Testing 1,2,3

There's quite a few resources online comparing testing methods and which is "the best".  There's so many to pick from.  I won't try to repeat those discussions here.  

At this point, I've come to the following conclusions:

1. Don't strive to hit targets perfectly.  Testing is about staying within acceptable ranges.  
2. Each test and testing method will give you different results, even on the same water.  Actual values will be different than what an individual test reads (every test has a confidence range around it / mistakes can be made when testing / some tests sample more water than others).
3. Your best bet is to test regularly, use multiple testing methods, and look at averages / clusters of those testing methods.

Strips

These are the cheapest/easiest to use.  That said, I sometimes have trouble matching colors.  They tend to work well for a quick spot check to see if anything is way off.

I personally recommend the Freshwater 5-Way Test Strips, Freshwater Salt Test Strips, and Freshwater Phosphate strips.  I most frequently use the Phosphate strips.

Granular

Before I discovered the Freshwater Phosphate strips, I tried the Aquachek Phosphate test that uses little granules.  I personally prefer the Freshwater brand because the grauals were hard to get into the water tube and also wasn't as specific on level of phosphates.

Reagent/Liquid

After much research, I purchased the Taylor K-2006 Salt kit (buy at PoolGeek).  I've been very impressed with how easy it is to use and how many of the tests rely on color changing vs. color matching.  I'm personally finding it much easier to see a change rather than matching (red turns blue or green turns red).  You will want this kit over the K-2005 which uses color matching for Chlorine.  You can also buy a larger version (K-2006C) but I'm not sure I'll take that many tests and reagents expire.

Computerized

I've also appreciated that my dealer uses a computerized system for testing (BioGuard SmartLab) and have wanting something similar at home.  I had originally wanted the pHin product, but they went out of business.  I am now testing two different automatic testing systems and plan to post reviews in the future:

• iCare by Ideal Water Care - Manufactured by Ondilo (European Version called Ico).  This unit has no monthly fee and is completely solid-state.  It measures ORP, pH, TDS, and Temperature every hour.
• Sutro - This unit relies on reagents, has a monthly fee, and a cartridge that must be replaced each month.  It measures Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity, and Temperature 3 times a day.

My Current Approach to Testing

I currently rely on the iCare as a regular and real-time measurement.  I occasionally confirm with my Taylor kit and Test strips.  I rely on the Taylor kit to check variables that change infrequently (alkalinity, calcium hardness).  Every 1-2months, I take a sample to my dealer for his comprehensive analysis.