Contents of TF-100 test kit:
- R-0014 - 0.75oz dropper bottle
- R-0600 - 0.75oz dropper bottle
- TF Comparator Block (for R-0014 pH testing and R-0600 OTO chlorine testing)
- R-0007 – 1 oz dropper bottle
- R-0008 – 1 oz dropper bottle (dark green fluid)
- R-0009 – 1 oz dropper bottle
- R-0010 – 1 oz dropper bottle
- R-0011L – 1 oz dropper bottle (dark blue fluid)
- R-0012 – 1 oz dropper bottle
- CYA View Tube with black dot at bottom of tube
- R-0003 – ¾ oz dropper bottle
- R-0870 - 10g small white jar*
- R-0871 – 2 oz white dropper bottle
- Graduated Cylinders (2)
- R-0013 – 8oz bottle (remove protective seal to dispense)
- Red Tipped CYA Mixing Bottle (please cut off top 1/8” of tip)
- Small Blue Scoop (hold flat end and use scoop end)
*The R-0870 DPD powder jar contains a full 10 grams. The jar is intentionally oversized to prevent spilling when you scoop powder from the jar.
The TF-100 contains 7 tests
Each test is 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.
The tests are:
- Chlorine Test (OTO) - Daily qualitative test that is very reliable for detecting the presence of chlorine in your pool, rather than the quantity. The most common cause of pool water problems is lack of chlorine.
- pH Test - This important parameter of your pool water should be tested daily. Too high and you can form calcium deposits (scaling). Too low and you can damage your equipment.
- Chlorine Test (FAS/DPD) - This test measures free chlorine VERY precisely, even up to 50ppm+. This test separates our kit from cheaper "bargain" kits and is invaluable when fighting an active algae problem.
- Combined Chloramines Test (CCs) - CCs are a good indicator of the need to SLAM your pool. This test can measure CCs accurately down to 0.2ppm.
- Calcium Hardness Test (CH) - measure the CH of your pool water and your fill water as well. This test allows you to control and manage this important parameter. Excessive calcium contributes to scaling and too little can damage plaster.
- Total Alkalinity Test (TA) - TA prevents sudden and drastic pH changes. This parameter has a large range of acceptable levels, but testing several times during the pool season is essential.
- Cyanuric Acid Test (CYA) - CYA protects your chlorine from sunlight. It must be kept at the proper levels 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 through each test and provide you with guidelines to tell you what levels are acceptable.
What add-ons do I need?
"Your Trouble-Free Test Kit" is our new starter guide and instruction manual, available as an add-on for TF-100 kits. This manual details how to effectively manage your pool water using the tests in your TF test kit. For each pool water parameter, the manual explains the associated chemistry concepts, how to increase or decrease levels, recommended ranges, testing instructions, and other important tips. The manual also includes helpful reference charts, pro tips and tricks, answers to frequently asked questions, and QR codes that link to video test tutorials. With the addition of this manual, the TF-100 is a comprehensive and all-inclusive tool to keep your pool water perfectly balanced.
You might consider adding a Smart Stir or Taylor SpeedStir to your TF-100 (one is already included in all TF-Pro kits) if you are new to managing your pool and want testing to be as simple as possible. These magnetic stirring devices save you a significant amount of time by mixing your testing instantly and more consistently than swirling your cylinders by hand.
You might consider adding the SLAM Option, which includes additional R-0870 DPD powder and R-0871 FAS/DPD reagent, to your kit if you are fighting an active algae problem. The additional reagents will offset the more frequent testing you will perform as part of the SLAM process (Shock, Level, and Maintain).
You might consider adding Taylor borates test strips to your kit if you choose to utilize optional borates in your pool. More information regarding the use of borates can be found here on Trouble Free Pool.
You might consider adding Taylor salt test strips to your kit if your pool or spa utilizes a saltwater chlorine generator. Drop-based tests for salt (included in TF-Pro Salt and TF-100 Salt) are more accurate, reliable, and cost efficient. However, there is no denying the simplicity and ease of using a test strip, which is why we offer both drop-based tests and test strips for salt.
You might consider adding the Standard Sampler to your kit if you are a newcomer to drop-based testing and want to verify that your methods and results are accurate and free of interference. Standard solutions take the place of your pool water and contain known water parameter levels, as opposed to your pool water which is unknown until tested. The standard solutions can also assist with the more subjective pH test and CYA test, demonstrating the expected color or turbidity endpoint so you know how to read your testing perfectly.
You might consider adding the pH Tester to your kit if you are looking to simplify your daily pool testing process. The pH tester produces a pH reading that is accurate to +/- 0.1 pH in about 15 seconds. Using the pH tester is as simple as turning it on and dipping it into your pool. The LCD screen is backlit and easily read, and the package includes calibration materials so that you can ensure the accuracy of your tester. The batteries on the unit are also replaceable so this tester can be used for future pool seasons. If you are SLAMing or plan to SLAM, this tester will allow you to keep track of your pH even when your FC is high.
You might consider adding the C-600 multifunction meter to your kit if you are looking to simplify your daily pool testing process and explore more advanced topics in pool water chemistry. The C-600 tests for a variety of water parameters including pH, temperature, salt, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity (EC), redox potential (ORP), and specific gravity (SG). Using the C-600 is as simple as turning it on and dipping it into your pool. Then, in just a few seconds, the C-600 can tell you the pH and salt levels in your saltwater pool! Salt testing reagents are expensive and this meter provides an alternative method for testing your pool's salt levels. If you are SLAMing or plan to SLAM, this tester will allow you to keep track of your pH even when your FC is high. The meter can also function as an instant read thermometer, useful for calculating calcium saturation index once you are more versed in balancing your pool's water. This factory-calibrated meter is usable straight out of the box, but also includes pH calibration solutions for future recalibration. TDS, EC, ORP, and SG are not parameters that we routinely test for, however these may be indicators of sanitary conditions and may correlate with how quickly your pool consumes chlorine.