Pocket PH tester

[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!