How does a swimming pool test kit measure pH levels?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the chemistry and methodology of measuring pH levels in swimming pools using test kits. Participants explore the types of chemicals involved, their concentrations, and the implications for accurate pH measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the basic operation of swimming pool test kits, noting the use of an unknown chemical that reacts with pool water to indicate pH levels.
  • Another participant suggests that the unknown chemical is likely a pH indicator, referencing a Wikipedia article for further information.
  • A later post identifies Resazurin as a potential pH indicator, discussing its color change properties and questioning how to determine the appropriate concentration for testing.
  • One participant advises that lower concentrations of indicators are preferable to avoid altering the pH, while noting that the visibility of the color change depends on the specific indicator used.
  • Another participant shares information about Phenol Red, mentioning its common use in pool testing at a specific concentration.
  • One participant observes that pool service technicians often visually evaluate pH test solutions added directly to the pool, questioning the accuracy of this method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the types of indicators and their concentrations, with no consensus reached on the best practices for measuring pH levels in swimming pools.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the challenges of sourcing specific indicators and the potential variability in their effectiveness based on concentration and visibility.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals involved in pool maintenance, chemistry enthusiasts, and those seeking to understand the practical applications of pH indicators.

barryj
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TL;DR
What is the chemistry of determining the pH of a swimming pool?
Swimming pool test kits combine a few drops of an unknown chemical with about 10 mL of pool water and then check the color of the reaction.
I would like to know the chemistry behind this. I assume that the H+ and/or the OH- ions combine with some cheemical to produce the color to be checked. What is the unknown chemical? It is not stated in the test kit. and how does it woek?
 
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After looking at the site you indicated, i see that Resazurin has a color that changes from red to blue with a pH change from 7 to 8. This would be a good chemical to test the pool pH it seems. However, how do I determine the concentration of resazurin and how much to add to get a color that is visible? Maybe a better question is what amount of what molar solution of resazurin should be added to How much test water?
 
The lower the concentration, the better (indicators are acids/bases themselves, so they can change the pH), but the actual value depends on the particular indicator. You want the lowest concentration that is reasonably well visible. In most cases that actually means traces. Compare http://www.titrations.info/acid-base-titration-indicators-preparation - these are solutions that you will use in amounts of few drops per 200 mL flask.

Note that not all of these indicators are easy to find - some of them are quite popular and easy to get, some are rarely used, so they can be only bought at specialized chemicals suppliers that won't sell to individuals.
 
Thanks for the info. I have found on the Internet that Phenol Red for example is made into a 0.02% solution for pool testing. Now that I have a start I will continue to learn about these. Thanks for getting me going.
 
Just an observation:
I have seen pool service technicians pour a bit of their pH test solution directly into the pool. They then just visually evaluate the resulting color!

Not very accurate unless you have calibrated eye eyeballs. :oldeyes:

Cheers,
Tom
 

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