pH meter vs drop test

[pakrh8r]

I did some searching but didn't find this exact question. I'm thinking of buying a pH meter and wondered how those compare to the drop test I do. I've seen various models online. The models I've seen on Amazon are relatively cheap and supposedly accurate to 0.01 but I've never heard of any of the brands (Vantakool, MiToo, TekSky). I also saw some on Thermoworks' website but it is 4 or 5 times as much. I have a few Thermoworks thermometers that I use for food and am very happy with those. Anyone use a meter to test pH, and if so any recommendations? Thank you.

 

[ajw22]

PH Meters

I did my monthly calibration of my PH meters. ATC meter was off by .1 and I turned the screw to calibrate it. Tested my PH. It was high as I expected. Added about 1/3 a gallon of MA. Meters are ATC pH Meter and Waterproof Pocket pH Tester with 0.1 Resolution - pHep - HI98107 -...

www.troublefreepool.com

Accuracy of 0.1 is good enough for pool needs. You need to regularly calibrate the pH meter. I found they dry out if not used regularly and don’t last more than one season.

An inexpensive one like pH Meter works as well as more expensive ones and is disposable when it gets inaccurate.

 

[pakrh8r]

PH Meters

I did my monthly calibration of my PH meters. ATC meter was off by .1 and I turned the screw to calibrate it. Tested my PH. It was high as I expected. Added about 1/3 a gallon of MA. Meters are ATC pH Meter and Waterproof Pocket pH Tester with 0.1 Resolution - pHep - HI98107 -...

www.troublefreepool.com

Accuracy of 0.1 is good enough for pool needs. You need to regularly calibrate the pH meter. I found they dry out if not used regularly and don’t last more than one season.

An inexpensive one like pH Meter works as well as more expensive ones and is disposable when it gets inaccurate.

Thanks for the info and recommendation. $15 is right up my alley .

 

[RonsPlc]

I think I paid about $10 for mine, and check it against the drop test regularly.
So far, it has held up for 2 seasons without needing re-calibration.

 

[pakrh8r]

I think I paid about $10 for mine, and check it against the drop test regularly.
So far, it has held up for 2 seasons without needing re-calibration.

Thanks. What brand do you have? Do you store it with storage solution in the cap? I also read someone putting a wet cotton ball in the cap when they store it.

 

[jimim]

I have a thread about the meter I bought this season. Very happy with it. It's been spot on and I'm to the point I only use it anymore. Doesn't have to be calibrated often either. I check it against a 7 and 4 buffer solution once a week. Mine was 60 I think cause I got a whole kit for calibrating.

 

[Wobblerlorri]

Thanks. What brand do you have? Do you store it with storage solution in the cap? I also read someone putting a wet cotton ball in the cap when they store it.

You can put a wet cotton ball in the cap or a folded up strip of paper towel that you moisten. The idea is to keep the probe wet. Either way, don't let it dry out.

 

[jimim]

the one i bought you keep the tip wet by putting liquid they give you in the cap and keep it stood up. as above i read that is one of the most important thing to keep the accuracy up.

 

[setsailsoon]

Pak,

I have difficulty with the red-purple colors as well (common for many men). I found the cheaper brands work OK but they are very sensitive to having the probe dry out. Once dried after the first use they don't seem to stay calibrated long. There are some more expensive but still under $50 that work better in this regard. Here's a thread with more information. Look for "Joyfulnoise's" posts near the end. Also, keeping the tip wet helps but it's better to use storage solution. The probe is filled with KCL solution and this is consumed when reading ph. So storing in anything other than KCL storage solution continues to consume the probe's supply. When it's gone you can't replace in the cheaper meters.

Over time, I found I was able to "teach" myself to better discern the red-purple range. And a much easier way for me is to now use the drop test and have my wife help just to double-check every now and then. Most women have perfect acuity in these color ranges.

I hope this helps.

Chris

 

[pakrh8r]

You can put a wet cotton ball in the cap or a folded up strip of paper towel that you moisten. The idea is to keep the probe wet. Either way, don't let it dry out.

Thanks.

 

[pakrh8r]

Pak,

I have difficulty with the red-purple colors as well (common for many men). I found the cheaper brands work OK but they are very sensitive to having the probe dry out. Once dried after the first use they don't seem to stay calibrated long. There are some more expensive but still under $50 that work better in this regard. Here's a thread with more information. Look for "Joyfulnoise's" posts near the end. Also, keeping the tip wet helps but it's better to use storage solution. The probe is filled with KCL solution and this is consumed when reading ph. So storing in anything other than KCL storage solution continues to consume the probe's supply. When it's gone you can't replace in the cheaper meters.

Over time, I found I was able to "teach" myself to better discern the red-purple range. And a much easier way for me is to now use the drop test and have my wife help just to double-check every now and then. Most women have perfect acuity in these color ranges.

I hope this helps.

Chris

Thanks for the info. I am ok with the colors but was wondering how well the meter worked as opposed to keep buying test solutions. I'll check out the thread you referenced. Thanks.