Borates

[Utahjanitor]

This may be a really dumb question but I'm new to the pool world. A couple of you advised me to add borates once i get my ph down. I think I'm finally down to 7.2-7.3 but because of my infinity edge, waterfall, an spa spill overs I get a ton of aeration. How do I add borates and where do I get them? I'm assuming the pump on when I add them? And how long do we delay swimming after I add? If it helps my teat results are as follows:

Fc 4
Ta 110
Ph 7.3
Cya 55
Salt 3200
Ch 300-320

It seems like I'm having to add 1gal per week of muriatic acid to keep my ph down to 7.3 range

Thank you in advance

 

[duraleigh]

Prior to adding borates, you might have good success reducing your acid requirement by lowering your TA down to around 70-80.

That's free...borates is not.

 

[Utahjanitor]

Thanks. What's the best way to do that? It doesn't seem to come down very much with muriatic acid

 

[rcy]

When you do decide to add borates, you can read all about it here...

so-you-want-to-add-borates-to-your-pool-why-and-how-t4921.html

 

[duraleigh]

What's the best way to do that?

There is an article describing the process in Pool School.

 

[Utahjanitor]

Yea I have been adding muriatic acid weekly and the aeration brings the ph back up but I can't seem to get the ta below 100

 

[JasonLion]

What is your fill water TA level?

Lowering TA slows down as the TA level goes down, because it takes longer to raise the PH back up. If your fill water TA level is fairly higher, that might provide enough time for topping off the pool to bring TA back up a bit.

 

[Utahjanitor]

We use our regular culinary water for fill. It tested at 40-50. Is that normal?

 

[JasonLion]

Yes, TA around 40-50 is normal. I thought adding water might be raising your TA, but I was wrong.

As the TA gets lower, the lowering TA process slows down. I guess that is all that is happening here.

 

[Utahjanitor]

Ok I will be more patient. Thanks