PH Up vs Borax

[dschribs]

My Taylor test kit shows my ph is below the lowest level on the scale. The tested water has a slight brown color to it.

What's the difference between adding PH Up (that Walmart sells) versus Borax. I'm honestly not sure where I would even find borax...

Thanks
Dan

 

[PAGirl]

Walmart sells it in the laundry section. Many grocery stores do, too. It would be near the items like Oxy-Clean, etc.

 

[BoDarville]

pH Up contains sodium carbonate (a.k.a., washing soda or soda ash) which is more effective in raising pH vs. Borax. Therefore, to raise the pH to a given target level you would use about one-half the amount of pH Up (by weight) compared to Borax.

 

[dschribs]

Thanks! Very helpful.

Should I post my TA number prior to adding anything to raise the ph??? I can do a full range of tests tonight...

Also, if the tested water is slightly brown - could that be an indication the ph reagent is going bad??

 

[duraleigh]

How old is it? I am not sure I can remember a pH result of "brown" being reported.

Yes, your TA should be reported as well. What kit are you using?

 

[dschribs]

Taylor K-2006 Test Kit. The reagent is about a year old.

I'm going to buy a ph test strip kit at Walmart to double check. Both my wife and I agreed the color was on the brown side.

What's weird is that my ph was about 7.2 a few weeks ago accoridng to my test kit. I verified that at the local pool store as well. Now the color doesn't even register on my test. Something must be wrong with the reagent.

Should I clean out the large test tube with something to make sure there is no residual chemicals/reagents in there?