What is Taylor Test Kit?

In the pool service industry, accurate water testing forms the foundation of every successful maintenance program. While numerous testing options exist on the market, one brand has consistently earned the trust of professionals worldwide: the Taylor Test Kit. For over 75 years, Taylor Technologies has set the gold standard for pool and spa water analysis, with their K-2006 kit becoming the go-to choice for serious pool service professionals who demand precision and reliability in their daily operations.

What Makes Taylor Test Kits the Industry Standard

Taylor Technologies has built its reputation on scientific precision and reliability since 1947. Unlike basic test strips or digital meters that can provide inconsistent results, Taylor Test Kits use liquid reagent chemistry and drop-count titration methods that deliver laboratory-grade accuracy in the field. The company's commitment to quality has made their testing systems the preferred choice for pool service professionals, health departments, and commercial facility operators.

The most popular model among pool service professionals is the Taylor K-2006, often referred to as the "complete" test kit. This comprehensive system allows technicians to test for nine critical water balance parameters, providing a complete picture of water chemistry in a single, portable kit.

Components of the Taylor K-2006 System

The K-2006 kit includes everything needed for professional water analysis:

• Free and Total Chlorine Testing: Uses the FAS-DPD (Ferrous Ammonium Sulfate) method for accurate readings even in heavily chlorinated water
• pH Testing: Phenol red indicator provides precise pH measurements from 6.8 to 8.2
• Total Alkalinity: Drop-count titration method ensures accurate alkalinity readings
• Calcium Hardness: Essential for preventing scaling or corrosion issues
• Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): Critical for outdoor pools using chlorine sanitization
• Salt Testing: Valuable for salt chlorine generator systems
• Acid/Base Demand: Helps determine precise chemical dosing requirements

Why Professional Pool Services Choose Taylor

Accuracy That Builds Trust

When your reputation depends on maintaining crystal-clear, perfectly balanced pool water, accuracy isn't optional—it's essential. Taylor Test Kits provide the precision needed to make confident dosing decisions. Unlike test strips that can be affected by humidity, age, or user interpretation, Taylor's liquid reagent system delivers consistent, repeatable results that you can stake your business reputation on.

The FAS-DPD chlorine testing method used in Taylor kits is particularly valuable for pool service professionals because it remains accurate even at high chlorine levels, where test strips often "bleach out" and become unreadable. This accuracy is crucial when dealing with commercial pools, shock treatments, or troubleshooting chlorine demand issues.

Comprehensive Water Balance Analysis

Professional pool service isn't just about maintaining chlorine levels—it requires understanding the complete water chemistry picture. The Taylor K-2006 enables technicians to assess all critical parameters and their interrelationships. For example, high cyanuric acid levels can mask true chlorine effectiveness, while improper calcium hardness can lead to scaling or etching problems that result in expensive repairs and unhappy customers.

This comprehensive approach allows professionals to use tools like the Langelier Saturation Index calculator to ensure water balance perfection and prevent long-term equipment damage.

Best Practices for Taylor Test Kit Usage

Proper Testing Procedures

To maximize the accuracy of your Taylor Test Kit results, follow these professional protocols:

• Sample Collection: Always collect water samples from elbow depth, away from return jets and skimmers
• Clean Equipment: Rinse testing vials with pool water before collecting samples
• Follow Drop Counts: Count drops carefully and consistently—rushing leads to errors
• Proper Lighting: Perform tests in good lighting conditions to accurately read color changes
• Fresh Reagents: Replace reagents annually and store them in cool, dry conditions

Maintenance and Calibration

Professional-grade equipment requires professional-grade maintenance. Store your Taylor Test Kit in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Reagent bottles should be tightly sealed and dated when opened. Most reagents have a shelf life of one year once opened, though some may last longer under proper storage conditions.

Regular calibration using Taylor's control standards helps ensure ongoing accuracy. This is particularly important for high-volume service companies where test kits see heavy daily use.

Integrating Taylor Test Results with Chemical Management

Accurate testing is only valuable when combined with precise chemical dosing. Once you've obtained reliable test results from your Taylor kit, use professional tools like the chemical dosage calculator to determine exact chemical additions needed for optimal water balance.

For pools with elevated cyanuric acid levels—a common issue in service work—the cyanuric acid calculator helps determine appropriate chlorine targets based on current stabilizer levels, ensuring effective sanitization despite high CYA readings.

Documentation and Customer Communication

Taylor Test Kit results provide concrete data that supports professional recommendations. Documenting test results helps track trends, justify chemical treatments, and communicate water quality status to customers. Many successful pool service companies use Taylor test data to create detailed service reports that demonstrate their professional approach and build customer confidence.

Maximizing Your Investment in Professional Testing

While Taylor Test Kits represent a significant investment compared to basic testing methods, they pay dividends through improved service quality, reduced chemical waste, and fewer callback visits. Accurate testing leads to precise chemical dosing, which prevents over-treatment costs and reduces the likelihood of water balance issues that require emergency service calls.

Professional testing also enables proactive problem identification. Trends in calcium hardness, total dissolved solids, or cyanuric acid levels can be spotted early, allowing for preventive measures before serious problems develop.

The Taylor Test Kit represents more than just a testing system—it's a professional tool that enables pool service technicians to deliver the precise, science-based service that today's customers expect. By combining Taylor's proven accuracy with proper testing procedures and professional chemical management tools, service professionals can maintain superior water quality while building a reputation for expertise and reliability. For comprehensive definitions of testing terminology and procedures, reference our complete pool service terminology glossary to enhance your professional knowledge base.