I gave up on drops a long time ago and now use a test strip that checks for 7 things. Made by AquaChek.

The Taylor K-2006 is probably the best home test kit you can get. It uses FAS-DPD chlorine testing which is pretty much the gold standard. It's widely available online. The Trouble Free Test Kit is based on the K-2006 but is a better value because the reagents are "rightsized"; it's available at http://www.tftestkits.com/. A good test kit is the single best investment you can make in your pool.

sc14, I'm not sure what trouble you had with the drop-based tests you used in the past but the Taylor kits are very simple to use and will consistently give you reliable results; test strips are pretty much useless (except for a couple of specialized tests).

Hi fpool13,

I got the Taylor Deluxe kit last year from In The Swim, because I read a some good things about it. However, to be honest, it was more advanced than I needed. I really only check for Ph and chlorine, so most of the other tests are never used. For any of the the other tests, I take a sample to the pool store a couple of times a year. Last time I was right on, except for the Acid, which I was there to buy anyway.

The chlorine test is a little cumbersome, since I have to add two scoops of powder to turn the water pink, then some drops make it clear. Finally I have to multiply the number of drops by 0.2 or 0.5 (depending on how much water was used) to get the result. I will confess that I am a little lazy, and prefer adding drops, then comparing colors. It may not be as accurate, but it is close enough.

It does have a test for combined chlorine which I have used a few times. However, according to the guy at the pool store, CC shouldn't be a problem since I have an SWG. So far he has been correct.

So.. the short answer is that in my humble opinion, it is a nice kit if you want to do a lot on your own. Otherwise, you might want to find a cheaper alternative.

Hope that helps,
Have a great day,
Deron

I spent some time reading that other website (I think it's called poolforum?) and another one where they recommended that if you DIDN'T want to shell out a lot of money for the Taylor kit, buy AquaChem 6 way (and they mentioned a few others), but I found it at K-Mart for $18 and bought it there. I was getting nervous because my test strips do not always give an accurate reading, and my neighbor, who works for a pool company, tested my water with his Taylor kit one day and everything was WAY off the test strip readings.

At least the test kit gives me slightly more peace-of-mind.

I would challenge anybody to dip a strip and read pH and gt the same result from a reagent kit. Your eyes are not that good.

The Taylor DPD kit, in any form is the industry standard. I'm puzzled at those who say theyhave to do this and that. 5 drops of R001, 5 of R002 and you have a free chlorine reading. 5 of R004 and you have pH. Pretty simple and way cheaper per test than a strip. Also, no way to contaminate your solutions like you can with a strip.

The only strip I recommend is the Aqua Check as it is great for those who simply can't get it right or are color blind. Strip goes to a digital reading.