Re: Adding salt/ borates to soften water feel in a chlorine
I'm writing this post as a reply, but if it meets standards, it can be used by others as a reference.
If you desire to go the way of the borate, you should familiarize yourself with this thread:
http://www.troublefreepool.com/so-you-want-to-add-borates-to-your-pool-why-and-how-t4921.html
In that first post, Boric Acid isn't discussed, but further on in the thread it is, as well as other threads you can free search the forums here for "boric acid" to get ideas.
Then, go to:
http://www.poolcalculator.com/
See how much Boric Acid you need according to how much water you have in your pool. I would pay particular attention to inputting correct numbers; as you may have already added Borax and have a borate level already. I did not, as I had just filled the pool. It is also understood and those in the know harp on the importance of having TA and PH at the recommended levels. I can now see why this is, as my PH runs low normal, no matter how much I aerate since adding the borates. Suffice to say, I'm sold on what I perceive to be facts listed in the borates thread and elsewhere.
In order to accurately make sure you can input numbers in the pool calculator, one needs a good test kit. I bought mine via TFP, and added on the Borate and Salt test strips. I got it in a hurry, too. It has been worth its weight in gold to me, even though I have several pool stores within an easy driving distance. And yes, I do randomly take water to the various stores, just to check things out, as I'll probably do a shame post on the over-selling that happens. Here's the link for the test kit:
http://tftestkits.net/splash-page.html
So, now one has read up on the process, gone through the chemistry involved, and got things in check according to the established parameters. Now you're ready to borate your pool. Instead of going the Muriatic Acid/Borax route, I found it much cheaper and easier to buy bulk boric acid via DudaDiesel. They'll only ship it via FedEx Ground. If you don't need much, you can get it with free shipping. But I also found the price is quite close, and perhaps a wee bit cheaper to get a larger size and pay the freight. It is further suggested to get the granular boric acid and brush it in, versus buying the powder, which is reported to clump. Took an hour in 74 degree water to brush in the boric acid. AND, the plastic pails are nice and tall, and they make a nice sitting stool
Here's the link:
http://www.dudadiesel.com/
You can also search ebay, as DudaDiesel has a store there as well. Compare prices, when I first searched, there was a few dollar savings on Ebay even with the fees, but when I was ready to buy, it was the same exact price either way.
My caveat to adding borates: Once you get the boric acid ordered, test again with your test kit, then test the next day, and right before you add. Make sure that any changes you may wish to make to PH and TA are complete, and have stabilized for a few days. Measure twice, cut once as an old carpenter told me....
Guess I meant the cost more so! 
