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Thread: Do You Need a pH Meter to Test Pool pH?

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    Default Do You Need a pH Meter to Test Pool pH?

    Many color-blind people can use most of the tests in the Taylor K-2006 without problems. Color does is not usually a problem with the DPD-FAS test for free and combined chlorine, and also not for the cyanuric acid test.

    The changes in total alkalinity (red/green) and calcium (pink/purple) tests can often be perceived even with color blindness.

    But, the pH test, which is the only color MATCHING test in the K-2006 may be a problem. If you have difficulties with color perception, you may need a pH meter. You can check yourself against the images below, taken from the Wikipedia article. The first image is NOT a color test, but gives you an idea of what you're looking for. A key follows.

    10 second cycle -- if you don't see it, wait 10 seconds!

    =============================================

    =============================================


    =============================================

    Test images
    -- for best results, back up about 3 feet from your monitor --


    =============================================


    1. Ishihara #1


    =============================================



    2. Ishihara #19



    =============================================


    3. Ishihara #11



    =============================================


    4. Ishihara #23



    =============================================


    5. Ishihara #9



    =============================================

    1. Ishihara #1 => normal color vision sees "12"
    2. Ishihara #19 => normal color vision sees nothing; red/green blindness sees "2"
    3. Ishihara #11 => normal color vision sees "6"
    4. Ishihara #23 => normal color vision sees "42"
    5. Ishihara #9 => normal color vision sees "74"


    PoolDoc / Ben
    Last edited by PoolDoc; 05-31-2018 at 03:28 PM.

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    Default Re: Do I Need a pH Meter? (Am I Color Blind?)

    Unlike 'wet' pH tests, pH meters are not necessarily 'correct' out of the box, but must be calibrated. This is NOT optional. Also, these are cheap-o Chinese kits -- most probably work well, but Chinese products tend to have poor quality control. You MUST validate your meter, by comparing results with a drop test, used by someone who is NOT color blind! Also, pH tips are THIN glass, and will not survive a fall.

    Inexpensive units from Amazon
    Buffer pack
    pH Meter
    Last edited by PoolDoc; 05-30-2018 at 08:15 PM.

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    Default Re: Do I Need a pH Meter? (Am I Color Blind?)

    Interesting.

    I’m “color blind” (a misnomer). I do fine with the pH test (confirmed by my non color blind spouse), but struggle with the CH test. I have a alternate procedure for CH that you helped me with years ago that helps. Still, I just have my spouse do the CH test for me.
    22'x40' Grecian Lazy L 20K gal IG vinyl pool; Aqua Rite SWCG T15 cell; Hayward Pro Grid 6020 DE filter; Hayward Superpump 1hp pump; 12 hrs; Taylor K-2006; city; PF:6

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    Default Re: Do I Need a pH Meter? (Am I Color Blind?)

    When I looked at the Wikipedia article, it said the following about the second image:
    Ishihara Plate No. 19 (Nothing (hidden digit plate); Red-Green deficiency sees 2)
    26K gal 20x40 rectangular IG vinyl pool; Apr 2014: New pump, liner, auto-cover, & water; Pentair Whisperflo 1HP pump; Pentair Trition sand filter; Cover/Star CS-500 auto cover; Taylor K-2006C; OTO

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    Default Re: Do I Need a pH Meter? (Am I Color Blind?)

    Thanks, correction made.

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    Default Re: Do I Need a pH Meter? (Am I Color Blind?)

    Quote Originally Posted by FormerBromineUser View Post
    When I looked at the Wikipedia article, it said the following about the second image:
    Ishihara Plate No. 19 (Nothing (hidden digit plate); Red-Green deficiency sees 2)
    I just see a bunch of dots.
    22'x40' Grecian Lazy L 20K gal IG vinyl pool; Aqua Rite SWCG T15 cell; Hayward Pro Grid 6020 DE filter; Hayward Superpump 1hp pump; 12 hrs; Taylor K-2006; city; PF:6

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