pH

[JLDJLD]

Hi again,

I'm a new pool owner and have a question about pH testing. My pool looks great, brand new SWG seems to be working perfectly, and I'm testing with a TF-Pro Salt Kit.

My only question is on pH testing. This is the one test that still seems a lot like a test strip to me. pH is running a little high and I'm trying to color match and determine if I'm over 7.8 but under 8.2 or over 8.2 (it's brighter red than the ideal but not as purple as 8.2 if that makes sense?). Any tips on reading it and/or am I missing something? Do I not need to worry unless it's clearly way outside the range?

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! I'm not a fan of the pH color matching either, unfortunately it's about all we have other than using a digital meter which comes with its own issues. Some people will try to use the acid demand test to help get a better perspective on the pH. Be sure to hold the OTO viewer with something light in the background. Some people like to use a piece of white paper. I use the siding on my house. While the shades get tricky over 7.8, there's a distinct difference when the pH is lower around 7.4 - 7.5. If you go in stages to lower the pH to that mark you eyes will see a big difference which might also help with other colors later.

 

[JLDJLD]

Thanks! Nice to know I'm not the only one. I use the laminated testing instructions, and then siding or door of the pool shed, and then resort to spinning around with it trying to find a spot where it looks in range.

It had been pretty high and I'm getting it down closer to where it needs to be. I guess the pH creep can be a constant fight with the SWG system?

 

[Texas Splash]

I guess the pH creep can be a constant fight with the SWG system?

Salt or not, the pH likes to climb on us. Just comes with the territory. Your TA can influence the rate of pH climb. I like my TA to be around 50-60. If your TA is higher than 70, you might let it come down with future acid treatments. That and eliminate any unneeded sources of aeration if/when possible.

 

[cwswifty]

Hi again,

I'm a new pool owner and have a question about pH testing. My pool looks great, brand new SWG seems to be working perfectly, and I'm testing with a TF-Pro Salt Kit.

My only question is on pH testing. This is the one test that still seems a lot like a test strip to me. pH is running a little high and I'm trying to color match and determine if I'm over 7.8 but under 8.2 or over 8.2 (it's brighter red than the ideal but not as purple as 8.2 if that makes sense?). Any tips on reading it and/or am I missing something? Do I not need to worry unless it's clearly way outside the range?

Thanks!

You are definitely not alone when it comes to wanting more than what is offered from the 9781 Comparator.

I bring it up in post #7 in this thread: TF-Pro Kit: How to measure chlorine daily with comparator block

 

[JLDJLD]

@cwswifty Thanks for the info.

Just to confirm, if I go with the 9056 comparator, I need to buy R-0004 Reagent?

EDIT: And maybe get the R-0005 and R-0006 to go with it? I guess maybe the Taylor 2000 would have been a better option to start?

 

[cwswifty]

Just to confirm, if I go with the 9056 comparator, I need to buy R-0004 Reagent?

Yes. You'll need the R-0004 Reagent.

As for the R-0005 & R-0006 that's up to you. Personally I don't really use those. I use Pool Math to determine how much MA to add.
PoolMath

 

[pjt]

A consistent background is key. To get good backlighting, hold the block in front of your computer monitor/tablet/phone with a blank white screen displayed. Also, try holding the block sideways or upside down. Sometimes that helps distinguish colors better. I also use two old hotel keycards to mask off areas and narrow down my decision.