Strange pH color

[bassadict69]

I am thinking my pH chemical has gone bad...After adding my 5 drops, capping & shaking it up, the color is kind of orange. I have another old test kit that has been sitting outside for about a year & when I tried that one, I got a pretty low reading of about 6.8-7.0

I will be buying another small test kit today as well as having my water tested to make sure of my pH. I just wanted to get yall's opinions.

[ScottS]

Hey man check out this link
http://www.poolsolutions.com/kit/ps234_reagent_life.html

it shows that the pH reagent can deteriorate in sun or heat.

Being a fellow Louisianian I am familiar with our heat and humidity. I would bet that you are correct in saying that the reagent went bad since it was sitting outside in our wonderful climate.

Can you keep your stuff inside? All of my pool testing equipment and reagents stay inside to keep them as "fresh" as possible. ;)

[bassadict69]

This kit has been inside...It was an old kit that had been outside.

Maybe I got an old kit when I bought it a couple of months ago. Anyways, I bought a new one today.

I had my water tested at two places one got 6.7 the other got between 7.5 & 7.8. The latter used test strips!

[sunofthebeach]

It sounds like your PH color is light orange because your PH is so low.

the lower your PH, the lighter the red looks, so maybe that is why it looks Orange.

Test some tap water and see how that looks.

add a little bit of borax to a gallon of pool water and see how that tests, to determine if your kit still works.

I think your PH is just very low.

[ScottS]

I had my water tested at two places one got 6.7 the other got between 7.5 & 7.8. The latter used test strips!
:eek: Talk about inconsistent... another reason we all know testing our own water is best.

What result did you get with your new kit?

[bassadict69]

Haven't used it yet. I picked it up on my lunch break. I will be home about 6pm & will check it then & post back.

[bassadict69]

Used the new tester & came up with about 6.8, so it was actually low. Borax has been added to bring it up

[ScottS]

Good deal, now you know ;)

Well we see the strips were WAY off...

I can't believe that!! /sarcasm.

[waterbear]

If you are using phenol red to test for pH (and I am sure that you are) an orange color indicates a pH around 7.0 or lower.

[bassadict69]

Thanks waterbear...I will try the other test kit in the morning once my pH comes up some.