LaMotte ColorQ Pro 7 & Pro 9 Vs. Taylor K-2005 & K-2006 Test Kits: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to pool water testing, having the right equipment is essential for maintaining water quality and ensuring your pool chemicals are balanced. Two of the most popular brands in the pool water testing industry are LaMotte and Taylor. The LaMotte ColorQ Pro 7 & Pro 9 and Taylor K-2005 & K-2006 test kits are some of the most commonly used options, and they each offer different features and capabilities. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between these two brands and their specific models to help you choose the right test kit for your pool service needs.

1. Overview of LaMotte ColorQ Pro 7 & Pro 9

LaMotte is known for its user-friendly, digital testing solutions that provide fast and accurate results. The ColorQ Pro series is highly regarded for its ease of use and the precision it offers with a digital readout. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:

LaMotte ColorQ Pro 7

• Test Parameters: Tests for 7 key pool water factors: Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, Cyanuric Acid (CYA), and Bromine.
• Digital Display: Provides a digital readout of test results for ease of interpretation. No need to compare colors manually.
• Fast Results: The ColorQ Pro 7 delivers results in just a few seconds.
• Ease of Use: Ideal for both professionals and homeowners, as it reduces the complexity of traditional drop-based testing kits.
• Accuracy: Offers highly accurate readings with the added benefit of reducing human error during color matching.
• Portability: Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around to different pool locations.

LaMotte ColorQ Pro 9

• Test Parameters: Tests for 9 factors: Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, Cyanuric Acid (CYA), Bromine, Cooper & Iron.
• Expanded Testing: Adds Copper & Iron testing, making it ideal for pools with saltwater systems or pools that require phosphate control.
• Advanced Digital Display: As with the Pro 7, it features a digital display for easy reading and interpretation of test results.
• Quick and Accurate: Results are displayed quickly, with a high degree of precision.
• Compact Design: Still compact and portable like the Pro 7, but offers more test options, making it versatile for different pool setups.

2. Overview of Taylor K-2005 & K-2006 Test Kits

Taylor Technologies has been a trusted name in pool testing for decades. Their K-2005 and K-2006 kits are standard choices for pool professionals who prefer using traditional drop-based testing methods. Here’s what sets them apart:

Taylor K-2005

• Test Parameters: Tests for 5 essential pool water factors: Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity, and Cyanuric Acid (CYA).
• Comprehensive Chemistry: The K-2005 is a comprehensive kit that offers essential testing for most pool types, but it doesn’t include tests for salt or phosphate levels.
• Drop-Based Testing: Uses liquid reagents that are dropped into sample vials. Color changes are compared manually to the included color chart.
• Accuracy: Highly accurate results with a long-standing reputation for precision. However, accuracy depends on the user’s ability to match colors properly.
• Portable Case: Comes with a durable, organized carrying case, making it easy to transport and store.

Taylor K-2006

• Test Parameters: Tests for 6 factors: Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity, Cyanuric Acid (CYA), and Calcium Hardness.
• Advanced Testing: Adds Calcium Hardness to the parameters of the K-2005, making it a better choice for pools with specific hardness concerns.
• Manual Testing: Like the K-2005, the K-2006 uses liquid reagents with a manual color comparison method.
• Precision: Offers precise, reliable results but requires a careful color match. Some users may find this method less convenient than digital readouts.
• Comprehensive Kit: Includes everything needed for pool water testing, with a focus on standard pool chemical balancing.

3. Key Differences Between LaMotte ColorQ and Taylor Test Kits

Now that we’ve outlined the key features of each kit, let’s compare the two brands based on a few important factors:

Test Parameters

• LaMotte ColorQ Pro 7: 7 parameters (including Bromine and Cyanuric Acid).
• LaMotte ColorQ Pro 9: 9 parameters (adds copper & iron testing).
• Taylor K-2005: 5 parameters (Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity, CYA, Total Chlorine).
• Taylor K-2006: 6 parameters (adds Calcium Hardness to the K-2005).

Winner: LaMotte ColorQ Pro 9 – Offers more testing options for a wider range of pools, including saltwater and phosphate levels.

Ease of Use

• LaMotte ColorQ: Digital readout for fast and accurate results with minimal effort required.
• Taylor K-2005 & K-2006: Manual color matching can be more difficult, especially for users who struggle to identify subtle color differences.

Winner: LaMotte ColorQ – The digital readout is simpler and eliminates the guesswork of color matching.

Speed of Results

• LaMotte ColorQ: Instant digital readings, typically within seconds.
• Taylor K-2005 & K-2006: Results take a little longer to gather due to the need for liquid reagents and color matching.

Winner: LaMotte ColorQ – Faster and more convenient results with no need for waiting or color comparisons.

Accuracy

• LaMotte ColorQ: High accuracy, but requires proper calibration of the device.
• Taylor K-2005 & K-2006: Highly accurate if the user follows the testing process correctly and matches colors carefully.

Winner: Tie – Both provide accurate results, but the LaMotte ColorQ removes the potential for human error in color matching.

Portability

• LaMotte ColorQ: Compact, lightweight, and portable. Can be easily carried around for testing in different pools.
• Taylor K-2005 & K-2006: Slightly bulkier due to the size of the case and reagents.

Winner: LaMotte ColorQ – More compact and easier to transport.

4. Conclusion: Which Test Kit Should You Choose?

Both LaMotte and Taylor offer high-quality pool testing kits, but the choice between them depends on your preferences and the specific needs of your pool service business. Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of each option:

• LaMotte ColorQ Pro 7 & Pro 9:
  • Pros: Fast digital results, ease of use, compact design, wide range of testing parameters (especially the Pro 9).
  • Cons: Higher price point compared to traditional kits.
  • Best For: Pool service professionals looking for quick, accurate, and convenient testing with a broad range of parameters.
• Taylor K-2005 & K-2006:
  • Pros: Reliable, accurate results, trusted brand, comprehensive testing for most pools.
  • Cons: Manual color matching can be difficult, no digital readout.
  • Best For: Professionals who are comfortable with traditional testing methods and want a reliable, budget-friendly option.