TF-100 Comparator Block shows a ph at 6.8 or lower while HTH strip shows pH at ideal. Which can I trust and might something more be going on here?
Background:
We purchased a home with a 2yr old 26k gallon auto cover in ground pool end of last season last year (live in upper midwest). Pool was well maintained and I just had to manage shock and chlorine pucks (in auto chlorinator) for a few more weeks until it was professionally closed. This season I'm attempting to manage the pool entirely on my own (after professional opening) using liquid chlorine.
It had been going well, however work got busy and I didn't check or add liquid chlorine for a few days (I know - very bad). The TF-100 Comparator Block was showing very low to no chlorine and a ph level of 7.2. The water wasn't as clear anymore - could see bottom of 3ft depth but no longer at the 8ft depth. In the few days leading to today I've added liquid chlorine. The level is consistent around 2 and running the filter 24/7 is slowing clearing the water back up. However this morning I tested and noticed the pH level at 6.9. I've add 24oz of Sodium Bicarbonate and testing a few hours later and the lever seems worse (first attached photo). To rule out any issue I tried a test strip and oddly enough it shows the pH at closer to ideal (second attached photo). What could be going on here and which should I trust?
Background:
We purchased a home with a 2yr old 26k gallon auto cover in ground pool end of last season last year (live in upper midwest). Pool was well maintained and I just had to manage shock and chlorine pucks (in auto chlorinator) for a few more weeks until it was professionally closed. This season I'm attempting to manage the pool entirely on my own (after professional opening) using liquid chlorine.
It had been going well, however work got busy and I didn't check or add liquid chlorine for a few days (I know - very bad). The TF-100 Comparator Block was showing very low to no chlorine and a ph level of 7.2. The water wasn't as clear anymore - could see bottom of 3ft depth but no longer at the 8ft depth. In the few days leading to today I've added liquid chlorine. The level is consistent around 2 and running the filter 24/7 is slowing clearing the water back up. However this morning I tested and noticed the pH level at 6.9. I've add 24oz of Sodium Bicarbonate and testing a few hours later and the lever seems worse (first attached photo). To rule out any issue I tried a test strip and oddly enough it shows the pH at closer to ideal (second attached photo). What could be going on here and which should I trust?
