Light Pink pH Results

[pool512]

For the last 4 weeks or so, my pH results have been consistently light pink, not really fitting into the comparator options. I've taken samples from different areas of the pool, but it's always the same. I'm using Taylor chemicals and comparator, and they are well within the best buy date. I've shaken the bottle well to ensure I didn't have settling, but again the results were the same.

It's possible that my chemicals are bad, but the same bottle was working perfectly until about 4 weeks ago. Other than that, I can't seem to figure out what else may be causing this issue, and don't want bad results driving incorrect balancing of our water. Any ideas? I will attach a picture of a test in my comparator, and also my latest results overall. Thanks!

 

[mknauss]

Add another drop of reagent if it lets you tell the hue (color) better. The intensity is not a factor.

I call it a 7.5

 

[JamesW]

I agree on 7.5

What is the sample size?

What is the reagent number?

 

[Newdude]

I fixed it for you and you are in range. Congrats.

 

[pool512]

Thanks for the advice. I am using a 44 mL sample in the comparator from my taylor K-2006 kit with R-0004 pH indicator solution.

I went ahead and took a sample this morning, adding 6 drops instead of 5, and that definitely was closer to normal. It seems (side-by-side image attached) more reddish than orange (7.6 seems to have a bit of orange in it), so I would guess 7.7?

It seems like best guess is inexplicably bad indicator solution, so I'm going to order a new bottle and see if that gives me normal results. If so, I guess I'll just use up the rest of the current bottle with extra drops to get a better reading.

Thanks again for the responses!

 

[Texas Splash]

That does look a bit better.

 

[pjt]

You may find pH testing easier if you hold the block in front of a consistent backlight. I use my computer monitor and the large white screen of Google's homepage.

 

[JamesW]

I invert the reagent a few times to make sure that it is mixed.

Don't shake the reagent, but try to make sure that it is well mixed.