pH electronic meter recommendations

[PoolGate]

I am tired of guessing what my pH is. I look and look....and look....and look some more at the tf100 pH window and just can't tell what color it is. I thought it was around 7.8 the other day so added just a touch of Muriatic to get it a few points lower. I took a sample and tested it with an electronic pH meter that I use for my aquarium and it tested at right at 7. I then used other drop tests (different kits) to test and each showed a different result (all closer to 7). I really just want an accurate test! Can anyone recommend an accurate test? I think at this point I would prefer an electronic meter. Of course there are hundreds to choose from. HELP!!!

 

[Chemnut]

Ph meters can work but require constant recalibration. I think of it this way, if my water is a light salmon COLOUR I am on target. Bright pink, needs acid.

 

[kimkats]

Until you find one you like try this for me:

-white plastic plate
-bright over head light (I use my stove light)

I hold the white plate up at shoulder height under the light. I have my arm with a slight bend. I then put the PH test tube in front of the plate. I move the plate back and forth until I get a good match on the color.

I hope this helps a little.

Kim

 

[Bama Rambler]

The pain in using an electronic pocket tester is that you have to regularly calibrate it. And if you do it correctly you really need to do a two or three point calibration. There are so many brands/models out there until you don't know which to get.

I'd look for one that allows three point calibration and has a replaceable sensor. You can probably find one in the $40.00 to $60.00 range.

I've seen a few meters that state that they don't ever need calibration. As much as I wish these would work, I have doubts about their accuracy over time.

If you do get one, please post back about it and keep us informed of it's accuracy/reliability over time.

 

[PoolGate]

Ph meters can work but require constant recalibration. I think of it this way, if my water is a light salmon COLOUR I am on target. Bright pink, needs acid.

This has been what I try for - to see any "orange" in the sample window at all. Right now it is all red/pink. But my other testing media - electronic and 2 other fluid drop testers say different. I suppose the tf100 test could be correct and the other 3 are wrong.

 

[duraleigh]

I suppose the tf100 test could be correct and the other 3 are wrong.

The history on this forum tells us that statement is probably correct!

The colors printed on the Taylor comparator are the best on the market.....I would trust that one. How old is the R-0004?
the colors going from low pH to high pH are...

yellow 6.8 and lower
yellow orange 7.0
orange 7.2
orange red 7.4-7.5
red 7.6-7.8
red violet 8.0
violet 8.2 and higher

If the color is orange red to red with no pink or violet you are golden.

 

[PoolGate]

The history on this forum tells us that statement is probably correct!

The colors printed on the Taylor comparator are the best on the market.....I would trust that one. How old is the R-0014?
the colors going from low pH to high pH are...

yellow 6.8 and lower
yellow orange 7.0
orange 7.2
orange red 7.4-7.5
red 7.6-7.8
red violet 8.0
violet 8.2 and higher

If the color is orange red to red with no pink or violet you are golden.

I have seen it orange before but lately it has been higher. I just got the test kit 2 months ago so I assume it is fresh. The pH and quick chlorine tests are pre-packaged so perhaps I did get an older one?

 

[kimkats]

Where did you get the test kit from? There is a reason I am asking.

 

[PoolGate]

Where did you get the test kit from? There is a reason I am asking.

tftestkits.net - 8/31

 

[duraleigh]

I have seen it orange before but lately it has been higher

Based on the chart above, what color has it been lately? If it has been red/pink like you say above that's about 7.7 and you are fine.

 

[needsajet]

I use a K-2006 and a CCL kit (both Taylor reagents), and for me, I had to try a few different things. This is not a recommendation, but it's working for me.

The test is all about color, not intensity, so I found that by not quite filling the K-2006 comparator block to the pH line (maybe 3/16" or 1/4" low, and using 4 drops instead of 5 drops, the color match is much better for my eye.

With CCL, I use a bit more water, and 3 drops instead of 2.

If considering a pH pen, why not buy pH standard solutions before the pen. You could get 7.2, 7.5 and 7.8, and have a really good idea of what's happening, and probably be able to tune your eyes/brain for any method.

 

[PoolGate]

I am trying to get a good photo. This is pretty close to what I actually see. Not sure how well it will look on you-all's monitors.

 

[mknauss]

7.5 is what I see.

It is best to hold something white behind it. Takes out the background color variations.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

The Taylor 9056 comparator block with R-0004 pH reagent works much better than the midget comparator block and R-0014 reagent. I have used both and I prefer the larger comparator block.

 

[OTPirate]

You could get 7.2, 7.5 and 7.8, and have a really good idea of what's happening, and probably be able to tune your eyes/brain for any method.

Taylor Technologies makes a pH standard of 7.2 already mixed and ready. It is very helpful to use to check your self using R-0004 or R-0014 or an electronic pH meter.

 

[PoolGate]

The Taylor 9056 comparator block with R-0004 pH reagent works much better than the midget comparator block and R-0014 reagent. I have used both and I prefer the larger comparator block.

Thanks! I just ordered that.

 

[kimkats]

Glad to hear it was the from TFtests. We had one early this spring that got some PH regent from Amazon that was old and did not work. It caused quite a problem until we figured it out

Kim

 

[Teald024]

As Kim said, holding it in good light, with a white background really helps a lot for me.

 

[needsajet]

I suggested to my wife that I need a nice big white fridge at my testing location for this very reason. I still don't have the fridge.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I suggested to my wife that I need a nice big white fridge at my testing location for this very reason. I still don't have the fridge.

I once requested one of these -

PRO 48 Full Size Refrigeration | 648PROG | Sub-Zero Wolf

but, for some reason, I got rejected [emoji848]