When selecting a water test kit, most problems don’t come from the meter itself — they come from choosing a system that doesn’t quite match the application.
At Meascom, we design our water testing systems as complete, application-matched kits, so you’re not left guessing which accessories, calibration solutions, or consumables you need. This guide will help you choose the right kit for your application and clearly explain what’s included — and why.
Start with the application, not the instrument
Before choosing a water test kit, ask three simple questions:
- What are you measuring? (pool water, drinking water, nutrient solution, process water)
- Which parameters matter? (pH only, pH + ORP, pH + EC, or pH + salinity)
- How often will measurements be taken?
Your answers determine whether a pH + ORP kit, pH + EC kit, or pH + salinity kit is the right choice.
pH + ORP systems — when water safety matters
A pH + ORP water test kit is ideal when acidity and oxidation–reduction potential both influence water quality, safety, or treatment effectiveness.
ORP provides an indirect indication of disinfection strength and oxidative conditions, making it especially valuable where chlorine or other oxidisers are used.
Typical applications
- Swimming pools and spas
- Drinking water monitoring
- General water quality checks
- Environmental and field sampling
- Process water where disinfection or oxidation is relevant
In these applications, pH alone does not tell the full story. ORP adds meaningful context without adding unnecessary complexity.
What’s included in a Meascom pH + ORP water testing kit
- Digital pH + ORP meter (with temperature compensation)
- Combination pH / ORP probe
- pH calibration buffers (selected for the application)
- ORP calibration solution (650 mV)
- Calibration cups (one per solution)
- KCl storage solution for correct probe storage
Including cups allows small volumes of calibration solution to be used without contamination, while KCl storage solution keeps the probe hydrated and accurate between uses.
pH + EC systems — when solution strength matters
A pH + EC system is required when both acidity and dissolved solids influence outcomes.
Typical applications
- Hydroponics and controlled growing
- Nutrient and fertiliser solutions
- Water treatment and dosing systems
- Process monitoring where salt concentration matters
In these cases, EC provides critical information that pH and ORP alone cannot.
What’s included in a Meascom pH + EC system
- Combined pH + EC meter
- pH + EC probe
- pH calibration buffers
- EC calibration solution (1413 µS/cm)
- Calibration cups for pH and EC
- KCl storage solution for the pH sensor
Everything required for setup, calibration, and ongoing care is included — no separate purchases needed.
Choosing the right calibration solutions (without overcomplicating it)
All Meascom water test kits are supplied with application-appropriate calibration solutions.
- pH 6.86 is the reference point for most pH probes
- A second pH buffer is chosen based on whether measurements tend to be:
- Acidic (e.g. pH 4.01)
- Alkaline (e.g. pH 9.18)
- ORP kits include a 650 mV ORP calibration solution
- EC kits include a 1413 µS/cm calibration solution
Using more calibration points than required rarely improves accuracy — it usually just adds time and cost.
Why calibration cups matter
Calibration accuracy is easily compromised by contaminated solutions.
That’s why Meascom kits include dedicated calibration cups:
- One cup per solution
- Small volumes required
- No pouring used solution back into bottles
This simple inclusion improves repeatability, reduces waste, and protects calibration integrity.
Why KCl storage solution is always included
pH probes must never be stored dry or in distilled water.
Each Meascom kit includes KCl storage solution to:
- Keep the probe hydrated
- Protect the reference junction
- Extend probe life
- Maintain fast response times
Correct storage is one of the biggest factors in long-term accuracy and reliability.
Quick system selection guide
| Application | Recommended system | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Pools & spas | pH + ORP | Meter, buffers, ORP solution, cups, KCl |
| Drinking water | pH + ORP | Meter, buffers, ORP solution, cups, KCl |
| Hydroponics | pH + EC | pH + EC meter, buffers, EC solution, cups, KCl |
| Nutrient solutions | pH + EC | Complete pH + EC system |
| Aquaculture | pH + salinity | Meter, buffers, salinity standard, cups, KCl |
| General field use | pH or pH + ORP | Application-matched kit |
A complete kit removes guesswork
By supplying matched meters, probes, calibration solutions, cups, and storage solution, Meascom kits are designed to work together from day one.
You don’t need to:
- Decide which buffers to buy
- Add accessories later
- Guess how to store the probe
Everything required for accurate measurement and proper care is included.
Final takeaway
Choosing the right water test kit isn’t about buying more — it’s about buying what your application actually needs.
- Choose pH + ORP when water safety or disinfection matters
- Choose pH + EC when solution strength matters
- Use complete kits that include buffers, cups, and KCl so nothing is left out
That’s how you Measure With Confidence.
