Portable Waterproof TDS pH Meter for Low Range Conductivity

Hanna Portable Waterproof TDS pH Meter for Low Range Conductivity — Portable pH and water-quality measurement

This meter  is most useful for field technicians, plant operators, and laboratory users who need a portable instrument for routine verification of pH and related parameters during process control, troubleshooting, and compliance checks.

The meter operation is simplified with two buttons. One is used for on/off and for calibration while the other is used to switch between the measurement modes. The HI991300 has advanced features including a selectable EC to TDS conversion factor (0.45 - 450 ppm and 1.0 - 1000 ppm). The HI991300 portable meter features a large multi-level  LCD that displays both pH, low-range EC or TDS, and temperature readings simultaneously. The pH readings are displayed with a 0.01 resolution and an accuracy of +/-0.01 pH while the EC and TDS readings are displayed with a 0.01 mS/cm and 10 ppm (mg/L) resolution and 2% full-scale accuracy. The EC range of the HI991300 is from 0 to 3999 µS/cm and TDS is from 0 to 2000 ppm using the 0.45 conversion factor.

The EC to TDS conversion factor is selectable 0.45 and 1.0. A built-in temperature sensor allows for automatic temperature compensated measurements of pH . The HI991300 has many advanced features that are found in more expensive portable instrumentation including automatic calibration, buffer/standard recognition, and temperature compensation. The LCD screen has indicators for calibration status and stability, as well as on-screen tutorial messages. The battery percent level is displayed at startup alerting the user to the remaining battery power that is available.  

The supplied HI12883 is a 3-in-1 pre-amplified multiparameter probe that measures pH, EC/TDS, and temperature within a single polypropylene body. The amplifier for the pH electrode prevents interference from humidity and sources of electrical noise include circulating pumps, motors, and ballasts for grow lights. The design consideration for the HI991300 is ideal for measuring the pH, EC/TDS, and temperature in greenhouses, hydroponics, environmental monitoring, water treatment, wastewater treatment, and boilers and cooling towers.

Simplified one-button calibration

One or two-point pH calibration is automatic to a pre-programmed buffer set (4.01/7.01/10.01 pH or 4.01/6.86/9.18) or single-point pH and EC calibration with the Hanna Quick Cal calibration solution. To perform a quick cal calibration, simply press and hold the left power/mode button while in measurement mode for three seconds and let go to enter calibration mode. Once both pH and EC are calibrated "CAL OK" is displayed and the meter returns to measurement mode.

HI1288 polypropylene body amplified pH electrode with built-in EC/TDS and temperature sensors

The HI991300 is supplied with an amplified polypropylene body pH/EC/TDS/temperature probe. The built-in amplifier will reduce the effects of electrical noise on the high impedance pH measurement. Examples of sources of electrical noise include circulating pumps, motors, and ballasts for grow lights.

Features at-a-glance

3 sensors in a single probe pH electrode - Preamplified for resistance to electrical noise including that generated by pumps and ballast EC/TDS sensor - amperometric two-pole design Temperature - NTC sensor for accurate temperature measurement and compensation

Waterproof Designed to withstand the humidity of a growing environment

Wide pH Range pH range is from 0.00 to 14.00 pH

Selectable EC to TDS conversion factor

Choice of either a 0.5 or 0.7 conversion factor 0.5 (500 CF) conversion factor is for an EC reading of 1000 μS/cm = 500 ppm 0.7 (700 CF) conversion factor is for an EC reading of 1000 μS/cm = 700 ppm Automatic Temperature Compensation All readings are compensated for variations in temperature Temperature displayed in oC or oF along with pH, EC or TDS reading

Stability indicator The 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 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 User selectable automatic shut-off ff to conserve battery life. Options are after 8 minutes, 60 minutes, or disabled.

Technical Q&A

What is a portable waterproof conductivity & pH meter?

A portable waterproof conductivity & pH meter is a handheld instrument designed to measure both the acidity/alkalinity (pH) and electrical conductivity of water and other liquid samples. These meters are built to withstand wet conditions and are suitable for field use in environmental testing, agriculture, water treatment and general water quality monitoring. 

What parameters can this type of meter measure?

These portable meters typically measure pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS, calculated from conductivity), and temperature. Some models also include automatic temperature compensation so that readings remain accurate across a range of sample temperatures. 

Why is waterproofing important for a portable meter?

Waterproofing (often with IP‑rated protection such as IP67) ensures the meter can withstand splash, rain, and immersion in water during fieldwork without damage. This durability is essential for reliable performance when testing natural water bodies, wastewater, irrigation systems, or industrial fluids. 

What is conductivity and why is it measured alongside pH?

Conductivity measures how well water conducts electrical current, which is directly related to the amount of dissolved ions (such as salts) in the sample. Measuring conductivity alongside pH gives a more complete picture of water quality—pH indicates acidity/alkalinity, while conductivity reveals ion content and salinity. 

How is temperature accounted for in these meters?

Most portable waterproof meters include a built‑in temperature sensor and automatic temperature compensation (ATC). ATC corrects pH and conductivity readings for the effect of temperature changes, which otherwise can skew results, ensuring more accurate measurements. 

What is the typical measurement range for pH and conductivity?

Portable meters usually measure pH across the full range of 0.00–14.00 pH with 0.01 resolution. Conductivity ranges can vary, but many models cover from very low values up to several thousands of microsiemens per centimeter (µS/cm), allowing testing from clean water to more ionic solutions. How are these meters calibrated?

Calibration is done using standard buffer solutions for pH (typically pH 4.01, 7.01, and 10.01) and known conductivity standards (such as 1413 µS/cm). Some meters offer manual calibration, while others provide automatic recognition and calibration routines for ease of use. 

Where are portable waterproof conductivity & pH meters commonly used?

These meters are used in environmental monitoring of rivers, lakes and groundwater; water treatment plants; agriculture and hydroponics; aquaculture; pool and spa water testing; and industrial process control where on‑site testing is needed. 

Application Q&A

Who benefits most from this product?

Field technicians, plant operators, and laboratory users benefit most when they need quick, defensible readings for process adjustments, troubleshooting, or documented quality checks.

Because it combines 3 in 1 amplified probe with pH, EC/TDS and temperature sensors, Quick Cal Mode to calibrate pH and EC/TDS with one solution, EC to TDS Conversion factor selectable between 0.45 and 1.0, this product is a strong fit for portable pH and water-quality measurement in real operating conditions.