Borax

[Irishterrier74]

Hey all,

Pool is looking great. I'm still a little confused about whether I should add borax. Can you explain why I would use it and how much to add. I don't think the TF-100 tests for it, does it?

Thanks

 

[jblizzle]

You would need a separate test. It is completely optional. It is really meant to help slow down the pH rise. But some people like that the water is more sparkly and feels smoother ... others do not notice much difference.

 

[Richard320]

You can read up on it here: so-you-want-to-add-borates-to-your-pool-why-and-how-t4921.html

For what it's worth, I've never added Borax to my pool.

 

[Irishterrier74]

That's worth a lot! Looks like it's the BB method for me as well.

Thanks to you also Jbizzle.

 

[jblizzle]

It really does make the most sense for people with SWG and/or a lot of water features which aerate the water and drive the pH up.

 

[toofast]

In case I am confused....isn't "Borax is available as 20 Mule Team® Borax Natural Laundry Booster" used to RAISE the pH ?

And increasing the "borate" level two different things ?

 

[JohnN]

Borax is used for 2 things. In small quantities, borax is used to raise pH. In large quantities, and in combination with muriatic acid, it is used to increase borates.

 

[jblizzle]

Same product. Yes it raises pH. You counter that with a lot of acid when you are adding borates for the pH buffering.

 

[PridgNYC]

I used it just to raise pH, it works well for that, you can also use Washing Soda to raise pH and it won't add borates to the water. I'm not too worried about adding borates to the water, you need 40-50 ppm to be beneficial, but that requires a lot of borax and acid over time to balance. Small amounts of Borax won't help or hinder maintenance of youf pool.