Is there a pH drop test??

Jump to latest Follow Reply
SuperMiguel

SuperMiguel

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2017
139
Florida
This is the one test i struggle the most, other tests are simple add x y and z then count drops and multiply by x. Is there a test like that for pH or im stuck having to guess the pink shade??? I tried a handheld meter but they go out of calibration quick :(
 
Super,

Do you really think that we would be using that color match test, if there was a drop test for pH??? :mrgreen:

I too find that it is very hard know for sure what my pH is.. Most people don't seem to have this problem, so maybe it is just you and me.. ;)

I also have a LaMotte test kit and I use it as a double check on my pH 'guess'.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Jimrahbe said:
Super,

Do you really think that we would be using that color match test, if there was a drop test for pH??? :mrgreen:

I too find that it is very hard know for sure what my pH is.. Most people don't seem to have this problem, so maybe it is just you and me.. ;)

I also have a LaMotte test kit and I use it as a double check on my pH 'guess'.

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...
:laughblue:
 
I think a lot of people struggle with this, especially men because we do have "issues" with distinguishing shades of red (at least I have read that). I too struggle and I read here to use four drops instead of five, which seems to help a little.

Tip: I ordered a PH meter and now, I test with my kit, note what I think it is, then check it with the meter while doing the rest of the test I'm going to do. I have gotten to where they are generally only off by a .x, which I think is close enough. It is worth the $16 I paid for the meter.

It has also made me a bit more comfortable in trusting my own eyes a little more. Having a comparable number to "back you up" does wonders.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jimrahbe

Tips to Reading pH​


  • When doing a color matching test - chlorine, bromine, pH - you should read it in natural daylight, not looking thorough he comparator into the sun
Above text taken directly from the linked "water testing" extended reading above.

I have always taken my K-2006 comparator block outside to read the pH levels. The pH and CYA test I read them outside back to the sun. With the white card behind the comparator, I have been able to get a good reading on pH. I know the K-2006 uses a different comparator block than the TF-100. The graduations on the K-2006 comparator block are 7.0, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, 7.8, 8.0. For me it is easier to ascertain the colors.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Two additional techniques:

1. Try holding the block sideways or upside down. Sometimes that helps distinguish colors better.

2. Hold the block in front of your computer monitor with a blank white screen displayed (I use Google's homepage).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mdragger88
I have white cabinets - can see the difference holding the block under the sink light, while looking at the kitchen cabinet pretty easily. I do find that it's easier if you look at it for a few seconds - the color differences are fairly subtle. I also don't really focus on the sample side of the block, which also helps, rather I look at the standards side.
 
SuperMiguel said:
Have a bright white backdrop to view the color comparator against. Shine a LED flashlight on a white piece of paper, and hold the pH kit 6 inches or so above it.

Can you take a picture of your self doing this? I have no idea what it means lol
Click to expand...
I use the white browser on my phone cuz it’s white & light 😁
 
@SuperMiguel I take a thumb from each hand and use them to block off the value above and below the one I want to compare. It makes it way easier to see its not this one, and it's clearly not the one 2 above it either, so it must be closest to the one in the middle. Being .1 or .2 off has never once changed the price of beer.

For most people, you are really just looking for high or low. SWG people operate in the top half of the scale, and LC people tend to operate in the bottom half of the scale.

Dosing a bit early or late never hurt anyone either. There is no harm in the short term.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Saturn94 and Decoy205
For me it takes a lot of argument with myself to see the difference between 7.8 and 8.0. As a double check I've learned - after I think I know the reading - to add 1 drop of the acid demand reagent. This provides a second reference point. For my pool, over time I've learned that a 7.5 - which is much easier to read - means the original pH was 8.0.
 
Last edited:
Over the years, I have probably read over 1,000 "tips and tricks" on how to read pH. Most always, people are wa-a-a-y overthinking it.

Remember, any pH in the 7's is fine. If it looks like it's higher than that, bring it down.

pH is seldom low, but if your test looks like it is, bring it up into the 7's and your good to go.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: reggiehammond, Saturn94, Turbo1Ton and 2 others
I always had trouble with the ph color match, so started to get opinions from daughter and wife as they are artistic and see colors much better than I do.

After a few months I realized that their reading of it was never materially different than mine, so turns out I wasn't ever having trouble.

In other words, I was massively over thinking as Dave warns against.

I do find a white background helps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Newdude and Mdragger88
Newdude said:
I take a thumb from each hand and use them to block off the value above and below the one I want to compare. It makes it way easier to see its not this one, and it's clearly not the one 2 above it either, so it must be closest to the one in the middle. Being .1 or .2 off has never once changed the price of beer.
Click to expand...

I also have trouble with distinguishing some colors. The calcium hardness test is all but impossible for me. Fortunately, the pH test isn’t as bad as the calcium test for me.

I’ve found this suggestion very helpful. Also, as was already said, getting it exactly right is not necessary. I like to test outside and use the white siding on the house as a background.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Newdude
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply