The Steps

• 1). Open the pH testing strip container or bottle contained in your kit, being careful not to get any water into the container.
  
  
• 2). Remove a pH testing strip and close the container immediately. If any moisture gets into the container, all your remaining pH testing strips will be ruined.
  
  
• 3). Submerge the pH testing strip at least nine inches under the water, and hold it steady, avoiding unnecessary splashing or rippling whenever possible.
  
  
• 4). Count to 10 and then remove the strip. Do not shake or wipe off any water on the strip.
  
  
• 5). Hold the strip level with the small test swatches on the end of the strip pointing upward. Continue holding the strip level until the strip's indicator swatches have changed color. This will typically take less than one minute.
  
  
• 6). Hold the pH strip up to the "key" provided with your pH field testing kit. Match the color on the strip to a color swatch on your key to determine the pH level. According to the EPA, a safe pH level is between 6.5 and 8.5.