or is there anything else?

Also, could you please advise what the ideal range for TA and Total Hardness levels are for salt water fiberglass pools? The pool company that has been testing for us does not show a separate calcium harness level, just TH.
Also, it shows TC ideal range 1-3 and CYA 60-200. Please advise if this is really ideal for my pool. I have researched this and am getting conflicting ideal numbers. (I'm new to all of this!)

Love this forum! I feel confidant about the info I am gathering.
Thanks!!!!


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Any advice on how spa water should be maintained is appreciated. Thanks so much! (it is next to pool, same fiberglass as pool, but not a spill over)


EDIT by moderator: 2 posts in queue merged.

[aylad]

If you keep a CYA of 60-200, and a TC of 1-3 ppm, you're going to have a perpetually green, swampy pool and spa, especially down here in Louisiana!! Take a look at the "best guess chart" linked in my sig. Your CYA level is going to be determined by the manufacturer of your SWCG unit--each of those units has its own requirement to make the unit work as efficiently as possible. Then, your chlorine level is going to be determined by the CYA level (check the chart).

Your ideal TA range on a pool that has a SWCG is around 70-80 ppm. I don't know about the hardness level, I'll get one of the SWCG folks to check it out. I know that calcium buildup is a common problem of the SWCG cells, so I'm not sure of the answer there, but someone here will know.

The K-2006, along with the salt strips, should be a good set up for your testing needs (the testkit link in my sig has info on both of them).