Hanna Pocket pH meter Hanna

This Pocket pH meter Hanna is made for measuring pH and ORP of a swimming pool, hot tub, or spa water.

This lightweight, waterproof tester offers high-accuracy pH, ORP, and temperature measurements in a single handheld unit. No more switching between meters for your routine measurements.

HI981214 Pocket pH meter is a highly accurate, waterproof pH meter that can also measure ORP and temperature. This floating, waterproof combination tester has an easy-to-read LCD and an automatic shut-off. All pH readings are automatically temperature compensated (ATC) for variations in temperature.

HI981214 is ideal for checking the pH and disinfection levels of swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. An accurate reading of pH is critical to ensure that the chlorine is in predominantly the hypochlorous acid form instead of the hypochlorite form, which is less effective at killing bacteria. The ideal pH for a pool is between 7.2 and 7.4.

The ORP portion of the meter is used to monitor the disinfection level of the pool to always be sure that there is enough chlorine present to keep bathers safe from bacteria. The ideal ORP reading is +650 mV. At this voltage, any bacteria will be inactivated in a short time. It is important to note that if a stabilizer such as cyanuric acid is used, the stabilizer as a reducing agent, will mask the oxidation potential of chlorine. ORP should not be used when chlorine is introduced as a solid puck since it is likely that it will have stabilizers as well.

Replaceable ORP Electrode Cartridge

The HI981214 tester features an easy-to-replace pH electrode cartridge with an extendable cloth junction. The extendable cloth junction helps increase electrode life, and the replaceable pH cartridge means that this tester does not need to be thrown away when the pH sensor is exhausted. Also, the sturdy, snap-in connector means there are no pins to bend or break!

Platinum ORP Electrode

The ORP probe uses a platinum tip sensor, which is ideal for oxidation reactions such as adding chlorine for disinfection.

Features at-a-glance:

3 sensors in a single meter

• pH electrode with extractable junction
• ORP electrode
• Temperature probe for pH temperature-compensated measurements

Waterproof Wide Range

• pH range is from -2.00 to 16.00 pH
• ORP range of ±1000 mV

Automatic Temperature Compensation

• All pH readings are compensated for variations in temperature
• Temperature displayed in oC or oF along with pH or ORP reading

Stability indicator

• Meter displays a clock tag that will disappear when the reading has achieved stability

HOLD button

• Freezes reading on the display to allow recording of the measurement

BEPS (Battery Error Prevention System

• Meter will automatically shut off if there is not enough power to get an accurate measurement

Battery % level at startup Low Battery Indicator

• When the level is below 5%, the battery symbol on the LCD blinks to indicate a low battery condition.

Auto-off

• Auto-off feature automatically shuts off the meter after 8 minutes of non-use to maximize battery life

QUICK GUIDE

pH Measurement

Press SET/HOLD to select pH mode. Place the electrode in the solution to be tested while stirring gently. The measurement should be taken after the stability tag has disappeared. The pH value is displayed on the first LCD line and the temperature is on the second LCD line. Note: Before taking any pH measurement, make sure the tester has been calibrated (“CAL“ tag is displayed).

ORP Measurement

Use SET/HOLD to select ORP mode. Place the electrode in the solution to be tested. The measurement should be taken after the stability tag has disappeared. The ORP (mV) value is displayed on the first LCD line, and the temperature is on the second LCD line.   

Q&A

What is a pH and ORP meter for swimming pools?

A pH and ORP meter for swimming pools is a digital instrument designed to measure both the acidity/alkalinity (pH) and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of pool water. Monitoring these parameters ensures water is safe, properly sanitized, and comfortable for swimmers.

Why is measuring pH important in a pool?

The pH level indicates how acidic or alkaline the water is. Maintaining the correct pH (typically between 7.2 and 7.8) prevents irritation to skin and eyes, protects pool equipment from corrosion or scaling, and ensures that chlorine disinfectants remain effective. 

What does ORP measure in pool water?

ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) measures the water’s ability to oxidize contaminants, primarily indicating the effectiveness of chlorine and other sanitizers. Higher ORP values generally indicate stronger disinfecting potential, helping prevent algae and bacterial growth. 

How does a combined pH/ORP meter work?

The meter uses two sensors: a pH electrode to measure hydrogen ion concentration and an ORP electrode to measure the electron activity in the water. Both readings are converted into digital values displayed on the meter, allowing quick assessment of water quality.

What is the typical measurement range for swimming pool pH and ORP?

Most pool meters measure pH from 0.00 to 14.00 with ±0.01 resolution and ORP from -2000 mV to +2000 mV, covering the typical operational range needed for proper pool maintenance. 

How often should pool water be tested?

Pool water should ideally be tested at least 2–3 times per week during swimming season. More frequent measurements are recommended after heavy pool usage, rain, or chemical adjustments to ensure pH and sanitizer levels remain optimal.

Can these meters be used for both residential and commercial pools?

Yes. Portable pH/ORP meters are suitable for residential pools, spas, and commercial pools. Some models are also designed for continuous monitoring in larger systems with data logging capabilities. 

Why is it important to monitor both pH and ORP simultaneously?

Monitoring both parameters ensures effective sanitation and water balance. Even if ORP is high, an incorrect pH can reduce sanitizer effectiveness or cause discomfort to swimmers. Together, pH and ORP measurements provide a complete picture of pool water quality.