Things You'll Need
- pH meter
- pH testing strips
- pH chemical test kit
Instructions
Reagent/Strip Test Kits
Take a water sample and perform the pH test as per the instructions that came with your kit. For reagent kits, this involves adding a chemical to the water sample and waiting for the color to turn. For test strips, the strip is dipped in a water sample and the color of the strip gradually changes. Wait the full amount of recommended time for the color results to show.
Locate the color chart that comes with both types of kits. Such charts will show a variety of colors that correspond to pH numbers.
Hold the test strip or chemical reagent test tube next to the color chart and look for the best match. When you find the match, read the number associated with it on the color chart; this number will be the pH of the water you have tested. A pH scale runs from 0 to 14; neutral (pure water) is at 7, while 1 through 6 is acidic, and 8 through 14 is alkaline.
Digital pH Meter
Turn the meter on. A digital readout should appear. Make sure the meter has fresh batteries and is properly calibrated (see owner's manual).
Place the probes (located on the bottome of the meter) in the water sample. The number in the LED readout will change to incidate the pH level. Do not read prematurely. Be sure to give the meter the full amount of time recommended by the instructions that came with it, otherwise the reading may not be accurate.
Note the number indicated on the digital display after enough time has lapsed. It will indicate the precise pH level of the water sample (between 0 and 14 with 7 being neutral).