Not sure about pH reading?

alanrmeadows · **Joined:** May 5th, 2010, 4:32 pm **Posts:** 136

I own a 17,500 gallon inground fiberglass pool in South Arkansas. Due to the cooler weather, I've been slacking with my tests. The other day I decided to test my pH and I got a very reddish color...one that doesn't fit into the color spectrum on the test vial. I assumed my pH was extra high, so I started adding muriatic acid. To make a long story short, I've added almost a full jug (the one from Home Depot that comes in packs of 2) and I'm still getting that same color. Is it possible that my pH is still high and I need to continue adding acid, or is there something else throwing my test completely off? I've never had this problem before and have always gotten a reading that falls within the color spectrum.

Thanks,
Alan

EQArtimus · **Joined:** October 16th, 2011, 5:26 pm **Posts:** 25

Is it possible that your testing chemicals where compromised?

What test kit do you use?

alanrmeadows · **Joined:** May 5th, 2010, 4:32 pm **Posts:** 136

Shouldn't be the case...I've used two different brands of the 5-Drop pH tester...Taylor R-0004 and an off-brand from the Pool Shop. The results were the same.

JasonLion · Posted: October 20th, 2011, 9:09 pm

What is your FC level? When FC is around 20 or higher the PH test result can be completely invalid. PH results can also be somewhat off when FC is between 10 and 20, but above 20 PH results are completely useless (and strangely colored).

alanrmeadows · **Joined:** May 5th, 2010, 4:32 pm **Posts:** 136

FC is 5.

Thanks,
Alan

JamesW · **Joined:** March 2nd, 2011, 8:02 pm **Posts:** 1611

What is your TA (Total Alkalinity)?

BBBliever · Posted: October 21st, 2011, 12:40 am

A full set of test results will help us help you. As stated TA will come into play with PH. Also if your HD sells the kem tek MA like mine its half strength 15%.

alanrmeadows · **Joined:** May 5th, 2010, 4:32 pm **Posts:** 136

I got a full set of results this afternoon:
CYA 50
TA 110
FC 4
CC .5

And I'm still getting that unrecognizable red color on my pH test...and I've used one full jug of 20 Baume 31.45% Muriatic Acid from Home Depot. I'm really lost on this one?? Any ideas? I'm not sure if I need to continue to add MA?

Thanks,
Alan

duraleigh · Posted: October 23rd, 2011, 5:01 pm

Why not scoop up a plastic pail of pool water and add a little acid at a time to see if you can get the colors into the normal range. That'll give you some confidence that you are applying the right chemistry....just not enough of it yet.

The pH test is pretty reliable if your testing chemistry is OK. It's been kept out of the sun, right?

Not sure about pH reading?

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