Hey wellnessyoga, I personally don't think buying a meter is worth it but that's up to you to decide. Here is some of the things you will have to do if you own one. I have never tried the alkalive brand pH strips, so really can't say but apparently Moreless or whoever wrote the above inserted post, thought highly of them.
Chemists, biologists, environmentalists and lab technicians alike all use pH to measure the acidic and basic potentials of a solution. A pH meter is very useful and the most accurate tool available to test pH levels. Here’s how to calibrate and use a basic pH meter in an easy step-by-step method.
StepsTurn on pH meter.
Take electrode out of storage solution.
Rinse the electrode with distilled water and wipe with Kimwipe®.
Submerse the electrode into the pH 7 buffer.
Press the calibrate button.
Wait until the pH icon stops flashing and press the calibrate button again.
Rinse the electrode with distilled water and wipe with Kimwipe®.
Submerse the electrode into the pH 10 buffer.
Wait until the pH icon stops flashing and press the measure button.
Rinse the electrode with distilled water and wipe with Kimwipe®.
Submerse the electrode into your sample.
Press the measure button.
Wait until the pH icon stops flashing and record the pH of your sample.
TipsRinse the electrode with distilled water and wipe with Kimwipe® after taking each measurement, to prevent contaminants in the samples.
Press the ‘Measure’ button after you submerse each sample.
WarningsWear gloves when testing pH.
Follow all other set safety regulations when working with hazardous samples.
Things You'll NeedpH meter
Distilled water
Kimwipe®, a special thin tissue specifically for laboratory use
pH 7 buffer, a solution whose pH is constantly 7
pH 10 buffer, a solution whose pH is constantly 10