Pool Chlorine Drop Test Kit - Precise Free & Combined Chlorine Test

In this review the Taylor K-1515-A Drop Test Kit is evaluated as a straightforward choice for pool and spa owners who need reliable, low-level chlorine readings. The bottom line: this kit is best for homeowners and service techs who want accurate chlorine level measurements to decide whether to shock or adjust a feeder, because it measures both free and combined chlorine and includes clear instructions in the case lid. The compact kit contains the sample tube and three 3/4 oz. reagents, making it ready for immediate use out of the box.

Key Features

• Free and Combined Chlorine: Tests both types so users can determine total active sanitizer and combined chlorine that signals need to shock.
• Low-range sensitivity: One-drop increments correspond to small ppm changes, allowing care-driven adjustments at pool-grade levels.
• Complete kit: Includes a case, a sample tube and three 3/4 oz. reagents (R-0003-A, R-0871-A and R-0870-I) so testing can begin immediately.
• Clear instructions: Easy-to-read directions printed inside the case lid reduce user error during the testing process.
• Portable format: The compact case keeps reagents and tube organized for storage at the pool or in a service bag.

Who It's For

The Taylor K-1515-A is aimed at pool and spa owners, weekly service techs, and anyone who needs reliable readings of chlorine level to make maintenance decisions. Its ability to report both free and combined chlorine makes it useful for spotting chloramine buildup and confirming whether shocking is required.

It is less appropriate for users who require multi-parameter analysis (pH, alkalinity, hardness) in the same kit or those who want large-volume reagent bottles for high-frequency commercial testing; this kit focuses specifically on chlorine testing with small reagent quantities.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Accurate low-range readings make it practical for fine-tuning sanitizer levels.
• Measures both free and combined chlorine so users can identify chloramine problems.
• Compact, ready-to-use kit with clear case-lid instructions simplifies testing.

Cons

• Reagents are small 3/4 oz. bottles, which may run out faster for heavy-use scenarios.
• Some customers report receiving reagents near expiration, so check dates on arrival.

Specifications

Product	Taylor K-1515-A Drop Test Kit
Brand	Taylor
Tests	Free and Combined Chlorine
Reagents Included	R-0003-A, R-0871-A, R-0870-I (three 3/4 oz. bottles)
Case Contents	Case, sample tube, reagents, instructions
Measurement Detail	One drop = ~0.2 or 0.5 ppm (low-range increments)

Our Verdict

The Taylor K-1515-A is a focused, dependable chlorine test kit for pool and spa owners who need easy-to-interpret free and combined chlorine results. It delivers the specific information required to decide on shocking or feeder adjustments and represents good value for occasional household or light professional use, provided reagent shelf dates are checked on delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the kit indicate chlorine levels?
The kit uses drop reagent reactions in the sample tube, where one drop corresponds to small ppm changes allowing low-range measurement.

What reagents come in the set?
The kit includes three 3/4 oz. reagent bottles: R-0003-A, R-0871-A and R-0870-I, plus a sample tube and case.

Can this kit tell if you need to shock?
Yes; by measuring free and combined chlorine the kit helps determine if chloramines are present and whether shocking is necessary.