The price of $68.00 for the TF-100 remains the same as it has for the past four years.
Options
1. The Speedstir - I thought this little device was somewhat frivolous until I got one for my kit and started using it....Wow! It really makes the tests more accurate and precise.
2. Borates Test Strips - If you use borates in your pool, or plan to, these strips will provide you adequate accuracy to keep your borates around the 50ppm recommended mark.
3. Salt Test Strips - If you have a salt pool, testing the salt content of your pool water is very important.
4. Taylor K-1776 Salt Test - For those with salt pools and wanting more precision than the Salt strips can provide.
5. The "XL" option - Last year, we sold a TF-100XL kit who's only difference was double the volume of the two most expensive reagents. It was really a good way for people with green pools (algae) or performing baquacil conversion to get the extra testing materials they needed and save some money doing so. This year, we have simply included those extra ingredients into the XL option rather than describe it as a different kit.
The TF-100 contains 7 tests.....each designed to help you understand the condition of your pool water. Combined, these tests give you a perfect "picture" of your water. The results will let you know, even if your pool is perfectly clear, that you may need to make some adjustments to keep it that way.
(If your pool is a "Green Monster" (algae laden) or suffers from some very noticeable water problems, the XL option will provide you even more of the chemistry you need most to clear your pool quickly. It will also provide you the information needed to analyze what's wrong and help you take the corrective steps necessary.)
The tests included in the TF-100 are:
- Chlorine Test (OTO) - Very dependable for detecting the presence of chlorine in your pool - normally used daily. The most common cause of pool water problems is lack of chlorine.
- pH Test - This important parameter of your pool water should be tested frequently. Too high and you can form calcium deposits (scaling). Too low and you can damage your equipment.
- Chlorine Test (FAS/DPD) - This test seperates the TF-100 from cheaper "bargain" kits......most simply do not have this test. Measuring chlorine VERY precisely, even up to 50ppm+, this test is indespensible to a pool owner.....especially when correcting pool water problems.
- Combined Chloramines Test - CC's are a good indicator of the need to shock your pool. The TF-100 can measure CC's down to .2ppm. Cheaper kits will not have the CC's test.
- Calcium Hardness Test - measure the CH of your pool water and your fill water as well. This allows you to control and manage this important parameter. Excessive calcium contributes to scaling and too little can damage your plaster.
- Total Alkalinity Test - TA buffers your pH. While there is a lot of latitude with this parameter, close monitoring (testing) several times during the summer is essential.
- Cyanuric Acid Test - CYA protects your chlorine from sunlight. It must be kept at the proper level to be effective. Again, the cheaper kits do not perform this essential test
All packed carefully in a customizable, large plastic case, these kits come complete with all the chemistry and hardware you need. Thorough instructions will guide you step by step through each test and provide you with guidelines to tell you what levels are acceptable.
There is a waterproof Recording Log on the front of the kit to record your results so you can monitor and/or counteract any trends developing in your pool water.
If you would like even more detailed information on the tests, just click on the test kit instructions under "More Info" above and on the left of the screen.
Now, there are five options available for the TF-100 that allow you to choose the things most helpful to your individual pool..........each option is substantially discounted when purchased in conjunction with the TF-100
The TF-100, already the finest residential pool water testing kit in the US, has undergone another major change for 2011......making it unquestionably the best value among pool testing kits.
