Testing PH- amount of drops

[Hudsongirl]

I have a lot of trouble getting an accurate read on PH- the best I can tell it hovers right around 7.8. However when I add 5 drops to the container it doesn't match anything on the test block. When I asked about it previously here someone recommended I add 4 drops and see if that helped get a result, and it did. When I add only 4 drops of liquid it almost perfectly matches the 7.8 test block color. (Yes, I'm using a white background in full light).

My question is- is it okay to use 4 drops regularly or is my PH really above 8 and I just don't know it because I'm using 1 less drop than recommended? When I add the 5th drop it turns a dark red, but not the bright pink of the 8PH on the test block.

 

[Texas Splash]

The pH test is not my favorite either. Going with 4 drops is okay. What I eventually find works best for me after years of just keeping my pH in the upper 7 range and struggling with those lavender color hues, is to (on occasion) lower my pH down to 7.2-7.5. When the pH is on the low end, there's no mistaking the color change to the dark yellow/orange. It's a well deserved break on the eyes. Then once the pH starts to rise to the upper 7s again, I find it easier to interpret. But that's just me.

 

[trivetman]

4 drops is fine if that works better for your eyes

 

[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.

 

[Hudsongirl]

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.

I've seen this picture here before- and I do use a bright white paper and stand outside or hold it up to my glass back door usually. I'm going to post a photo of what it looks like with 5 drops held in front of the backlit screen.

When diluted to 4 drops it's almost the exact same shade as the 7.8 box. My results are pretty consistently more red than pink, and I've never seen the bright pink hue like in the photo you posted.

 

[Spencer2024]

I think I'd hit it with 8 ounce servings of MA every 3 hours, retesting each time until you see more orange/peach hues. Also, I got one of these and it gives what seems to be an accurate and instant pH reading as compared to Taylor.

 

[Hudsongirl]

I think I'd hit it with 8 ounce servings of MA every 3 hours, retesting each time until you see more orange/peach hues. Also, I got one of these and it gives what seems to be an accurate and instant pH reading as compared to Taylor.

Ha! I actually own this exact one, maybe I'll give it a whirl to see how it lines up wiht my test block results. So far I've only used it for salt.

 

[Hudsongirl]

Okay, I tried the electric meter and it read 7.74 on the opposite side of the pool from returns, so I'm officially leaving it be for now

 

[pcartwright81]

I've also been struggling with reading PH, and keeping it down. FC 7.5 TA 70 . This was taken against a phone screen background, and accurately represents what I am seeing. The 1st image was 3 drops, 2nd was 4 drops, and 3rd was 5 drops. 3 looks very close to 7.5. 4 looks like 7.8. 5 does not match anything on the scale for me.

 

[proavia]

Everyone's eyes are slightly different.
5 drops looks over saturated to me.
4 drops works for me and my pH reading on the comparator matches that of a properly calibrated quality pH meter.
YMMV

 

[Hudsongirl]

I've also been struggling with reading PH, and keeping it down. FC 7.5 TA 70 . This was taken against a phone screen background, and accurately represents what I am seeing. The 1st image was 3 drops, 2nd was 4 drops, and 3rd was 5 drops. 3 looks very close to 7.5. 4 looks like 7.8. 5 does not match anything on the scale for me.
View attachment 594509View attachment 594510View attachment 594511

I just saw this, but i recommend the PH/salt meter posted above, it lined up perfectly with my 4 drop tests and it's reassuring to be able to check one against the other

 

[Newdude]

I agree I like the 4 dropper best, but none of them are purple-y yet. Maybe it's close to 8 but that's fine with your vinyl. The worst that will happen is some sensitive eyes may sting a little. No worse than any other pool they've ever been in, and probably less.

If so, then dose down a little when it gets close to 8, but only dose a little down to 7.8 because it comes back with a vengance when you push it further.