I prepared the solution per the instructions. Then measured the PH using the ¡§free ph strips¡¨ that come with the kit. Sure enough, the test strips indicated a ph of 9-9.5. Funny thing is, other ph measuring devices (including phion¡¦s own ph stix) read a ph of about 6.5. Then, I read phion¡¦s disclaimer about paying no attention to the man behind the curtain (whatever other ph test strips may read ;-)). But then, I used one of the ¡§free strips¡¨ to test untreated tap water (which I know is around 6.5, in this area). Low and behold, it ALSO read 9-9.5. Seems No matter what you stick the free test strips in, if it¡¦s wet, it¡¦s gonna read around 9.5 º