ORP, or oxidation and reduction potential, is a measure of a chemical’s ability to oxidize and deduce its concentration. To oxidize, the chemical reacts with oxygen. An ORP meter measures this reaction potential. Anyone who works in the pool and spa industry uses this type of equipment regularly. Those who maintain a small pool in their home may not feel the need for such a meter. But for public swimming establishments, the health and safety of swimmers is of the utmost importance. Therefore, the use of an ORP meter, along with the use of other instruments such as a ph analyzer, is essential.
An ORP meter contains two electrodes. An electrode is generally made of silver and is surrounded by an electrolyte solution. This probe produces a constant voltage. That way you can provide a reference against which the other probe can be compared. The other electrode, made of platinum, measures the voltage inside the pool. The difference in these measurements is what data is displayed. Since the pH of the water can have an effect on the ORP, a ph analyzer is generally used in conjunction with an ORP meter to make sure the levels are within a proper range.
Of course, an ORP meter is essential for any public swimming facility. Health standards are very strict in public swimming pools, and those who maintain these facilities must maintain ORP and pH levels in very specific ranges. Failure to do so could result in dangerous amounts of chemicals in the water or the growth of invading plants and bacteria.
However, public swimming pools are not the only industry that uses this type of device. Fish farms and other water-based agriculture typically need to measure oxidation reduction potential to ensure the health of their livestock. In some industries, algae are grown for various purposes. Algae require a specific set of conditions to meet the needs of growers. As a result, an ORP meter can ensure that conditions are ideal for algae to thrive without the threat of an invasive species.
Hanna Instruments produces the HI 9125N for around $ 350. It uses a two-level LCD screen to display pH and temperature along with the ORP reading. It also has a power outage protection system. The instrument will shut down when the battery is too low to provide accurate readings. This avoids the possibility of an inaccurate result.
Extech produces an affordable and more portable example. The RE300 retails for about $ 110 and provides automatic self-calibration electronically. On the display, this measurement equipment includes an analog bar graph to facilitate the determination of the necessary adjustment to the water levels. The meter has a flat electrode design, which can withstand much harsher treatment than a typical glass bulb electrode design. The RE300 can store up to 15 different readings at a time.
With all the benefits it provides, it’s no wonder public pools and fish farmers find the ORP meter absolutely essential in their careers.
