Taylor Pool Test Kits: Which Kit Should You Buy?
Compare Taylor K-2006, K-2005, saltwater kits, basic testing options and replacement reagents. Choose the right testing method and avoid buying supplies that do not fit your kit.
Shop Taylor Pool Test KitsShop Taylor K-2006 FAS-DPD KitsFind the Right Taylor Test Kit
Need precise chlorine testing? Start with the K-2006 FAS-DPD. Prefer color matching? Compare the K-2005. Already own a kit? Search by the reagent number on your bottle.
SHOP BY NEED
Choose a Taylor Kit for the Tests You Actually Need
Six distinct shopping paths: two complete-kit methods, a saltwater bundle, a basic kit, a salt test and compatible refills. These are not interchangeable products.
Taylor K-2006
Measures free and combined chlorine by FAS-DPD drop-count titration, with pH, acid/base demand, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid tests. With the prescribed sample size, chlorine resolution is 0.2 or 0.5 ppm per drop; it is not a salt test.
Not a salt-level test by itself. Confirm the seller includes the full K-2006 kit, current reagents and instructions.
Taylor K-2005
Taylor’s complete kit uses a DPD color comparator for chlorine and bromine, while also testing pH, acid/base demand, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid. Its chlorine readout depends on comparing the sample to printed color standards.
Color interpretation depends on lighting and the user. Choose K-2006 if FAS-DPD chlorine titration is the priority.
Taylor K-2006-SALT
Adds a sodium-chloride drop test to the K-2006 FAS-DPD chlorine and water-balance tests. This is a practical bundled option for saltwater pools; verify the SALT suffix in the product title and packaging.
Check whether the listing is the SALT version; a standard K-2006 is not the same bundle.
Taylor K-1004
A genuine 6-way DPD pool/spa kit for more limited routine checks. It is not a substitute for the complete 2000-series kit when you need calcium hardness and cyanuric-acid results.
Not equivalent to the complete K-2005 or K-2006 testing range; compare the exact parameters before buying.
Taylor K-1766 salt test
A standalone sodium-chloride drop-count kit for checking pool salt concentration. It complements rather than replaces chlorine and water-balance testing; follow the included sample-volume and drop-count instructions.
Salt testing alone does not replace chlorine, pH, alkalinity or stabilizer testing.
Taylor replacement reagents
Replace only the bottles used by your specific method and comparator; match Taylor R-numbers.
Match the exact R-number, bottle size and comparator specified by your kit. For example, Taylor phenol-red R-0004 and R-0014 are not interchangeable. Check best-by dates before use.
BUYER'S DECISION GUIDE
Which Taylor Testing Method Makes Sense?
Choose the method first, then the bundle and refill size. The most expensive kit is not automatically the right one for every pool.
FAS-DPD or color matching?
K-2006 uses drop-count FAS-DPD for free and combined chlorine; K-2005 uses DPD color comparison. Taylor identifies the chlorine method as their principal difference. Choose based on how you prefer to read chlorine results.
Do you own a salt pool?
Consider K-2006-SALT if you need a complete kit plus salt testing. If you already own a suitable chemistry kit, a separate K-1766 salt test may be the more targeted purchase.
How often will you test?
Residential owners may be better served by smaller reagent bottles than oversized service refills. Reagents are perishable and should not be stockpiled beyond their useful life.
Can you read the results reliably?
Color tests depend on proper lighting and technique. Drop tests require consistent sample volumes, correct reagents and accurate drop counting. Follow the exact kit instructions.
BEFORE YOU ORDER
Taylor Test Kit Purchase Checklist
Match the testing method and included supplies to your pool and current kit.
- Choose FAS-DPD titration or DPD color matching for chlorine.
- Check whether you need a salt test in the kit or as an add-on.
- Verify the exact K-series model number and included reagents.
- For refills, match the R-number, bottle size and comparator instructions.
- Check the reagent best-by date and the seller's return policy.
- Store reagents away from sun, heat and pool treatment chemicals.
Use the manufacturer's instructions for sampling and handling reagents. Never mix test reagents with pool treatment chemicals.
BUYER QUESTIONS
Taylor Pool Test Kit FAQs
Five purchase decisions that affect which kit or refill belongs in your cart.
What is the difference between Taylor K-2005 and K-2006?
Taylor states that the primary difference is the chlorine test: K-2005 uses DPD color matching, while K-2006 uses FAS-DPD drop titration. Both are complete chemistry kits; compare the current contents before ordering.
Does the K-2006 test pool salt?
The standard K-2006 does not include the salt test. Look for the K-2006-SALT version or a compatible separate salt test such as K-1766.
Can I use any Taylor phenol red or chlorine reagent?
No. Taylor cautions that reagents and comparators can require specific formulations and sample sizes. Match the printed R-number and kit instructions.
How often should I replace Taylor reagents?
Taylor advises seasonal reagent replacement and replacing any bottle past its printed best-by date. Store tightly capped, away from sunlight and treatment chemicals, at 36–85°F (2–29°C).
Is the K-1004 enough for my pool?
It can be a lower-cost starting point for routine checks, but it does not provide the same full test package as the K-2005 or K-2006. Check the parameters you need before buying.
KEEP COMPARING
Related Pool Testing Resources
Get more from your kit by understanding which readings matter and how to use them.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Ready to Choose a Taylor Test Kit?
For detailed chlorine testing, start with the K-2006. For color-matching chlorine tests, compare the K-2005. Saltwater owners should check the SALT bundles or K-1766; existing kit owners should match exact reagent numbers before ordering.
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