Best place to get borax in US? Cheaper than dept. store?

[zaboomafoozarg]

Hi, I've finally re-opened my pool after leaving it covered for a couple of years. Has a lovely green tint to it plus some disappointing numbers:

FC 0
pH 6-6.2
TA 60
CYA 30

I forgot that pH needs to be increased first, so I shocked it yesterday which unfortunately did nothing.

After some reading I've found that the pH needs to come up first and foremost, and alkalinity a little bit. I was looking to get 12-15 boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax to put in there, but the stuff seems way more expensive than it used to be (could've sworn I got it for like $4 or $5 a box).

Does anyone know of a place that's currently a good source of borax at a good price?

 

[duraleigh]

Welcome to the forum. :lol: What size is your pool? How did you get a test result of 6.0 - 6.2 for pH?

 

[midsouthpool]

I found 6 boxes at Kmart yesterday for $1.50 per box.
I asked if they had more and they said that was all they
had in stock. It's well worth looking for if you have a
store in your area.

 

[zaboomafoozarg]

Welcome to the forum. :lol: What size is your pool? How did you get a test result of 6.0 - 6.2 for pH?

Thanks! It's a 30' round, about 22000 gallons. I used a test strip that gives you the results for pH/FC/TA/CYA.

 

[zaboomafoozarg]

I found some boxes at Rural King for $4 a piece, that's the best I've found so far. I'll check the Kmart and see what they've got, thanks.

 

[duraleigh]

I used a test strip that gives you the results for pH/FC/TA/CYA.

Throw the strips as far as you can....then, go pick them up and throw them further. repeat until they are off your property. :lol:

I doubt your pH is that low and I think you are about to overdose big time. Invest in a good kit so you can have some faith in your testing and I think you will find you need far less borax.