Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: barleyz on December 10, 2008, 02:36:31 pm
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As a recent first time hot tub owner I have been diligently testing my water with the color test strips for PH, Alkalinity, and MPS, as these are the three things I am using along with the ozinater and N2 cartriage. I can see the colors on the strip but at times it is hard to determine just what color is in which range (maybe a little color blind). I have noticed that many of you talk about specific numbers of PH such as 7.12 and alkalinity and hardness as if you have a meter that gives the exact readings. I wouldn't mind buying a reasonably priced meter to get a "correct" reading. Do they make good meters for the various readings or are they way out of sight for the average home owner? Suggestions on what I would need and where to purchase them would be great!
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Welcome to the world of hot tubs!
The only thing to remember is that all parameters are ranges - not specific numbers.
A PH of 7.2 or 7.3 is no big thing but it is a big thing to have a PH of 7 or 8 - you can see these differences. If you can tell the difference between 7.2 and 7 then you are OK.
The same holds true with alkalinity and calcium ... it's not a big deal to be off a little.
Don't be too crazy about it and it will be fine.
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Thanks. I use the colored test strips but I have noticed that the pad that is used for the PH reading sometimes is a combination of two colors with a dark orange color in the center and a light yellow on the outer edges. The dark orange matches the correct PH while the outer edges indicate a too low reading. Which do I believe?
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This works pretty good, I've been using it for a year or so. You can get one about anyware, I think Dr.Spa sells them too.
http://www.aquachek.com/trutest/