PH meter fiasco!

[Irlizard]

With this last order of new season test kit supplies I decided to get the PH meter because it looked like a “new” cool gadget to simplify testing the PH........Holy Macerel! Was I ever wrong!! I cant even get past the directions-lol “calibration” “regulate the timer” “ buffer solution” “deionized water” EEEGADS! So its just siting here on my table being lonley while I use the old tried and true, EASY way.......Question....is there a quick, easy get started method for using the meter or will it continue to sit there and mock me for being a tech weenie? Thanks you. Liz

 

[ajw22]

What pH meter did you get?

 

[Arizonarob]

Allen, I’m thinking she has the “yellow” one from TFTESTKITS.

 

[ajw22]

Allen, I’m thinking she has the “yellow” one from TFTESTKITS.

That one doesn;' have directions like she quoted in post #1.

 

[iamtexmax]

I too bought the pH meter from tft (yellow one) - unfortunately the same situation applies to me - could not get a hang of what needed to be done - so it too lies on my desk

 

[mknauss]

@OTPirate -- Maybe you can help these members out?

Thanks

 

[ComputerGuyInNOLA]

I purchased one at the Pool & Spa Expo in New Orleans about 6 years ago. For Expo attendees it was half price. I snapped one up for $120.00. I should have spent the money on pool toys. Worst purchase ever. Constant calibration and inconsistent results every bloody time. I cant remember the brand but they are all the same. Worthless. I thought about getting a Lamotte Spinlab because I always want the latest tech toys. After talking to all the members here I realized the TF was easy, accurate, and repeatable.

 

[OTPirate]

You can use distilled water to mix with the buffer solutions, or even easier use a pH standard R-7062 pH Standard 7.2 (2 ounces), dip the probe in and make sure it reads 7.2. I will even reuse the pH standard several times. I use mine in conjunction with the pH drop test or when I have to SLAM.

 

[ajw22]

I will even reuse the pH standard several times. I use mine in conjunction with the pH drop test or when I have to SLAM.

I can’t believe you, Queen of Test Kits, ever needs to SLAM Process. Your water should know all the reagents at your disposal.

 

[djust]

I to got the yellow PH meter and looked through the directions and it still sits on my bench, I think it was a mistake purchase thinking of it being easier. Need to spend some time
when I have it and figure it out.

 

[OTPirate]

I can’t believe you, Queen of Test Kits, ever needs to SLAM Process. Your water should know all the reagents at your disposal.

Well, sometimes I get busy

 

[Irlizard]

What pH meter did you get?

Yes, the yellow one.

 

[Rackel]

So...I also bought the lovely yellow meter from TFP and was a bit deflated to find out I needed to calibrate, however I trucked myself down to Target for some cheap distilled h2o and got the reader all set up. I have been using the rest of the gallon for rinsing the meter after each reading.
My "fiasco" with it has been the difference in the meter reading and the drop test. Earlier today it read 7.7 but the drop test said 7.4. I know there is a margin of error on both tests, but I was surprised to find them so different. My fresh plaster + weather has me checking pH frequently, and adding every other day or so. This difference had me wondering which one I should really be trusting, tho????

 

[ajw22]

This difference had me wondering which one I should really be trusting, tho????

Use both to test your calibrating solution which should be a known pH. Trust the one that agrees with the known pH.

 

[Rackel]

Use both to test your calibrating solution which should be a known pH. Trust the one that agrees with the known pH.

That is a brilliant idea that I wish I had thought of before dumping my calibration fluid. :-\

I'm happy to serve as a cautionary tale for any others embarking on the meter endeavor, though!