The kind of thermometers you are using is very important. Only a digital probed thermometer or a temp gun will give you the kind of surface readings you are looking for. So first step is to get those thermometers. You are probably only seeing the ambient air temp of ~75º which isn't too bad.

When you get the probed thermometer, you want to place it under the substrate, right over the glass where the UTH is. This will measure the hottest possible spot the snake can get to. You want to measure this spot because the snake could get under the bedding, and the difference between the top and the bottom can be quite substantial.

Once you get a thermometer on that heat pad you will realize how hot it is. Then you will realize why you need a thermostat. The type of UTH doesn't matter so much. You can probably continue to use the one you already have. I kinda like the zoomed pads although I know some people don't.

For hides, ball pythons prefer the rock cave type hides. This can be elaborate or simple. The half log hides aren't really the best for ball pythons because it doesn't cover them on all sides. Basically, you want a hide where you can't see the snake. Unfortunate for us, but the snakes love it!