The K2006 Decision

[FormerBromineUser]

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I hear you. I wasted many thousands of dollars over the years following pool store advice and I am SO grateful that I found this forum and all the kind and generous folk here. Saints all, even when frustration peeks through.

My initial reason for starting this thread was to query the frequent recommendation of the HTH 6-way. However, JimK's comment about being "confused" brought out another thought or two.

I remember my intense trepidation at the thought of purchasing the K2006 and using the BBB method. I was in the midst of a severe pool crisis which had me emotionally and economically exhausted. I was terrified of relying on a test kit that I had no idea how to use and cost $95 (bad timing on the price). The thought of trying one more thing was almost too much.

Also, as a new member, I read many posts with unresolved issues (I was not knowledgeable enough at the time to understand why...) and I was not convinced the forum would provide the support I knew I would need. How many new members have felt the same way?

In my case, patience prevailed on the forum, Ben and Richard mostly, assuring me that I was in good hands. I bought my freedom, the K2006.

[CarlD]

The reason for the recommendation of the HTH 6-way drop kit is that it is usually immediately and inexpensively available, and has a good pH, TA, CH and CYA test, as well as an OTO test that goes to 5 ppm instead if the usual 3. With steam-distilled water for dilution you can measure total chlorine levels fairly accurately up to 20-25 ppm. Using color descriptions you can measure/estimate higher levels. But you cannot get an FC or CC reading from it.

You can use any hammer to drive a nail. But if you plan on driving a lot of nails you'll want the best hammer you can find to hold up down the years. The K-2006 is the best "hammer".

[Watermom]

My initial reason for starting this thread was to query the frequent recommendation of the HTH 6-way.

I think the main reason we suggest the HTH 6-Way drops kit is because it has a CYA test in it. Many people come on the forum and have algae and want help to get it fixed NOW. But, unless we know what their CYA reading is, we have no idea how high they are going to need to take their chlorine to be effective. Without that critical piece of information, we can't give good advice. We either tell them a shock level that is too low to do anything or tell them a shock level that is too high which puts their liner at danger of being bleached out.

So, though Carl is right that the kit also contains other useful tests, it is the fact that it can give us a CYA level to work with that is the main reason we ask people to buy it.

[PoolDoc]

it is the fact that it can give us a CYA level to work with that is the main reason we ask people to buy it.

I would say there are 4 reasons:

1. Unlike the K2006, the HTH 6-way is available IMMEDIATELY (if it's available at all). This allows users to get started solving things immediately.

2. As WM said, it contains a fairly accurate CYA test. CYA values are (a) critical and (b) almost always BADLY measured by strips.

3. It contains an OTO kit, which allows rough estimates of chlorine levels above 10 ppm. This contrasts with DPD color match tests (max 5 ppm) or strips (max 10 ppm). If someone has algae, this is REALLY important since, as WM noted, we want to avoid bleaching liners if possible, but we have to get to FC = 20% of CYA or higher to kill algae!

4. When users don't have complicated problems, the HTH 6-way may be sufficient . . . and it's about 1/3 the cost of a K2006.

[Big Splash]

I think cost isn't the only resistance out there with the k-2006. For many, there's a bit of intimidating learning curve to overcome. What appeals to the secret mad scientists in some, doesn't for others.

[JimK]

I think cost isn't the only resistance out there with the k-2006. For many, there's a bit of intimidating learning curve to overcome. What appeals to the secret mad scientists in some, doesn't for others.

I was in this category when I first bought a pool. However, over time it became apparent that blindly following the pool store's advice just wasn't working. Learning how to test and take charge of pool maintenance myself armed with info from this site was the best thing I did as a pool owner. Not only am I saving a ton of money, but pool care is much easier. Now I spend much more time enjoying my pool rather than fighting it.

[CarlD]

I think cost isn't the only resistance out there with the k-2006. For many, there's a bit of intimidating learning curve to overcome. What appeals to the secret mad scientists in some, doesn't for others.

Yeah, the instructions are more intimidating than they need to be. Most of the tests are really simple, just Taylor's instructions are tough. Plus, very few if us bother with the acid demand and base demand tests at all!

[PoolDoc]

You are correct, of course.

I'm not sure how to help that, except by making and posting some better videos.

But the bottom line remains: without accurate info, we often can't give genuinely useful advice.