Pocket PH tester

[LITTLEJJ]

I hate using the drop test for PH. Leslies has a pocket PH tester for about 45.00. Has anyone used this? If so, how accurate is it? Also, can it be adjusted? I can get buffer solution from work if it is adjustable.

[fcfrey]

I've used a dozen different electronic tester ($20.00 to $300.00) and have returned or trashed them all. First of all you get what you pay for. Those that cost a lot are accurate but need to be calibrated with a buffer solution of a known pH value (usually 4.01 & 7.00). If the device doesn't require calibration I'd be very skeptical of the results.

The drop test is best unless you have difficulty differentiating colors, then the electronic testers may be the best for you.

If you search this site there have been lots of opinions offered. Seems like most are negative.

[caustik]

I am in the same boat as you, I can't with great certainty tell what the PH is with the drop kit. I am ordering the tester in the link below in the spring. It does need calibration but I don't have a problem with that. Someone here or on another pool forum recommended it.

http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/pr...3563430&pfx=EW

[giroup01]

I agree with frfrey here, I think they're more of a hassle than anything else, you have to get the calibration solution, make sure they're not expired, calibrate the thing properly (I used to do a 4-7-10 calibration). Also the level of precision is not _that_ important, I mean, if it's 7.24 or 7.21 it doesn't matter.

If you're getting a probe I do recommend one with a temperature probe, or one with temperature compensation, as pH is a function of temperature.

And make sure the sensor is replaceable.

[LITTLEJJ]

Yea, I kinda thought a cheap PH meter would be cheap. But I was hoping people here would say it was OK. Like was posted before, you get what you pay for. I guess I will keep trying to read between the colors. Thanks for the responses.

[waterbear]

Y I guess I will keep trying to read between the colors.

reading phenol red reagent for pH is easy. You really don't even need to look the comparator once you learn the colors!

Here are ballpark colors that will get you in the right place:
red to purple-- pH is high (above 7.6)
orange to red-- ph is OK (7.4-7.6)
ORANGE pH is 7.4
yellow to orange-- pH is low (below 7.4)
(the red is a pinkish red, btw)

That is really all the precision you need for your daily pH test, IMHO.
It's not rocket science. Don't make it harder than it needs to be. If you shoot for orange you pH will be within range, perhaps a bit low for some but still acceptable)
(Now I await all the bashing with baited breath! )

Now, if you are trying to fix a problem (such as lowering alkalinity) then it is possible that you might need more precision, but if you are just checking to see if things are ok or even making small adjustments to pH that is really all the precision you need.

IMHO, pH meters are NOT worth the time and trouble. I have used them in laboratory settings (expensive ones with a lot pf precision) and they require constant calibration (calibartion solutions are expen$ive) for accurate results. Also the probes are delicate and need to be replaced on a regular basis ($$$). They are really not going to save you any money or time over using a drop based kit. In reality they could take more time to use and end up costing more!