Every experienced pool owner would agree that accurate knowledge of the chemistry of pool water is the foundation of a clean, healthy and hygienic pool. And no, cheap test strips and the unprofessional testing from a company do not suffice.
If you want to stay on top of the condition of your pool, a proper testing kit is an absolute necessity. On top of that, you need to take matters into your own hands with a reliable test kit.
The battle between the TF-100 and the Taylor K-2006 for the best commercially available test kit is not a new one. If you have not yet resolved it and are still torn, here is a detailed comparison between both these kits to make matters easy for you.
You can also read any one of my comparisons between some of the other popular test kit option:
Number Of Parameters
TF-100:
The TF-100 is particularly popular for offering more tests than most other kits. It allows you to test 7 different parameters of your pool’s chemistry, which are listed below:
- Chlorine Test (OTO)
- Chlorine Test (FAS/DPD)
- pH Test
- Calcium Hardness Test
- Combined Chloramines Test
- Total Alkalinity Test
- Cyanuric Acid Test
K-2006:
The K-2006 kit comes with 5 different tests. Although it offers fewer options than the TF-100, it does cover the essential tests that are employed frequently. Here is a list of the parameters that can be tested with a K-2006 kit:
- Chlorine Test (FAS/DPD)
- pH with acid/base demand
- Calcium Hardness Test
- Cyanuric Acid Test
- Total Alkalinity Test
Accuracy of Measurement
In terms of accuracy, there are almost no appreciable differences in most tests of the TF-100 and the K-2006 kit, and they are both regarded as highly accurate. This is because both these kits use the reagents manufactured by the same producer, Taylor.
Therefore, their reagents share physical and chemical properties and are likely to give you the same result. However, there are significant differences in the ranges of two of the tests, as mentioned below.
TF-100:
The pH test of the TF-100 covers a wider range of pH than most other tests. It can read pH changes between 6.8 to 8.2. This means that if your pool troubles you with extremes of pH, tf-100 will provide you with a more accurate and clearer picture.
TF-100 is also superior to most other kits in terms of precision of Cyanuric Acid test. It can easily read CYA values of up to 20 ppm, which is quite impressive.
K-2006
Although the pH test comparator of K-2006 is famous for its big size and easy readability, the negative about it is the narrow pH range. It can read values between 7.0 to 8.0, which is considerably lesser than that of tf-100. Hence, there is a real possibility of inaccuracies while recording extremes of pH values.
Similarly, for the CYA test, K-2006 is less approximate as it can read values till 30 ppm only.
Ease Of Use
TF-100:
Most users of the TF-100 kit swear by its user-friendliness. It is designed in an easy-to-read manner with bigger vials and simple scales so that you can notice any miniscule changes in readings as well.
The kit includes almost all the essential tests that you might need, which saves you from the hassle of buying a large number of different tests every other day. Moreover, the pH range of the pH test in this kit is wider than most other test kits, which allows you to easily determine any extremes of pH that your pool might face.
However, it is imperative to mention that the test kit is large, with the components placed haphazardly in a relatively unorganized manner. This makes the carrying and storage of this kit slightly cumbersome.
K-2006:
The K-2006 test kit is known for its smart, compact and well-organized packaging. This not only makes the sorting of the reagents more manageable, but also allows for easy storage. Furthermore, the comparator of the pH test block of K-2006 is fairly large in size, which makes the color interpretation quite straightforward.
Refills
As we have mentioned before, both TF-100 and K-2006 use the same reagents as both kits get their supplies from the same manufacturer. This means that the reagents and their refills can be used interchangeably for both kits, and are easily available. An exception to this is the pH test reagents, which are unique in their concentrations.
The refills for both these test kits are available at multiple places. You can get a complete refill set that contains all the reagents, for around $108 for TF-100 (7 reagents) and approximately $69 for K-2006 (5 reagents). Alternatively, you can get individual reagents refills in 0.75 to 1.0 ounce bottles.
Therefore, it is safe to say that both TF-100 and K-2006 are at the same level where the availability and quality of refills is concerned.
Cost and Value to Money
TF-100:
Owing to its greater number of tests and reagents, TF-100 retails at a relatively higher cost than the K-2006. You can check the latest price at Amazon by clicking here since it is subject to change.
However, when the accuracy and quantities of reagents are considered, one can easily see that the value offered for the money is quite reasonable.
K-2006:
The K-2006 retails for a significantly lower price than TF-100. This makes sense, as it has fewer tests and lesser quantities of reagents. You can check the latest price at Amazon by clicking here since it is subject to change.
Having said that, it is important to note that the tests and reagent quantities that come with K-2006 are sufficient for a residential pool. Thus, it does offer good value for your money. Ultimately, it all comes down to the requirements of your pool.
Conclusion- Which One is Better for You?
From the discussion above, it can be easily inferred that both TF-100 and K-2006 have their merits. However, given its greater number of tests, approximately 36% more reagent and greater ease of use, it can be safely said that TF-100 offers a higher value for your money. Nonetheless, the final decision comes down to the preference of the owner and the requirements of the pool.
Alternatively you can go ahead and invest in an automatic pool chemistry monitoring system. As such, do read these comparisons:
We have also compiled a list of the best available automated chemical monitors out there, which you might want to check out, if you decide to go for one.
If you liked this comparison, you are bound to love our other comparisons:
